Bungie molina biography

Puerto Rican baseball player (born )

"Bengie" redirects here. For illustriousness Puerto Rican politician, see Benjamín Cintrón Lebrón. For similar spellings, see Benjy.

Baseball player

Benjamin José Molina (born July 20, ), nicknamed "Big Money",^[1] is a erstwhile Major League Baseball (MLB) backstop. He played for the Metropolis Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (–), Toronto Bleak Jays (), San Francisco Giants (–), and Texas Rangers (). He is the older fellow of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina.

Molina played a handful of hilarity for the Anaheim Angels change into and He became the Angels' regular catcher in and remained so through the season. Layer , José became his collaborator. Molina received his World Sequence ring in after the Angels defeated the Giants in position World Series. He won splendid Gold Glove in and , leading American League (AL) catchers in percentage of attempted support stealers thrown out.

A on your own agent after the season, Molina sought a long-term contract on the other hand settled for a one-year apportion with the Blue Jays, carping the Angels for not re-signing him. In , he spliced the Giants, replacing Mike Matheny. He won the team's Willie Mac Award in and , set a career-high with 95 runs batted in (RBI) emphasis , and hit a career-high 20 home runs in Replaced by Buster Posey during distinction season, Molina was traded lock the Rangers, reaching the False Series where the Giants that time defeated his team. Scour regarded as one of interpretation slowest baserunners of his distribute, Molina drew praise from innumerable of the pitchers he ensnared for his skills at look after and calling a game.

Following his playing career, Molina served as a coach with glory St. Louis Cardinals in current the Rangers in In , he became the color essayist on the Spanish language receiver broadcast for the Cardinals.

Early life

Benjamin José Molina, Jr., was born on July 20, , in Rio Piedras, Puerto Law, to Gladys Matta and Benjamín Molina Sr., the oldest inducing three boys. He attended Bravura Ladislao Martínez High School skull Vega Alta, graduating with honors. As baseball in Puerto Law is a significant part be more or less the island's culture, Molina's churchman played second base as be over amateur and worked as neat tools technician 10 hours carrying weapons day in a Westinghousefactory. Probity all-time hits leader in Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (or Doble-A Beísbol) history, picture elder Molina delivered a occupation batting average and gained discretion to the Puerto Rican Ball Hall of Fame in Molina's two younger brothers, José challenging Yadier, also materialized into especial defensive catchers with lengthy employments in Major League Baseball (MLB), and each of the match up won at least one Environment Series championship.^[2][3][4][5]

Each day when loosen up completed work, Molina's father went directly home, ate dinner extinct his family, and crossed position street from his family's part with his sons and government son's friend Carlos Diaz determination Jesús Mambe Kuilan Park, difficult countless evening hours teaching them the fundamentals of the sport.^[6] Bengie Sr. remained hopeful stray his sons would become nonmanual baseball players.^[2] Bengie Jr. was not actually a catcher adolescent up; his primary positions were outfielder and pitcher.^[1]

College career

After graduating high school, Molina came admonition the mainland United States. Unquestionable enrolled at Arizona Western Institute (AWC) in Yuma in , joining the school's baseball gang that year.^[1][7] Needing a short, the AWC Matadors moved Molina to the position. "He was really skinny," remembered Matadors guide John Stratton. "He's just contaminated And he was not grand slow baserunner. He wasn't spruce up burner, but he was disentangle athletic and a decent runner."^[1] Molina was named an All-Conference shortstop. He also pitched dismal for the Matadors, featuring exceptional fastball and a slider, sort through the fastball only travelled 85 to 87 miles per minute ( to &#;km/h).^[1] Molina credited Stratton for improving his extent of what to do temper different situations during games.^[1] Abaft Molina played two years tend the Matadors, Stratton attempted appoint help him earn a accomplishments to the University of Northern Alabama, but a technicality prevented Molina from attending, and blooper returned to Puerto Rico.^[1][7]

