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Eddie Pérez (baseball player)
Encyclopedia
Eduardo Rafael "Eddie" Pérez (born May 4, 1968 in Ciudad Ojeda
, Zulia State, Venezuela
) is a former Venezuelan professional
baseball
player and current coach
. He played in Major League Baseball
as a catcher
for the Atlanta Braves
, Cleveland Indians
and the Milwaukee Brewers
. He batted and threw right-handed. Pérez is the current bullpen coach for the Atlanta Braves. He was known for being pitcher
Greg Maddux
's personal catcher during his tenure as a player with the Braves.
. He spent eight seasons in the Braves' minor league
system, eventually progressing to their Triple-A affiliate, the Richmond Braves
. In , he was named the Most Valuable Player
of the Venezuelan Winter League. He posted a .265 batting average
with 19 doubles
and 40 runs batted in with Richmond in , earning a late season call up to Atlanta. Pérez made his major league debut with the Braves on September 10, 1995
. In his first game as a starting player on September 15, he hit a home run
for his first major league hit
. Pérez made the post-season roster but, didn't get to play as the Braves went on to win the 1995 World Series
.
Pérez served as the Braves' back up catcher behind Javy Lopez
but, by June 1996
, he had taken on the role of personal catcher for Greg Maddux
, a job previously held by Charlie O'Brien
who had been granted free agency during the off-season. The Braves went on to win the National League
pennant
before losing to the New York Yankees
in the 1996 World Series
.
On September 17, 1997
, Pérez hit a grand slam
home run
against the San Francisco Giants
, enabling the Braves to tie a major league team record with 11 grand slams in one season. With Pérez as his catcher, Maddux ended the year with a 2.20 earned run average
, second best in the National League, as the Braves once again clinched the National League East
Division crown. The Braves swept the Houston Astros
in three games in the 1997 National League Division Series
before losing to the eventual world champion Florida Marlins
in the 1997 National League Championship Series
.
Pérez had his best year in 1998
when he posted a .336 batting average along with a .404 on base percentage
in 61 games. He committed only 1 error
in 305 total chances
for a .997 fielding percentage
. His working relationship with Maddux continued to improve with Maddux leading the National League with 5 shutouts and, a 2.22 earned run average. The Braves once again claimed the National League East Division crown and defeated the Chicago Cubs
in three games in the 1998 National League Division Series
. Pérez hit an eighth-inning grand slam home run in the decisive Game 3 of the series. However, the Braves' season ended when they lost to the San Diego Padres
in the 1998 National League Championship Series
.
In 1999
, Pérez was thrust into a starting role when Javy Lopez suffered an injury to a ligament in his right knee in late July and was lost for the season. He stepped in with a .249 batting average along with 7 home runs, 30 runs batted in and, finished fourth in the league in fielding percentage and in range factor
. The Braves won their fifth consecutive National League East Division title and then defeated the Houston Astros
in four games in the 1999 National League Division Series
.
In the 1999 National League Championship Series
against the New York Mets
, Pérez, normally known for his defensive skills, became an offensive standout. He hit a home run in Game 1 to help the Braves win 4-2. He followed with a two-run
, sixth-inning home run in Game 2 that broke a 2-2 tie. Pérez contributed a two-run single
in the deciding Game 6 as the Braves won 10-9 in 11 innings. He totaled 10 hits in 20 at bats for a .500 batting average along with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in to earn him the League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
. After an emotionally draining National League Championship series, the Braves were swept by the New York Yankees
in four games in the 1999 World Series
.
In May 2000
, Pérez suffered a torn rotator cuff and missed the entire season. He re-injured the same shoulder in March of 2001
and only appeared in 5 games that season. In March 2002
, Pérez was traded to the Cleveland Indians
who were in need of a backup catcher. Pérez became expendable after the Braves acquired catcher Henry Blanco
.
Pérez spent the 2002 season as backup to Einar Diaz
and was granted free agency at the end of the year. In January 2003
, he signed a contract to play for the Milwaukee Brewers. Pérez was in a platoon system
alongside Keith Osik
in which he started three out of every five games. He was hitting for a .315 batting average by mid-season but, tapered off to finish the season with a .271 average along with career-highs in home runs (11) and runs batted in (45).
