Pat Corrales embarked on his journey in Major League Baseball as a catcher, a role that would see him transition into various capacities within the sport over the years. Born on March 20, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, Corrales began his professional playing career when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his MLB debut on August 2, 1964, with the Phillies, marking the start of a playing career that spanned nearly a decade.
Corrales played as a catcher for several teams during his time in the major leagues. After his stint with the Phillies, he went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres. His playing career concluded with the Cincinnati Reds in 1973. Throughout his time as a player, Corrales was known for his defensive skills behind the plate, although he did not achieve significant success as a hitter, finishing with a career batting average of .216.
Following his playing days, Corrales transitioned into coaching and management, where he found a new avenue to contribute to the sport. He began his managerial career in the minor leagues before being appointed as the manager of the Texas Rangers in 1978. Corrales managed the Rangers until 1980, after which he took on the role of manager for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1982. His tenure with the Phillies was relatively short, as he was replaced midway through the 1983 season despite the team being in first place at the time.
Corrales quickly found another opportunity, taking over as the manager of the Cleveland Indians later in 1983. He remained with the Indians until 1987, guiding the team through several challenging seasons. Although his managerial record did not reflect overwhelming success, Corrales was respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to work with young players.
After his managerial career, Corrales continued to be involved in baseball in various capacities, including serving as a coach and advisor for several teams. His extensive experience in the sport allowed him to contribute to the development of players and the strategic aspects of the game.
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