Eddie Perez is a former professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on May 4, 1968, in Cuidad Ojeda, Venezuela. Perez began his professional baseball career in 1986 when he was signed by the Atlanta Braves as an amateur free agent.
Perez spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Braves in 1995. He quickly established himself as a reliable backup catcher and was known for his strong defensive skills and ability to handle pitchers. Perez was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .253 and 49 home runs.
Perez played for the Braves for six seasons, from 1995 to 2000. During his time with the team, he was part of the Braves' dominant pitching staff, which included future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Perez was a key contributor to the team's success, helping them win five National League East titles and reach the World Series twice.
In 2001, Perez signed with the Cleveland Indians as a free agent. He played for the Indians for one season before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002. Perez spent two seasons with the Brewers, where he continued to be a reliable backup catcher and mentor to younger players.
In 2004, Perez returned to the Braves for his final season in the MLB. He played in just 22 games that season, but was still able to contribute to the team's success. The Braves won their 13th consecutive division title that year, with Perez serving as a valuable veteran presence in the clubhouse.
After retiring from baseball, Perez remained involved in the sport as a coach and manager. He served as a coach for the Braves from 2007 to 2010, and then spent several years managing in the minor leagues. In 2018, Perez was named the manager of the Venezuelan national baseball team.
Throughout his career, Perez was known for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the game. He was a respected teammate and mentor to younger players, and his contributions to the Braves' success in the 1990s will always be remembered by fans of the team.
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