In December 2003, Pérez signed a contract to return to play for the Braves. He served as a backup catcher to Johnny Estrada
in 2004
and 2005
. He suffered tendinitis in his right shoulder during the 2005 season and was placed on the disabled list
for most of the season. While on the disabled list, Perez's duties as catcher were taken over by Brian McCann who eventually took over as the Braves' starting catcher. He returned to make one final major league appearance as a pinch hitter
on September 27, at the age of 37.
, accumulating 386 hits
in 1,525 at bats for a .253 career batting average along with 40 home runs, 172 runs batted in and a .297 on base percentage. He ended his career with a .991 fielding percentage.
. Atlanta Braves manager
Bobby Cox
named Pérez as his bullpen coach for the 2007
season. When Fredi Gonzalez
was named the Braves manager for the 2011
season, he retained Pérez as his bullpen coach.
Pérez was hired as the General Manager
for the Águilas del Zulia
of the Venezuelan Winter League for the 2008-2009 season.
Ciudad Ojeda
Ciudad Ojeda is a city located in the northeastern shore of Lake Maracaibo in Zulia State in northwestern Venezuela. Its population as of the 2005 census was listed as 128,941.-History:...
, Zulia State, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
) is a former Venezuelan professional
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player and current coach
Coach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
. He played in 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...
as a catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
for the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, 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...
and the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. He batted and threw right-handed. Pérez is the current bullpen coach for the Atlanta Braves. He was known for being pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux
Gregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
's personal catcher during his tenure as a player with the Braves.
Baseball playing career
Pérez was signed by the Atlanta Braves as an amateur free agent in 19861986 Atlanta Braves season
The 1986 season was the 116th in franchise history and their 21st in Atlanta.-Offseason:* November 13, 1985: Randy Johnson was released by the Braves.* December 6, 1985: Miguel Sosa was traded by the Braves to the New York Yankees for Billy Sample....
. He spent eight seasons in the Braves' minor league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
system, eventually progressing to their Triple-A affiliate, the Richmond Braves
Richmond Braves
The Richmond Braves were the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and played in the International League. Colloquially referred to as the R-Braves, they were based in Richmond, Virginia, where they played from 1966, when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta where their AAA team, the Crackers,...
. In , he was named the Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
of the Venezuelan Winter League. He posted a .265 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
with 19 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
and 40 runs batted in with Richmond in , earning a late season call up to Atlanta. Pérez made his major league debut with the Braves on September 10, 1995
1995 Atlanta Braves season
The 1995 Atlanta Braves season was the 125th season in the history of the franchise and 30th season in the city of Atlanta. The team finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 90–54, the best in the National League, en route to winning the World Series. For the sixth straight season,...
. In his first game as a starting player on September 15, he hit a home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
for his first major league hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
. Pérez made the post-season roster but, didn't get to play as the Braves went on to win the 1995 World Series
1995 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 1995 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaAtlanta ace Greg Maddux pitched a two-hit complete game victory in his first World Series appearance ....
.
Pérez served as the Braves' back up catcher behind Javy Lopez
Javy López
Javier López Torres is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Atlanta Braves , Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
but, by June 1996
1996 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:* January 3, 1996: Jerome Walton was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.* January 9, 1996: Mike Kelly was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named later and Chad Fox...
, he had taken on the role of personal catcher for Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux
Gregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
, a job previously held by Charlie O'Brien
Charlie O'Brien
Charles Hugh O'Brien is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Oakland Athletics , Milwaukee Brewers , New York Mets , Atlanta Braves , Toronto Blue Jays , Chicago White Sox , Anaheim Angels and Montreal Expos .While growing up in Tulsa, O'Brien attended and graduated...
who had been granted free agency during the off-season. The Braves went on to win the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
before losing to the New York Yankees
1996 New York Yankees season
The 1996 New York Yankees season was the 94th season for the Yankees. The 1996 New York Yankees were managed by Joe Torre, and played at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx....
in the 1996 World Series
1996 World Series
-Game 1:Sunday, October 20, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 and Game 2 were originally scheduled for Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, respectively. Rain on October 19, however, washed out Game 1. The schedule was moved up one day, with Game 1 and Game 2 rescheduled for...
