Rafael Belliard
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Rafael Leonidas Belliard Matias (born October 24, 1961, in Pueblo Nuevo, Dominican Republic) is a former Major League Baseball backup shortstop. First signed to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980, he was eventually traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1991 for their breakout National League Champion year. Belliard is best remembered in the hearts of Atlantans for his classic line "tomahawkin" and pioneered the Tomahawk Buzzcut.
Despite playing in 17 major league seasons, Rafael only amassed two career home runs. He played more than 100 games only four times in his career (1986, 1988, 1991, and 1992). However, among Braves fans, he was a valued middle infielder with a quick glove and above average bunting ability. "Raffy" as he was called, was an Atlanta fan favorite. He was also know for being the smallest player in all of major league baseball during his career. His cousin, Ronnie Belliard, currently plays for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He is currently the infield coach for the Detroit Tigers under Manager Jim Leyland.
[edit] Major league experience
- 1982-1990 Pittsburgh Pirates
- 1991-1998 Atlanta Braves
[edit] Trivia
- In addition to "Raffy," he was also nicknamed "Pac-man" for his ability to gobble up ground balls.
- He was a member of the Braves team that defeated the Cleveland Indians in the 1995 World Series.
- He also played for the Aguilas Cibaeñas in the Professional baseball in the Dominican Republic.
