Dámaso Blanco
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Dámaso Blanco Caripe (born November 12, 1941 in Curiepe, Miranda State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball third baseman/shortstop and right-handed batter who played for the San Francisco Giants (1972-74).
Blanco was the classic example of the fine fielder with a light bat. He was a decent hitter in the minors, where his batting and on-base averages were both quite respectable. He was 7-for-20 (.350) in 1972, but was 0-for-13 in limited opportunities the next two seasons.
In parts of three seasons as a backup with the Giants, Blanco hit .212 (7-for-33) with two runs batted in, nine runs, one double and 3 stolen bases in 72 games. In the field he handled 46 of 48 total chances successfully (.958) and participated in 3 double plays.
He resumed his career in the Venezuelan Winter League hitting .272 (704-for-2623) with 198 RBI, 289 runs, 72 doubles, 28 triples, and 70 steals in 754 games (1960-77).
After retiring at age 36, Blanco scouted briefly for the Cincinnati Reds before beginning a successful career as a journalist and baseball broadcaster in his native Venezuela.
[edit] Trivia
- Blanco's first two hits came in the same game, against Tom Phoebus of the Chicago Cubs. {Candlestick Park -- June 11, 1972 (2)}