.
On September 17, 1997
1997 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 20, 1996: John Smoltz was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.* November 25, 1996: Paul Byrd was traded by the New York Mets with a player to be named later to the Atlanta Braves for Greg McMichael...
, Pérez hit a grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
against the San Francisco Giants
1997 San Francisco Giants season
-Offseason:*November 13, 1996: Matt Williams was traded by the San Francisco Giants with a player to be named later to the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later, Jeff Kent, Julian Tavarez, and Jose Vizcaino. The Cleveland Indians sent Joe Roa to the San Francisco Giants to complete the...
, enabling the Braves to tie a major league team record with 11 grand slams in one season. With Pérez as his catcher, Maddux ended the year with a 2.20 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
, second best in the National League, as the Braves once again clinched the National League East
National League East
The National League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. The Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are tied for the most National League East Division titles . All of Atlanta's NL East titles came during a record stretch of 14 consecutive division titles...
Division crown. The Braves swept the Houston Astros
1997 Houston Astros season
The 1997 Houston Astros season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Houston Astros attempting to win the National League Central.-Opening Day starters:*Bobby Abreu*Brad Ausmus*Jeff Bagwell*Derek Bell*Sean Berry*Craig Biggio*Luis Gonzalez...
in three games in the 1997 National League Division Series
1997 National League Division Series
-Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves:-San Francisco vs. Florida:The San Francisco Giants made it back to the postseason for the first time since the 1989 World Series. The Florida Marlins were in the postseason for the first time ever.-Game 1, September 30:...
before losing to the eventual world champion Florida Marlins
1997 Florida Marlins season
The 1997 Florida Marlins season started off with the team trying to improve on their record from 1996. Their manager was Jim Leyland. They played home games at Pro Player Stadium...
in the 1997 National League Championship Series
1997 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 7, 1997 at Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Marlins scored three unearned runs in the first inning off Greg Maddux, thanks to a Fred McGriff error, when Moisés Alou hit a bases-clearing double to left...
.
Pérez had his best year in 1998
1998 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 17, 1997: Walt Weiss was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*January 30, 1998: Dennis Martinez was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*February 6, 1998: Curtis Pride was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
when he posted a .336 batting average along with a .404 on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
in 61 games. He committed only 1 error
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
in 305 total chances
Total chances
In baseball statistics, total chances , also called chances offered, represents the number of plays in which a defensive player has participated. It is calculated as follows: Total Chances = assists + putouts + errors. Chances accepted refers to the total of putouts and assists only. Fielding...
for a .997 fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. His working relationship with Maddux continued to improve with Maddux leading the National League with 5 shutouts and, a 2.22 earned run average. The Braves once again claimed the National League East Division crown and defeated the Chicago Cubs
1998 Chicago Cubs season
The Chicago Cubs season was a significant one for the team for several reasons. Firstly, it saw the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 1989 by way of a Wild Card berth, which they clinched after winning a one-game playoff against the San Francisco Giants. The Cubs, however, would...
in three games in the 1998 National League Division Series
1998 National League Division Series
-Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres:-Game 1, September 30:Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Braves faced the Chicago Cubs, who made it into the playoffs by beating the San Francisco Giants in a tiebreaker for the Wild Card spot. The Braves had sixteen more regular season wins and it showed in...
. Pérez hit an eighth-inning grand slam home run in the decisive Game 3 of the series. However, the Braves' season ended when they lost to the San Diego Padres
1998 San Diego Padres season
The San Diego Padres season was a Major League Baseball season. The Padres won the National League championship and advanced to the World Series for the second time in franchise history....
in the 1998 National League Championship Series
1998 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 7, 1998 at Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaWith John Smoltz on the mound, the Braves were staked out to a 1–0 lead when Andruw Jones hit a solo home run to lead off the third inning off Andy Ashby. The Padres tied the game in the fifth when Tony Gwynn, appearing in his...
