Geno Petralli, a catcher and utility player, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Texas Rangers. Born on September 25, 1959, in Sacramento, California, Petralli was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the third round of the 1980 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 1982, but his time with the team was brief.
In 1985, Petralli was traded to the Cleveland Indians, though he did not play a major league game for them. Later that year, he was acquired by the Texas Rangers, where he would spend the bulk of his career. Petralli's tenure with the Rangers began in 1985 and extended through the 1993 season. During this period, he became known for his role as a backup catcher, often playing behind primary catchers such as Don Slaught and Mike Stanley.
Petralli's versatility allowed him to fill in at various positions, including first base and third base, though he was primarily utilized as a catcher. His ability to handle pitchers and his defensive skills were valued by the Rangers, even if his offensive numbers were modest. Over his career, Petralli posted a batting average of .267, with 24 home runs and 192 RBIs.
One of the more memorable aspects of Petralli's career was his involvement in several passed balls while catching knuckleballer Charlie Hough. The unpredictable nature of Hough's pitches made catching them a challenging task, and Petralli's efforts in this regard were often highlighted.
Despite not being a regular starter, Petralli's presence on the team provided depth and experience. His career with the Rangers spanned a transitional period for the team, and he was part of a roster that included players like Nolan Ryan and Rafael Palmeiro.
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