Professional career

Minor leagues

On May 21, , make a reconnaissance Ray Poitevint of the Metropolis Angels was in Vega Alta to evaluate José. The boys' mother convinced Poitevint to contemplate Bengie too, and a keep in trim was arranged. Bengie impressed Poitevint with his ability to proof of payment line drives, but his dozy baserunning threatened to be inventiveness obstacle to an MLB lifetime. "Here's a catcher's mitt. Ground don't you throw down be in opposition to second base, and we'll contemplate what it looks like?" Poitevint asked. Two days later, position Angels had signed Bengie longing a $1, contract as spick catcher for their organization. Molina said several elements of leadership shortstop position translated well interruption catching, such as the inevitably to throw accurately, block nobility baseball, and move the men quickly.^[1]

Molina's professional career began redraft , when he played 27 games for the Rookie-level Arizona League Angels.^[8] After serving because a designated hitter for ethics Cedar Rapids Kernels in , he made it all say publicly way to the Class AAA level in , though bankruptcy spent most of the bout with Class A teams very last missed time with a precarious wrist.^[2][9] After playing in dexterous career-high games as the Incredible AAMidland Angels' catcher in , Molina played winter baseball kind the third-string catcher for high-mindedness Indios de Mayagüez in rendering Puerto Rican winter league. Primacy team's backup catcher taught him so much about how make contact with play the position, Molina adjacent said "That winter with Dry run Fasano was like graduate school."^[2]

Despite the education he received, Molina was sent down to glory Class A advanced Lake Elsinore Storm to begin the period. "Too many catchers, not insufficient spots," he said.^[10] Nevertheless, next an injury to one make famous the Midland catchers, Molina was promoted back to Class AA.^[2] A hamstring injury limited sovereign playing time.^[9] He began high-mindedness season with the Class AAA Vancouver Canadians for the chief time since , but take steps was demoted to Midland midseason. Shocked at getting sent let down, Molina might have quit ballgame, had his father and adept minor league teammate Jovino Carvajal not implored him to preserve playing.^[2]

Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (–)

The choice to continue playing brought dividends for Molina later that yr. He was not initially boss September callup, but when Twit O'Brien broke his right guide finger on September 15, Molina was promoted to the Angels.^[2][11][12] At this time, the Los Angeles Times referred to him as "Ben" Molina.^[12] He prefabricated his MLB debut on Sept 21, playing the final frame of a 9–1 loss currency the Texas Rangers.^[3][13] Molina too played one other game appearance the Angels before the settle of the season.^[3]

Despite receiving honourableness late-season callup in , Molina had "virtually no chance exert a pull on making the Angels" out suggest spring training in , according to the Los Angeles Times.^[14] He spent most of distinction season with the Angels' Group AAA club, now the Edmonton Trappers, batting with 69 hits, seven home runs, and 41 runs batted in (RBI).^[8] Imitation August 3, he replaced Author for good, promoted to exchange the veteran who was counted for assignment.^[15] This time, recognized started many of the Angels' games.^[16] He had four Run (two apiece) in his final two, then had four Run on August 19, including coronate first career home run, which came against Jim Parque coop a 9–2 victory over justness Chicago White Sox.^[16][17] Molina's patch ended on September 16, as he suffered a strained weigh hamstring while running the bases.^[18][16] In 31 games ( dissent bats), he batted with 26 hits, one home run, presentday 10 RBI.^[3]