.
In 1999
1999 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 10, 1998: Bret Boone was traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Mike Remlinger to the Atlanta Braves for Rob Bell, Denny Neagle, and Michael Tucker.*December 1, 1998: Otis Nixon was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
, Pérez was thrust into a starting role when Javy Lopez suffered an injury to a ligament in his right knee in late July and was lost for the season. He stepped in with a .249 batting average along with 7 home runs, 30 runs batted in and, finished fourth in the league in fielding percentage and in range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
. The Braves won their fifth consecutive National League East Division title and then defeated the Houston Astros
1999 Houston Astros season
The 1999 Houston Astros season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Houston Astros attempting to win the National League Central.-Offseason:* November 17, 1998: Ken Caminiti was signed as a free agent by the Astros....
in four games in the 1999 National League Division Series
1999 National League Division Series
-Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets:-Game 1, October 5:Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaA pitcher's duel between Shane Reynolds and Greg Maddux highlighted Game 1. The Astros struck first in the top of the second when Tony Eusebio singled in Carl Everett. Gerald Williams would tie the game in...
.
In the 1999 National League Championship Series
1999 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1999 at Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Braves began their eighth consecutive NLCS with a 4–2 victory over the Mets, defeating a team they left for dead two weeks earlier...
against the New York Mets
1999 New York Mets season
The New York Mets' 1999 season was the 38th regular season for the Mets. They went 96-66 and finished 2nd in the NL East but won the NL Wild Card by beating the Cincinnati Reds in a one game playoff. They were managed by Bobby Valentine...
, Pérez, normally known for his defensive skills, became an offensive standout. He hit a home run in Game 1 to help the Braves win 4-2. He followed with a two-run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, sixth-inning home run in Game 2 that broke a 2-2 tie. Pérez contributed a two-run single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
in the deciding Game 6 as the Braves won 10-9 in 11 innings. He totaled 10 hits in 20 at bats for a .500 batting average along with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in to earn him the League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
The second round of the Major League Baseball post-season is known as the League Championship Series . This series has a best-of-seven playoff format, and currently follows the Division Series, in which the three division champions and one wild card team from each league play against each other...
. After an emotionally draining National League Championship series, the Braves were swept by the New York Yankees
1999 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees' 1999 season was the 97th season for the Bronx based professional baseball team. The team finished with a record of 98-64 finishing 4 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Joe Torre. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium...
in four games in the 1999 World Series
1999 World Series
The 1999 World Series, the 95th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, featured a rematch between the defending champions New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves during the month of October, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games for their second title in a row,...
.
In May 2000
2000 Atlanta Braves season
The 2000 season would mark the first time since 1990 that the Braves did not appear in the National League Championship Series. One of the highlights of the season was that the All-Star Game was held at Turner Field in Atlanta.-Offseason:...
, Pérez suffered a torn rotator cuff and missed the entire season. He re-injured the same shoulder in March of 2001
2001 Atlanta Braves season
The 2001 Atlanta Braves season saw the team finish first in the NL East Division with an 88-74 record - the worst among playoff teams in 2001, and also the worst for the Braves since 1990 , when they had the worst record in baseball.The Braves swept the favored Houston Astros in the NLDS before...
and only appeared in 5 games that season. In March 2002
2002 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*October 26, 2001: Aaron Small was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*December 4, 2001: John Smoltz was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*December 17, 2001: Julio Franco was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
, Pérez was traded to the Cleveland Indians
2002 Cleveland Indians season
-Offseason:* November 7, 2001: Chris Coste was signed as a free agent by the Indians.* November 7, 2001: Jason Beverlin was signed as a free agent by the Indians.* November 26, 2001: Donzell McDonald was signed as a free agent by the Indians....
who were in need of a backup catcher. Pérez became expendable after the Braves acquired catcher Henry Blanco
Henry Blanco
Henry Ramón Blanco is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He currently plays in Major League Baseball as a catcher and is currently a free agent...
