Steve Ontiveros (infielder)

Steve Ontiveros
Third baseman
Born: October 26, 1951 (1951-10-26) (age 60)
Bakersfield, California
Batted: Switch Threw: Right 
MLB debut
August 5, 1973 for the San Francisco Giants
Last MLB appearance
June 21, 1980 for the Chicago Cubs
Career statistics
Batting average     .274
Home runs     24
Runs batted in     224
Teams

Steven Robert Ontiveros (born October 26, 1951 in Bakersfield, California) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1973 through 1980 for the San Francisco Giants (1973–1976) and Chicago Cubs (1977–1980). He also played six seasons in Japan for the Seibu Lions (1980–1985). Ontiveros was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed. He is of Mexican American descent.[1]

A solid third baseman with an average arm, Ontiveros was named Minor League player of the Year by The Sporting News in 1973. He reached the majors with the San Francisco Giants late in the season, spending four years with them before moving to the Chicago Cubs. His most productive season came in 1977 for the Cubs, when he posted career-highs in games played (156), batting average (.299), home runs (10), RBI (68), hits (162), and on-base percentage (.390).

In an eight-season career, Ontiveros was a .274 hitter with 24 home runs and 224 RBI in 732 games. Following his majors career, he played in Japan with the Seibu Lions from 1980 to 1985 and hit .312 with 82 home runs and 390 RBI.

References

  1. ^ Talley, Rick, Chicago Tribune, "Peterson perfect for Sox ballpark"(Feb 20, 1977, Section B3); "Steve Ontiveros, Is of Mexican heritage but was born and raised in Bakersfield, Cal."

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