Francisco Cervelli is a former professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on March 6, 1986, in Valencia, Venezuela, and began his professional career in 2003 when he signed with the New York Yankees as an international free agent.
Cervelli made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2008 and played for them until 2014. During his time with the Yankees, he was primarily a backup catcher and played in 250 games, hitting .278 with five home runs and 71 RBIs. He was also known for his strong defensive skills, particularly his ability to throw out baserunners attempting to steal.
In 2015, Cervelli signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a free agent and became their starting catcher. He played for the Pirates for five seasons, from 2015 to 2019, and was a fan favorite for his energy and enthusiasm on the field. During his time with the Pirates, he played in 518 games, hitting .276 with 36 home runs and 219 RBIs. He also continued to excel defensively, throwing out 36% of attempted base stealers.
Cervelli's career was unfortunately plagued by injuries, particularly concussions. He suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, which led to him missing significant time on the field. In 2019, he suffered a concussion that ended his season early and ultimately led to his retirement from baseball.
Despite his injuries, Cervelli was a beloved player among his teammates and fans. He was known for his positive attitude and work ethic, and was often praised for his leadership and mentorship of younger players. He was also active in charitable work, particularly in his home country of Venezuela, where he worked to provide aid to those affected by the country's economic and political crisis.
Overall, Francisco Cervelli had a successful career as a catcher in MLB, despite his struggles with injuries. He was known for his strong defensive skills, positive attitude, and leadership, and was a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
⚾