.
Pérez spent the 2002 season as backup to Einar Diaz
Einar Diaz
Einar Antonio Díaz is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Díaz was called up in by the Cleveland Indians to back up then-starting catcher Sandy Alomar, Jr. He played sparingly from 1996-, and in he got his first starting job with the Indians due to an injury to Alomar...
and was granted free agency at the end of the year. In January 2003
2003 Milwaukee Brewers season
The Milwaukee Brewers' 2003 season involved the Brewers' finishing 6th in the National League Central with a record of 68 wins and 94 losses.-Offseason:...
, he signed a contract to play for the Milwaukee Brewers. Pérez was in a platoon system
Platoon system
The platoon system in baseball is a method of designating two players to a single defensive position—usually one right-handed and one left-handed. Typically the right-handed half of the platoon is played on days when the opposing pitcher is left-handed and the left-handed player is played otherwise...
alongside Keith Osik
Keith Osik
Keith Richard Osik , is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played in the major leagues from -. He played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Nationals. He was drafted in the 24th round of the MLB Draft. His brother was also a professional...
in which he started three out of every five games. He was hitting for a .315 batting average by mid-season but, tapered off to finish the season with a .271 average along with career-highs in home runs (11) and runs batted in (45).
In December 2003, Pérez signed a contract to return to play for the Braves. He served as a backup catcher to Johnny Estrada
Johnny Estrada
Johnny Pulado Estrada III is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals.Estrada was selected in the 17th round of the 1997 Major...
in 2004
2004 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*October 25, 2003: DeWayne Wise was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*November 14, 2003: Jorge Velandia was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*December 13, 2003: J.D. Drew was traded by the St...
and 2005
2005 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*October 15, 2004: DeWayne Wise was selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers from the Atlanta Braves.*December 3, 2004: Julio Franco was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
. He suffered tendinitis in his right shoulder during the 2005 season and was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
for most of the season. While on the disabled list, Perez's duties as catcher were taken over by Brian McCann who eventually took over as the Braves' starting catcher. He returned to make one final major league appearance as a pinch hitter
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
on September 27, at the age of 37.
Career statistics
In an 11 year career, Pérez played in 564 gamesGames played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
, accumulating 386 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in 1,525 at bats for a .253 career batting average along with 40 home runs, 172 runs batted in and a .297 on base percentage. He ended his career with a .991 fielding percentage.
Coaching and executive career
In , Pérez was a player-coach for the Double-A Mississippi BravesMississippi Braves
The Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they are referred to locally, are a minor league baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson. The team is the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and plays in the Southern League. The team is owned and operated by Liberty Media, which...
. Atlanta Braves manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
named Pérez as his bullpen coach for the 2007
2007 Atlanta Braves season
The Atlanta Braves' 2007 season began with the Braves attempting to recapture the NL East title, which they relinquished for the first time since the 1990 season to the New York Mets in the 2006 season. They opened their season with a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.-December:*: Signed RHP...
season. When Fredi Gonzalez
Fredi González
Fredi Jesus González is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Gonzalez is also the former manager of the Florida Marlins 2007–2010. For the four years prior to 2007, he was third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.-Biography:Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where he...
was named the Braves manager for the 2011
2011 Atlanta Braves season
The 2011 Atlanta Braves season was the Braves' 46th season in Atlanta, and the 136th of the franchise. For the first time since the 1990 season, Bobby Cox did not manage the club, having retired following the 2010 season. He was succeeded by Fredi González, the former third-base coach for the...
season, he retained Pérez as his bullpen coach.
Pérez was hired as the General Manager
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
for the Águilas del Zulia
Águilas del Zulia
The Águilas del Zulia is a Venezuelan winter league team that plays in the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional, and one of the most popular teams in Venezuela.-History:The team was founded in 1969...
of the Venezuelan Winter League for the 2008-2009 season.
External links
- Perez takes long, bumpy road to stardom - USA TodayUSA TodayUSA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...