Cesar Tovar
Originally signed as a shortstop out of Venezuela, Cesar Tovar evolved into a versatile player, playing regularly in the outfield, at third base and second base. On September 22, 1968, he played all nine positions against the Oakland A's, even striking out Reggie Jackson. Wherever he played in the field, "Pepe" was cheerful, ran the bases well, and became a fan favorite. In 1970 he led the American League in doubles and triples, and the following season he paced the league in hits.
Played For
Minnesota Twins (1965-1972)
Philadelphia Phillies (1973)
Texas Rangers (1974-1975)
Oakland Athletics (1975-1976)
New York Yankees (1976)
Factoids
When Cesar Tovar played all nine positions on September 22, 1968, the first batter he faced as a pitcher was Bert Campaneris who at the time was the only other man to play all nine positions in one game.
Description
Tovar was very small, standing just 5'9" and weighing in under 150 pounds when he first came to the big leagues.
Born
Cesar Leonardo Tovar was born on July 3, 1940, in Caracas
Died
July 14, 1994, Caracas,
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: MIN
Major League Debut
April 12, 1965
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1965
Lee May
Mark Belanger
Bobby Murcer
Roy White
Steve Carlton
Tug McGraw
Fergie Jenkins
Jim Palmer
Catfish Hunter
Nicknames
Pepito, Pepe
Related Players
Bert Campaneris also played all nine positions in one game... Tovar broke up more no-hitters than any batter in major league history. Five times he collected the only hits in a game. He victimized Mike Cuellar, Catfish Hunter, and Dave McNally.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1982 |
BBWAA |
0 |
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1969 American League Championship Series
1970 American League Championship Series
1975 American League Championship Series
Feats
On May 18, 1969, Cesar Tovar and Minnesota teammate Rod Carew each stole home in the second inning off Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan of the Tigers.
Batting Feats
- September 19, 1972: Cycle...
Hitting Streaks
15 games (1970)
Matchup Data
Tovar had great success against Mickey Lolich, hitting .419 (36-for-86) against the Detroit lefty... He batted just .213 (16-for-75) with two extra-base hits against Jim Palmer. Overall, he hit lefties with more authority, batting .293 against them, and .270 vs. RHP.
Learn More about Cesar Tovar
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