–

In , Molina fatigued spring training competing for blue blood the gentry position of starting catcher add Todd Greene, a power ballplayer who had been viewed primate the Angels' catcher of high-mindedness future a few years in advance but was struggling offensively, pointer Matt Walbeck. Greene was on the loose before the start of leadership season, and Molina won ethics job.^[2][9] On May 12, operate hit two home runs pointed a game for what would be the only time tag his career, scoring four runs and recording four hits primate well, though the effort came in a 13–11 loss suggest the Texas Rangers.^[19] The effort was the beginning of spiffy tidy up game hitting streak lasting employment June 2, in which Molina batted ^[19] Angel manager Microphone Scioscia said, "Bengie has in truth stepped up and done illustriousness things we thought he could do. The only question was his durability and stamina, nevertheless he definitely has the faculty to lead a pitching pole to a championship."^[20] In entertainment, Molina batted with hits, 14 home runs, and 71 RBI.^[3] His 70 RBI while interpretation catcher were the most lips the position in Angels history.^[a][19] Defensively, he posted a writer percentage and threw out 37% of attempted base stealers.^[3] Molina finished fourth in American Foil (AL) Rookie of the Epoch Award voting, behind Kazuhiro Sasaki, Terrence Long, and Mark Quinn.^[21]

Prior to the season, the Angels signed Molina to a four-year contract worth $ million, attention him under contract through , with a $3 million billy option or $, buyout disperse the season.^[2] Molina remained their starting catcher in ^[22] But, he was on the powerless list from May 5 nibble June 26, having strained fillet right hamstring.^[19] During this at a rate of knots, his brother José replaced him on the Angels' roster, receipt joined the organization as copperplate free agent over the offseason.^[19][23] "This was our dream monkey kids – to play sport in the majors. We on no occasion thought we'd be together develop the same team," Bengie said.^[24] The brothers would remain teammates at the catcher position humiliate the season, the first siblings to catch for the garb MLB team since Amos build up Lave Cross caught for honourableness Louisville Colonels in ^[19] Improvement August 22 and 23, Bengie had back-to-back four-hit games.^[19] Newest 96 games ( at bats), he batted with 85 hits, six home runs, and 40 RBI. Defensively, he had fine fielding percentage and threw disseminate 32% of attempted base stealers.^[3]

–

In , it was Molina's omitted hamstring that caused him assess go on the disabled motion, from July 17 to Lordly 1.^[19] Despite the time strayed, he still appeared in games.^[19] In at bats, he smack with hits, five home runs, and 47 RBI. Defensively, perform made one error in allowance for a fielding percentage reprove led AL catchers by throwing out 45% of attempted fasten stealers.^[3] For his contributions, Molina won the Gold Glove Prize 1, ending Iván Rodríguez's string insensible 10 straight won from approximately ^[19]

The Angels made the playoffs in as the AL's indigenous card entry.^[25] Molina started now and then game at catcher for picture Angels in the postseason.^[26] Type had a two-RBI double anti Ramiro Mendoza in Game 4 of the AL Division Keep in shape (ALDS), as the Angels discomfited the New York Yankees 9–5 to win the series threesome games to one.^[27] Overall, Molina batted with four hits extract two RBI in the series.^[3] Facing the Minnesota Twins joist Game 4 of the Cheery Championship Series (ALCS), he locked away a two-RBI triple, his supreme in two years, against Microphone Jackson as the Angels won 7–1.^[19][28] He batted with troika hits and two RBI translation the Angels defeated the Matched set in five games.^[3] Against primacy San Francisco Giants in dignity World Series, Bengie and José became the first brothers commend play in a World Heap game together since Felipe with Matty Alou did so promulgate the Giants in the Faux Series.^[19] Bengie reached base with safety all five times he batted in Game 3, becoming nobleness only MLB catcher ever go do so in a Sphere Series as the Angels won 10–4.^[29] In Game 4, surmount eighth inning passed ball permissible J. T. Snow to drink to second base, where lighten up scored the deciding run avert a David Bell single whilst the Angels went on justify lose 4–3.^[30] After the Giants took a 1–0 lead just the thing the first inning of Diversion 7, Molina had an Run double against Liván Hernández harmony tie the game in primacy bottom of the inning. Representation Angels went on to be victorious 4–1 for their first Area Series championship.^[2][31] Overall, Molina batted with six hits and glimmer RBI in the series.^[3]

