Title: Vizquel breaks shortstop record
TheBabe714 - May 26, 2008 01:17 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
MIAMI -- Omar Vizquel made history Sunday, overtaking Luis Aparicio as baseball's shortstop iron man.
In the second game of a doubleheader at Dolphin Stadium, the 41-year-old shortstop played in his 2,584th game, passing Aparicio for most games appeared in as a shortstop.
That's a lot of games for a 5-foot-8, 175-pound guy playing one of the most demanding positions in baseball.
"It's a historic moment," said Bochy, who moved into 49th place on the all-time wins list for managers with his 1,042nd victory Friday. "He's excited, and we are, too. I'm proud of Omar, and I'm proud to say I'm here for [the record]."
But Vizquel's career has been about a lot more than quantity. The Venezuelan, who has made bare-handed plays on sharp ground balls look almost routine over the years, owns 11 Gold Gloves -- second only to Ozzie Smith's 13 -- and sports a career .274 batting average. He's also first among all shortstops who have played in over 1,000 games with a .984 fielding percentage and has been a part of an all-time-leading 1,658 double plays.
On top of that, he is one of only four shortstops in history -- and the only Venezuelan -- to have played 20 seasons in the Major Leagues.
"To me, it's just like any other game. It's nothing new for me," Vizquel said recently. "I wish I could be healthier to be able to enjoy it more. But at this moment, my knee and being able to play all season is most important."
Vizquel's record-setting year started off a bit questionable. He missed all of Spring Training after arthroscopic left knee surgery on Feb. 27, and then sustained a bone bruise that delayed his recovery.
Since then, however, Vizquel has played in 12 of the last 13 games -- starting 11 of them -- and is hitting .275 without making an error on the field.
Giants third baseman Jose Castillo, also a native Venezuelan who has the locker right next to Vizquel in Miami, is one of many who have been inspired by Vizquel over the years.
"He deserves it," Castillo said. "He's a companion who is always there if you need him. I know he will be in the Hall of Fame one day, and I hope to be the first one to congratulate him [when he ties the record]."
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That's some accomplishment, congrats.
Tribe No 1 Fan - May 26, 2008 02:56 AM (GMT)
Yeah, heard this earlier. Great job, Omarrrrr. =]
Bloss - May 26, 2008 02:58 AM (GMT)
Good for him. Time for the Gmen to move him so he can have a chance at a WS ring
Edgar For Mayor - May 26, 2008 08:00 AM (GMT)
Whoot. Go Omar. Seattle's farm system put out some really good guys there for a few years.
zackboomer - May 26, 2008 11:57 AM (GMT)
.Atmosphere - May 26, 2008 02:02 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (zackboomer @ May 26 2008, 06:57 AM) |
| HOF. |
maybe
TheBabe714 - May 26, 2008 02:52 PM (GMT)
Obviously not a first ballot hall of famer, but I can see him making it. My guess is it wouldn't be for like 5 years after he's eligable though.
NateFizzle - May 26, 2008 03:54 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (.Atmosphere @ May 26 2008, 10:02 AM) |
| maybe |
If Ozzie Smith made the HOF, Omar Vizquel can.
TheHugeUnit - May 26, 2008 03:56 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (.Atmosphere @ May 26 2008, 10:02 AM) |
| maybe |
No, HOF should eb the best of the best. Omar was good, but he wasn't the best. I'd hate to see them start to get loose with this, but of course if he retires when no one else good does he has a chance.
.Atmosphere - May 26, 2008 03:58 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (TheHugeUnit @ May 26 2008, 10:56 AM) |
| No, HOF should eb the best of the best. Omar was good, but he wasn't the best. I'd hate to see them start to get loose with this, but of course if he retires when no one else good does he has a chance. |
what I meant by maybe was I dont want or think he should make it but I wouldnt be surprised if he did make it, but would be surprised if he made it his 1st or 2nd time.
zackboomer - May 26, 2008 05:48 PM (GMT)
He is basically like Ozzie Smith, and Ozzie was first ballot. Ozzie just had more in the playoffs, but that's all.
.Atmosphere - May 26, 2008 07:50 PM (GMT)
ozzie smith is probably the worst hitter in the HOF. dont use that "well if he made the HOF, this hitter should as well" excuse either.
TheBabe714 - May 26, 2008 08:22 PM (GMT)
That'd also probably lead to a chain reaction type thing.
"Well if Smith made it, Vizquel should, too."
"If Vizquel made it, so should Edmonds."
"If Edmonds made it, so should Giambi."
Until eventually guys like Nick Punto are making it...
zackboomer - May 26, 2008 09:20 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (.Atmosphere @ May 26 2008, 03:50 PM) |
| ozzie smith is probably the worst hitter in the HOF. dont use that "well if he made the HOF, this hitter should as well" excuse either. |
stfu n00b
.Atmosphere - May 26, 2008 09:21 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (zackboomer @ May 26 2008, 04:20 PM) |
| stfu n00b |
Sorry I can't ride his dick like you...but hey you would probably know more about that than me, amirite?
zackboomer - May 26, 2008 09:25 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (.Atmosphere @ May 26 2008, 05:21 PM) |
| Sorry I can't ride his dick like you...but hey you would probably know more about that than me, amirite? |
You would be wrong on that one.
.Atmosphere - May 26, 2008 09:36 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (zackboomer @ May 26 2008, 04:25 PM) |
| correct |
oh
Edgar For Mayor - May 26, 2008 09:40 PM (GMT)
I don't think Omar has the offensive numbers to get in. He should have his glove dipped in gold and put on display...but I think thats about it. He was really really good, but he wasn't the best of the best
NateFizzle - May 27, 2008 03:44 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (TheHugeUnit @ May 26 2008, 11:56 AM) |
| No, HOF should eb the best of the best. Omar was good, but he wasn't the best. I'd hate to see them start to get loose with this, but of course if he retires when no one else good does he has a chance. |
He's the best of the best defensively in a defensive position.
Edgar For Mayor - May 27, 2008 05:39 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (NateFizzle @ May 26 2008, 10:44 PM) |
| He's the best of the best defensively in a defensive position. |
Its not really a defensive position anymore. You have to have a bat no matter where you play these days.
2002NLChamps - May 28, 2008 02:53 PM (GMT)
Of Hall of Famers, Omar would be at the top of the pack defensively and is in the middle of the pack offensively. He should make it unless he continues to bat .200 this year lol.
BaseballKnowledge - August 28, 2008 05:45 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (.Atmosphere @ May 26 2008, 02:50 PM) |
| ozzie smith is probably the worst hitter in the HOF. dont use that "well if he made the HOF, this hitter should as well" excuse either. |
Vizquel is a legend in the field just the same as Ozzie Guillen, and is a much better hitter. He's definitely HOFworthy, and I wouldn't be surprised if he made it in the first ballot, wouldn't be surprised if he didn't, though.