Antonio Alfonseca was a professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on April 16, 1972, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Alfonseca was known for his unique physical trait of having six fingers on each hand, which earned him the nickname "El Pulpo" (The Octopus).
Alfonseca began his professional baseball career in the Dominican Republic before being signed by the Montreal Expos in 1993. He made his MLB debut with the Expos in 1997 and played for them until 2001. During his time with the Expos, Alfonseca established himself as a reliable relief pitcher, earning 45 saves and a 3.78 ERA in 1999.
In 2002, Alfonseca signed with the Florida Marlins and played for them until 2005. He was a key member of the Marlins' bullpen during their 2003 World Series championship run, earning four saves in the postseason. Alfonseca's performance in the World Series was particularly impressive, as he did not allow a single run in six appearances.
After leaving the Marlins, Alfonseca played for the Atlanta Braves in 2006 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007. He retired from baseball after the 2007 season with a career record of 43-47, 129 saves, and a 4.11 ERA.
Despite his success on the field, Alfonseca's career was not without controversy. In 2003, he was suspended for five games for his involvement in a brawl between the Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds. Alfonseca was also known for his temperamental personality and was involved in several altercations with teammates and opponents throughout his career.
In addition to his MLB career, Alfonseca also played for the Dominican Republic national baseball team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He retired from baseball in 2008 and currently resides in the Dominican Republic.
Overall, Antonio Alfonseca had a successful career as a relief pitcher in MLB, earning a World Series championship and establishing himself as a reliable closer. Despite his controversial personality, Alfonseca's unique physical trait and impressive performances on the field have made him a memorable figure in baseball history.
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