Benito Santiago was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over two decades. He began his career with the San Diego Padres in 1986 and played for several other teams, including the Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Santiago was known for his exceptional defensive skills as a catcher, winning four Gold Glove Awards during his career. He was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .263 and 217 home runs. In 1987, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year after hitting .300 with 18 home runs and 79 runs batted in (RBIs).
Santiago's best season came in 1991 when he was named an All-Star and won the National League batting title with a .330 average. He also hit 18 home runs and had 79 RBIs that season. Santiago continued to be a productive player throughout the 1990s, earning three more All-Star selections and winning three more Gold Glove Awards.
In 1997, Santiago helped lead the Florida Marlins to their first World Series championship. He hit .250 in the series and played a key role in the Marlins' Game 7 victory over the Cleveland Indians, throwing out two runners attempting to steal second base.
Santiago's career began to decline in the early 2000s as he struggled with injuries and age. He played his final season in 2005 with the Kansas City Royals, finishing his career with 1,934 hits, 920 RBIs, and a .263 batting average.
Overall, Santiago was a highly respected player in the league, known for his strong arm, quick reflexes, and leadership skills. He was also a trailblazer for Puerto Rican players in the MLB, paving the way for future stars like Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina.
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