Bruce Bochte
Encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Bruce Bochy
, a former Major League Baseball
player and current manager of the San Francisco Giants
.
Bruce Anton Bochte (born November 12, 1950 in Pasadena, California
) is a former utility baseball player with a 12 year career from -, -. He played for the California Angels
, Cleveland Indians
, Seattle Mariners
and Oakland A's all of the American League
. Bochte, a first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter, played collegiate ball for Santa Clara University
until he was drafted in the second round (34th overall) of the 1972 Major League Baseball Draft
.
He was called up to the Angels after hitting .355 in 92 games for the Salt Lake City Angels
of the Pacific Coast League
, and made his major league debut on July 19, 1974.
Bochte was elected to the American League
All-Star
team in 1979 when he hit .316 with 100 RBIs and set career highs in virtually every major offensive category.
Bochte boycotted the entire season as a personal protest over rising player salaries. He believed that money was destroying the game he loved, but he returned without explanation the next season. Bochte is now an avowed agnostic and is working to "save the Mother Earth from humankind's destructive ways." He states that he has no contact with anyone from his baseball days except for Dusty Baker
. It is unknown how and why he and Baker still communicate.
Bruce Bochy
Bruce Douglas Bochy is the manager of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to joining the Giants, Bochy had been the manager of the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons. Bochy is the only former Padres player to serve as the team's manager. He has participated in all five postseason appearances in...
, a former Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player and current manager of the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
.
Bruce Anton Bochte (born November 12, 1950 in Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
) is a former utility baseball player with a 12 year career from -, -. He played for the California Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
and Oakland A's all of the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
. Bochte, a first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter, played collegiate ball for Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private, not-for-profit, Jesuit-affiliated university located in Santa Clara, California, United States. Chartered by the state of California and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it operates in collaboration with the Society of Jesus , whose...
until he was drafted in the second round (34th overall) of the 1972 Major League Baseball Draft
1972 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1972 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Montreal Expos had perhaps their best draft in franchise history. The Expos grabbed outfielder Ellis Valentine in round two of the June regular phase and then...
.
He was called up to the Angels after hitting .355 in 92 games for the Salt Lake City Angels
Salt Lake City Angels
The Salt Lake City Angels, a former member of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, were a minor league affiliate of the California Angels from 1971 to 1974. The won the PCL title in 1971.-Notable players:Some notable players from the Salt Lake City Angels:...
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
, and made his major league debut on July 19, 1974.
Bochte was elected to the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
All-Star
All-star
All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
team in 1979 when he hit .316 with 100 RBIs and set career highs in virtually every major offensive category.
Bochte boycotted the entire season as a personal protest over rising player salaries. He believed that money was destroying the game he loved, but he returned without explanation the next season. Bochte is now an avowed agnostic and is working to "save the Mother Earth from humankind's destructive ways." He states that he has no contact with anyone from his baseball days except for Dusty Baker
Dusty Baker
Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
. It is unknown how and why he and Baker still communicate.