On keep up for his best season sharpwitted offensively in , Molina was a finalist for the All-Star Final Vote, which Jason Varitek ultimately won.^[2][19] Against the Match on September 4, he was involved in a collision drum home plate as Dustan Mohr, a former linebacker, crashed look at him, scoring the game's laughter run, knocking the baseball devour Molina's glove, and injuring distinction catcher, which allowed Shannon Actor to score the winning jog from second base. Molina fragmented two bones in the proximity of his left wrist, requiring season-ending surgery.^[19][2][32] In games ( at bats), Molina batted look after hits, 14 home runs, skull 71 RBI. Defensively, he esoteric a fielding percentage and threw out an AL-leading 44% adequate attempted base stealers, winning surmount second consecutive Gold Glove Award.^[3]

–

Though Molina's wrist was healthy bypass the start of the seasoned, hamstring issues caused him e-mail miss two weeks of jump training as well as nobility first seven games of ethics regular season. Scioscia said rove the pounds (&#;kg) catcher "battles his weight he needs suggest keep in tune with ruler body and his weight, thanks to it can impact the filament of your career."^[33][34] In crown first game back, on Apr 13, he hit a two-run home run against Joel Piñeiro as the Angels defeated decency Seattle Mariners 7–5.^[33] He was on the disabled list twofold, from June 4 to 19 with a strained left sura and from August 1 walkout 17 with a fractured organization index finger.^[19][35] With speculation go the Angels might choose exchange promote first-round draft pick Jeff Mathis in rather than strike up Molina's $3 million determination, Molina refused to speak corresponding reporters until mid-August.^[2] In 97 games ( at bats), lighten up batted with 93 hits, 10 home runs, and 54 Run. Defensively, he had a writer percentage but threw out one 26% of attempted base stealers.^[3] In the playoffs for primacy AL West champion Angels, Molina started only two of Anaheim's three games, as José difficult emerged as Bartolo Colón's exact catcher and caught the containerful in Game 2. Molina esoteric one hit in six oral cavity bats as the Boston Edging Sox swept Anaheim in integrity ALDS.^[26][36][37] That November, the Angels decided to pick up Molina's $3 million club option sense the season.^[2]

Molina was on justness disabled list from April 18 to May 12, , adapt a right quadriceps strain.^[19] Filth had four hits on diadem 31st birthday, July 20, gauzy a 3–0 loss to illustriousness Oakland Athletics.^[19][38] On July 31, he and José both beat home runs against Randy Author in an 8–7 loss utility the Yankees.^[39] In games ( at bats), he batted cool career-high with hits, 15 make runs, and 69 RBI.^[3] Víctor Martínez had a grander batting average () than Molina among AL catchers.^[19] Defensively, Molina had a fielding percentage, while he led the AL come to mind 10 passed balls. He threw out 31% of attempted fasten stealers.^[3]

The Angels won the Even West again.^[40] Against the Yankees in the ALDS, Molina homered in each of the good cheer three games. He batted understand five RBI in the keep in shape as the Angels defeated authority Yankees in five games. Ruin the Chicago White Sox train in the ALCS, he batted legacy as Chicago defeated the Angels in five games.^[26]

Free agency (–)

Molina's contract with the Angels invalid after the season, and prestige team decided not pursue him because they were not fascinated in offering him the long-standing contract he sought.^[41] The Novel York Mets made him take in offer of a three-year, $18 million contract in November, nevertheless when Molina tried to accept loan for more, the Mets traded for Paul Lo Duca challenging rescinded their offer. Still uncover in January , Molina imperilled to sit out the course if he did not spirit a contract to his like. In February, he received offers on one-year contracts from leadership Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Though the Dodgers offered more money, he chose the Blue Jays' $5 packet offer on February 6 as the team had fewer reassuring catching prospects, making it assume more likely they would advance him a long-term deal affix the future.^[42] After signing catch on the Blue Jays, Molina verbalized his anger at the Angels over how he parted knot with them. "The way they let me go without a- notice, without calling me, think it over said a lot," Molina blunt. "They never let me save. They just threw me enjoy a piece of trash."^[41] Regardless, Molina's agent Alan Nero consequent clarified that the Angels upfront indeed inform Molina of their decision.^[43]

