Andy Allanson, a catcher in Major League Baseball, began his professional career with the Cleveland Indians. Drafted by the Indians in the second round of the 1983 MLB Draft, Allanson made his major league debut on April 7, 1986. His rookie season was marked by a strong defensive presence behind the plate, and he quickly became known for his ability to handle a pitching staff.
During his first year, Allanson played in 131 games, a significant number for a rookie catcher. He posted a batting average of .225, with one home run and 31 RBIs. While his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive skills were more pronounced. He was adept at blocking pitches and had a strong throwing arm, which helped him manage the running game effectively.
Allanson continued to play for the Indians through the 1987 and 1988 seasons. In 1987, he appeared in 108 games, maintaining a batting average of .239. His role as a catcher was primarily focused on defense, and he was valued for his ability to work with pitchers and call games. However, his offensive production remained limited, which was a challenge throughout his career.
In 1989, Allanson was traded to the Texas Rangers. His time with the Rangers was brief, as he played only 26 games that season. The following year, he joined the Kansas City Royals, where he played in 14 games. His tenure with the Royals was short-lived, and he spent the 1991 season out of the major leagues.
Allanson returned to the majors in 1992 with the Detroit Tigers. During his time with the Tigers, he played in 79 games over two seasons. His batting average improved slightly to .241 in 1992, but he continued to be valued more for his defensive capabilities than his offensive output.
In 1993, Allanson signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played in 21 games for the Brewers, serving primarily as a backup catcher. His final season in the majors was in 1995 with the San Francisco Giants, where he appeared in 12 games.
Throughout his career, Allanson was known for his defensive skills and his ability to manage a pitching staff. While his offensive numbers were not standout, his contributions behind the plate were appreciated by the teams he played for.
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