Ozzie Virgil Jr., son of the first Dominican player in Major League Baseball, Ozzie Virgil Sr., followed in his father's footsteps to pursue a career in professional baseball. Born on December 7, 1956, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Virgil Jr. grew up in a baseball environment that undoubtedly influenced his path into the sport. His journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round of the 1976 amateur draft.
Virgil Jr. made his MLB debut with the Phillies on October 5, 1980. As a catcher, he was known for his defensive skills and ability to manage pitchers effectively. His time with the Phillies was relatively short, but it provided him with the experience needed to establish himself in the league. In 1982, Virgil was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he would spend a significant portion of his career.
During his tenure with the Braves, Virgil Jr. became known for his solid defensive play behind the plate. He was particularly adept at handling the Braves' pitching staff, earning the trust of both pitchers and coaches. In 1984, he had a breakout season offensively, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 48 runs, which were career highs at the time. This performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, marking a highlight in his career.
Virgil's time with the Braves also included a memorable moment on July 6, 1985, when he hit two home runs in a single game against the San Francisco Giants. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable player for the Braves during the mid-1980s.
In 1986, Virgil was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he continued to play as a catcher. His stint with the Pirates was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1987. With the Blue Jays, Virgil provided veteran leadership and depth to the catching position, although his offensive numbers began to decline.
Virgil returned to the Braves in 1988, where he played for two more seasons before retiring from Major League Baseball in 1990. Over the course of his career, he played in 739 games, hit 98 home runs, and had 307 runs batted in. His career batting average was .243, reflecting his role as a defensively-minded catcher who could also contribute with occasional power at the plate.
After retiring as a player, Virgil Jr. remained involved in baseball, taking on coaching roles and sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. His legacy in the sport is also tied to his family's history, as both he and his father were trailblazers for Dominican players in Major League Baseball.
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