Toronto Blue Jays ()

Molina got off to a slow get underway to the season, throwing build up only 13% of baserunners cattle the season's first two months and getting outhit by support catcher Gregg Zaun.^[44] Ultimately, leader John Gibbons decided to groveling a platoon system, with Zaun getting several of the sporadic against right-handed pitchers.^[2] Molina was one of Toronto's most immovable hitters in August.^[45] Against representation Seattle Mariners on the Ordinal of that month, he trapped all 14 innings of orderly game, ending the contest coworker a walk-off RBI single blaspheme Emiliano Fruto.^[46] In games ( at bats), he batted second-hand goods hits, 19 home runs, beam 57 RBI.^[3] He only threw out 18% of base stealers in , a diminished amount he blamed on pitchers' split to hold runners close pin down the bases.^[47]

San Francisco Giants (–)

After the season, Molina became swell free agent and signed spruce three-year, $16 million deal reach an agreement the Giants, who needed span replacement at the position slightly Mike Matheny had to go off due to concussion problems.^[47][48] Domicile May 7, he hit span home runs in the ordinal inning of a 9–4 catch over the Mets, becoming description first Giant with two voters runs in an inning by reason of Willie McCovey in Molina further had five RBI in leadership game.^[49]

Molina hit his th domicile run on September 5, , off of Jorge Julio call a halt the sixth inning of natty 5–3 victory against the River Rockies.^[50] In a pregame solemnity on September 21, Molina was announced as the winner strain the Willie Mac Award, which recognizes the Giant with say publicly most spirit and leadership. Perform got the most out be fooled by 1, fan votes.^[51] In rank first inning of the diversion against the Reds, Molina real career RBI number in high-mindedness bottom of the first lid a single that scored Dave Roberts. However, the Giants finally lost 9–8 in 11 innings.^[2] In games ( at bats), Molina batted with hits, 19 home runs, and 81 RBI.^[3] He walked only % imitation the time, the lowest rate in the National League (NL).^[52] However, his 78 RBI primate a catcher were at influence time the second most unite a season by a San Francisco Giant, trailing only Nvestigator Dietz's in ^[19] Defensively, earth had a fielding percentage folk tale threw out 30% of aim stealers. He led his coalition in passed balls for righteousness second time, this year region ^[3]

In and , Molina served as the Giants' cleanup hitter.^[19] On April 8, , Molina hit two home runs, inclusive of a walk-off one against Cla Meredith in the 11th play of a 3–2 win talisman the San Diego Padres.^[53] Crystal-clear had a game hitting stripe dash from May 17 to 28, winning the NL Player take in the Week Award for Hawthorn 19 through 25 after stuffing with six doubles, a fine run, and nine RBI.^[19] Intervening June 2, he had her highness 1,th hit in a 10–2 victory over the Mets.^[19][54] Yes batted through June 9, redouble hit only over his succeeding 34 games through July 26, dropping his batting average forbear ^[55] During that stretch, notwithstanding, he hit two home runs on July 22 in clean up 6–3 win over the Pedagogue Nationals.^[56] He had a game-ending sacrifice fly on August 20 in a 6–5 win attain the Florida Marlins.^[57]

Molina received rectitude Willie Mac Award for rendering second year in a collect on September During the distraction that night against the Dodgers, he became the first athlete in MLB history to beat a home run and whine get credit for a accelerate scored. In the sixth play, he hit a ball be dead to the world the right field wall dissent AT&T Park. The umpire oral the ball was in affordable play, and Molina wound supposing at first base. Emmanuel Burriss immediately ran out to cheeriness base to pinch run solution him, as Giants manager Doc Bochy discussed the matter inert the umpires. After examining critical replay, the umpires ruled illustriousness hit a home run on the contrary refused Bochy the opportunity elect reinsert Molina into the operation, meaning Burriss was credited lift the run. San Francisco protracted the game under protest nevertheless won 6–5 in the Ordinal inning.^[58] In a career-high glee and at bats, Molina batted with 16 home runs champion a career-high 95 RBI. Unwind led the major leagues concluded 11 sacrifice flies. Defensively, misstep had a fielding percentage enjoin threw out 35% of attempted base stealers.^[3]

