Mike LaValliere, affectionately known as "Spanky," was a catcher in Major League Baseball whose career spanned over a decade. Born on August 18, 1960, in Charlotte, North Carolina, LaValliere attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His professional journey began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 27th round of the 1981 amateur draft.
LaValliere made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1984, but it was with the St. Louis Cardinals that he began to gain more attention. In 1985, he was traded to the Cardinals, where he played a part in their successful season, although he did not appear in the postseason. His defensive skills behind the plate were quickly recognized, and he became known for his strong arm and ability to handle pitchers effectively.
In 1987, LaValliere's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was with the Pirates that he spent the majority of his career and became a fan favorite. During his time in Pittsburgh, LaValliere was known for his exceptional defensive abilities. He won the National League Gold Glove Award in 1987, a testament to his prowess as a catcher. His ability to block pitches and throw out base runners was highly regarded, and he played a crucial role in the Pirates' success during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
LaValliere was part of a Pirates team that won three consecutive National League East titles from 1990 to 1992. Although the team fell short of reaching the World Series, LaValliere's performance was consistently reliable. He was known for his work ethic and his ability to manage the pitching staff, which included stars like Doug Drabek and John Smiley.
In 1993, LaValliere signed with the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive skills. Although his offensive numbers were modest, his value as a catcher was never in question. He played with the White Sox until 1995, when he retired from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, LaValliere was respected for his defensive capabilities and his leadership on the field. His career batting average was .268, with 18 home runs and 294 RBIs. While his offensive statistics may not have been eye-catching, his contributions behind the plate were invaluable to the teams he played for.
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