Javy López
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Free Agent — No. 4 | |
| Catcher | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| September 18, 1992 for the Atlanta Braves | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through 2006) |
|
| Batting average | .287 |
| Runs batted in | 864 |
| Home runs | 260 |
| Former teams | |
Javier Torres López (born November 5, 1970 in Ponce, Puerto Rico), better known as Javy López, is a Major League Baseball catcher who is currently a free agent
Signed by the Atlanta Braves in 1987 as an amateur free agent, López made his debut on September 18, 1992 against the New York Mets. After sharing duties with Charlie O'Brien and Eddie Pérez for four seasons, he established himself as the Braves regular catcher in 1996.
López enjoyed his best season in 2003, batting .328/.378/.687 with 43 home runs, 29 doubles and 109 RBI in only 129 games. In that season he broke Todd Hundley's record for most home runs hit in a season by a catcher (41).
López signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles before the 2004 season. On August 4, 2006 the Boston Red Sox acquired Lopez and cash from the Orioles for minor league outfielder Adam Stern.[1] He made his debut as a Red Sox on the same day after Doug Mirabelli left the game early after an ankle injury. On September 8, 2006 the Red Sox released Lopez due to Jason Varitek returning from the disabled list; minimizing Lopez's playing time. On January 10, 2007, it was reported that Lopez signed a 1-year, $750,000 contract with the Colorado Rockies[2]. Lopez was released by the Rockies on March 12, 2007. [3]
[edit] Trivia
- Named Ponce, Puerto Rico's Athlete of the Year from 1984-1987.
- Sister, Elaine Lopez, is a professional volleyball player.
- He has two sons, Javier Alexander (11/6/95) and Kelvin Gabrielle (10/17/99)
- Hit the first double and grand slam in Turner Field.
- Hit a game-deciding home run in an exhibition game where the San Juan Senators defeated the Cuban national baseball team in 1992.
- Wears number 23 in honor of Michael Jordan. By wearing this number, Lopez forced Red Sox INF Alex Cora to wear number 13.