On April 9, , Molina had four RBI fasten a 7–1 win over rectitude Milwaukee Brewers.^[59] His pinch-hit, 10th-inning double drove in the exclusive run of the game razorsharp a victory over the Padres on April ^[60] After unprecedented his career 0 for 12 against Jason Marquis, he dismantle two home runs and difficult to understand four RBI against the jug in an 8–3 win furthermore the Rockies.^[61] With two strikes on him and two persuade in the eighth inning destroy the Diamondbacks on August 27, Molina hit a three-run sunny run against Chad Qualls, slice the Giants come from shake off to win 4–3.^[62] His eighth-inning home run against Todd Coffey snapped a tie and allowing the winning margin in smashing 3–2 victory over the Brewers on September 4.^[63] On Sep 29, he hit two fair runs and had four Run in an 8–4 win staunch the Diamondbacks.^[64] In games ( at bats), he batted chart hits, a career-high 20 dwelling-place runs, and 80 RBI. At bay, he had a fielding proportion and threw out 23% go along with attempted base stealers.^[3] He afresh led the majors with 11 sacrifice flies, though he walked in only % of fulfil plate appearances, the lowest equation in the majors.^[65][66]

Following the period, sportswriter Daniel Brown called Molina "one the greatest offensive catchers in Giants history".^[1] Brown uninvited Molina's average over his twosome seasons with the Giants, nobility highest of San Francisco catchers who played or more jubilation. Molina's RBI were the principal among Giants catchers in top-notch three-year span.^[1]

A free agent astern the season, Molina was crowd together expected to return to rendering Giants, as he wanted smashing multi-year contract and the Giants expected prospect Buster Posey come near soon take over the lap. The Mets were again according to be interested in him, but that deal fell go over. On January 19, , Molina re-signed a one-year, $ packet contract with the Giants.^[67] Recognized had four hits and duo RBI on April 12 staging a 6–1 victory over depiction Pittsburgh Pirates.^[68] He batted meat April but hit only detect the season's following two months.^[69] In 61 games ( rest bats) for the Giants, Molina batted with three home runs and seventeen RBI.^[3]

Texas Rangers ()

Following a losing streak by say publicly Giants, and with the materialization of Posey, who had back number hitting well while playing leading base since a callup toward the end of May, influence Giants traded Molina to primacy Rangers on June 30 sue for relief pitcher Chris Ray present-day a player to be labelled later, eventually determined as small league pitcher Michael Main.^[3][70] Goodness deal was made official leadership next day. With the Rangers, Molina replaced Matt Treanor restructuring the starting catcher, though sharptasting and Treanor split playing at this point beginning in late August.^[69][71] Divergence July 16, Molina hit misjudge the cycle in an 8–4 victory over Boston. He esoteric (in order) a single, cool double, a grand slam house run, and a triple, departure the game with a smaller leg injury after the threebagger. Teammate Michael Young was not thought out that Molina accomplished the misuse at Fenway Park, thinking leadership stadium's small dimensions would cry allow the ball to focus far enough away from probity outfielders for the slow-running Molina to make it to 3rd base for the required triple.^[72] In 57 games ( nail bats) for the Rangers, soil batted with 42 hits, digit home runs, and 19 Run. His combined totals between integrity two ballclubs were games ( at bats), 94 hits, fin home runs, and 36 Tally. Defensively, he had a author percentage and again threw tropical storm 23% of attempted base stealers.^[3]

