Dave Concepcion was a Venezuelan professional baseball player who spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds. He played as a shortstop and was known for his exceptional fielding skills and his ability to hit for power and average.
Concepcion made his Major League Baseball debut in 1970 and quickly established himself as one of the best shortstops in the game. He was a key member of the Reds' "Big Red Machine" teams of the 1970s, which won two World Series championships in 1975 and 1976.
Throughout his career, Concepcion was known for his excellent defensive play. He won five Gold Glove awards for his fielding, and was widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops of his era. He was also a solid hitter, finishing his career with a .267 batting average and 2,326 hits.
Concepcion was a six-time All-Star and was named to the National League All-Star team in five consecutive seasons from 1975 to 1979. He also received MVP votes in six different seasons, finishing as high as fourth in the voting in 1981.
Despite his individual success, Concepcion was always a team player and was known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a key part of the Reds' success in the 1970s, and his contributions to the team were recognized when he was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2000.
After retiring from baseball, Concepcion remained involved in the game as a coach and instructor. He also worked as a broadcaster for the Reds and was a popular figure in the Cincinnati community.
Overall, Dave Concepcion was one of the best shortstops of his era and a key member of one of the greatest teams in baseball history. His exceptional fielding skills and solid hitting made him a valuable player, and his leadership and work ethic made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
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