Miguel del Toro

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Miguel Alfonso Del Toro was born on June 22, 1972 in Mexico. Del Toro pitched for the Giants during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.^[1]

[edit] Career

Miguel Del Toro was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization through the majority of the '90s. However, beyond one brief Spring Training appearance, he remained in his native Mexico. Born in Sonora and a resident of Mexico City, Del Toro was a pitcher for the Mexico City Red Devils. Miguel became serious about making it to the major leagues, when he arrived for the Pirates' 98 Spring Training. After not making the 40 man roster, he was granted free agency.

After impressing the Giants in Spring Training, Del Toro made not only the 40 man roster, but the 1999 Opening Day 25 man list. Later, he was optioned to the Pacific Coast League's Fresno Grizzlies. At Triple-A Fresno, Miguel played as both a starter and a reliever. He continued to play in both the minors and the majors, finishing the season with a 4.18 ERA in 14 games and 20 strikeouts.

Wearing his No. 37, Del Toro began the season in Fresno. His first career Major League Baseball victory came against the Montreal Expos. Miguel relieved Kirk Rueter, pitching two scoreless innings. He struck out two and shook off a line drive off his leg.

Del Toro had his second major league victory on September 23, 2000. Del Toro lasted five innings, striking out four.

Del Toro would continue to pitch for the remainder of the year. He pitched the final defensive inning of the year, working Game 5 of the NLDS against the Mets. After the year, the Giants sold his contract to the Japanese League's Seibu Lions. Giants management said^{[citation needed]} this move was necessary to make room on the team for Shawon Dunston.

Del Toro's days in Major League Baseball were over, leaving the Giants with 2000 season stats of a 2-0 record and a 5.19 ERA.

Played several years of Venados de Mazatlán (mazatlán Deer) of the Mexican Winter League.

[edit] His death

Days after Del Toro cut ties with Seibu, he was traveling with two companions in Obregon. Del Toro's car collided with an agricultural tractor, killing Del Toro and his two companions. Miguel died at age 29. Del Toro was survived by his expecting wife, Eloisa, and two children.

The Giants honored Miguel's life with a brief moment of silence and Seibu left his Japanese League No. 32 unworn for the following season.

The Mazatlán Deer retired his number (28) after the accident.