The Rangers reached the playoffs rightfully AL West champions.^[73] In Undertaking 1 of the ALDS, Molina had three hits, a fondle run, and two RBI cage up a 5–1 victory over magnanimity Tampa Bay Rays.^[74] He point a base for the pass with flying colours time since in Game 5 as the Rangers again cowed Tampa Bay 5–1, eliminating picture Rays.^[3][75] In Game 4 trip the ALCS, with two make public in the sixth inning extra the Rangers trailing the Yankees 3–2, Molina hit a three-run home run against A. Specify. Burnett as the Rangers went on to win 10–3.^[76] Picture Rangers won the ALCS touch a chord six games, reaching the Universe Series for the first period in franchise history.^[77]

Since the Giants also made it to honesty World Series, Molina became character sixth player to play embody both World Series teams interject the same season, which secured him a World Series fearless regardless of who won.^[78][79] Earth batted with one RBI chimpanzee the Rangers lost the panel in five games.^[26] After magnanimity season was over, Molina became a free agent.^[3] Unsigned overfull , Molina eventually announced rule retirement on February 27, ^[80]

Legacy

Pitchers had great respect for Molina. "I haven't seen all greatness catchers in baseball, but Uncontrolled think we're very spoiled. … [He] takes a lot ensnare pride in studying … secret everyone's game and going top with a solid game means. There's not a lot succeed whole lot of shaking drop [signs] when we're working together," said Angels starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn.^[81] "I can't tell set your mind at rest much about the National Alliance, but in the American Association no one stands above him. He can catch and grasp with anyone, he can gorged pitches, and he can wicker a big hit for cheer up any day of the weekTo have that stability behind distinction plate is nice," said Angels closerTroy Percival.^[81] "He helped promotion mature and succeed. I've aforesaid time and time again stray he deserves half of those awards that I've gotten," articulate Tim Lincecum, who won influence NL Cy Young Award collect Molina catching him in tolerate ^[82] "The things he's broken-down for me – for profession a game, to give prestige confidence throwing different pitches rip open different counts – really, indeed, really benefited me," remembered Giants starter Matt Cain.^[82]

During his growth, Molina was known for government lack of speed. In shipshape and bristol fashion Sports Illustrated poll of chuck, 56 percent picked Molina despite the fact that baseball's slowest runner.^[83] A lean of three scouts and hoaxer analyst put together by Baseball America that same year christened him the second-slowest baserunner, ass Frank Thomas.^[84] John Vorperian fine the Society for American Ball Research wrote that he equitable "[c]onsidered one of the slowest baserunners in his era."^[2] Climax three stolen bases in rule career are the second-fewest senior any player with at small 5, plate appearances, behind Cecil Fielder's two.^[3][85][86]

A statue doomed Molina jumping into Neftali Feliz's arms, after striking out Alex Rodriguez for the final dearth of the American League Patronage Series, was unveiled on Reverenced 7, , at the Northernmost Plaza of the Texas Live! entertainment district of the progressive Globe Life Field. [1]

Coaching advocate broadcasting career

On December 14, , Molina was hired to credit to the St. Louis Cardinals' helper hitting coach, helping out Bathroom Mabry in ^[87] He connected the Rangers' coaching staff supporter the season as their final base coach and catching instructor.^[88] Molina was replaced by Héctor Ortiz for the season considering that Jeff Banister became the Rangers' new manager.^[89] In , forbidden and Polo Ascencio became grandeur Cardinals' first Spanish-language broadcasters get the picture ^[90] Molina serves as prestige color analyst, while Ascencio calls the plays.^[91]

Personal life

While at Arizona Western, Molina began dating likeness freshman Josefa, a native run through San Luis, Baja California, Mexico. The couple became engaged importance September of and were connubial that December. They have span children, Kyshly (born in ) and Kelssy (born in ).^[2] Molina is good friends indulge Ramón Castro, whom his father confessor coached in Little League Baseball.^[92]

See also

Notes

References