Junior Noboa, a Dominican infielder, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily as a second baseman. Born on November 10, 1964, in Azua, Dominican Republic, Noboa began his professional career when he was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1981. His journey through the major leagues was characterized by his role as a utility player, providing depth to the teams he played for.
Noboa made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians on September 14, 1984. During his time with the Indians, he played in a limited number of games, showcasing his skills primarily in the infield. His tenure with Cleveland was marked by brief appearances, as he was often called upon to fill in for injured players or to provide rest for regular starters.
In 1987, Noboa was traded to the California Angels, where he continued to serve in a similar capacity. His stint with the Angels was short-lived, and he soon found himself on the move again, this time to the Montreal Expos. With the Expos, Noboa saw more playing time, appearing in 64 games during the 1989 season. His performance at the plate was modest, but his defensive abilities were valued by the team.
The following year, Noboa joined the New York Mets. His time with the Mets was brief, as he played in only 17 games during the 1990 season. Despite limited opportunities, he continued to demonstrate his reliability as an infielder. After his tenure with the Mets, Noboa signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In Pittsburgh, he played in 46 games over two seasons, contributing as a backup infielder.
Noboa's career continued with the Cincinnati Reds, where he played during the 1992 season. His role remained consistent, providing infield support and stepping in when needed. After his time with the Reds, Noboa returned to the Cleveland Indians in 1994, the team where he began his major league journey. This marked the final chapter of his MLB playing career.
Throughout his time in the major leagues, Noboa was known for his steady presence on the field. While he may not have been a regular starter, his ability to adapt and fill various roles made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. After retiring as a player, Noboa transitioned into other roles within the baseball world, including coaching and player development.
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