RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Juan Beniquez was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on May 13, 1950, in the Dominican Republic. Beniquez began his career in the minor leagues in 1968, playing for the Boston Red Sox organization. He made his major league debut in 1971 with the Red Sox and played for them until
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Juan Beniquez was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on May 13, 1950, in the Dominican Republic. Beniquez began his career in the minor leagues in 1968, playing for the Boston Red Sox organization. He made his major league debut in 1971 with the Red Sox and played for them until 1975.
After leaving the Red Sox, Beniquez played for several teams, including the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. He was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions including outfield, first base, and designated hitter. He was also known for his speed on the basepaths, stealing a total of 179 bases during his career.
Beniquez had some notable moments during his career, including hitting a walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 1 of the 1986 American League Championship Series while playing for the Red Sox. He also hit a grand slam in Game 4 of the 1985 World Series while playing for the Royals.
Overall, Beniquez had a solid career, playing in over 1,700 games and finishing with a career batting average of .274. He retired from baseball in 1988 at the age of 38. After his playing career, Beniquez worked as a coach and scout for several teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.
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On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced...
1978 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced the Texas Rangers in what promised to be a compelling matchup. The Tigers, with Dave Rozema on the mound, were looking to capitalize early in the season against the Rangers, who countered with starter Doc Medich. Both teams were eager to set the tone for their respective seasons, each carrying aspirations of climbing their division standings. The Rangers, with a lineup that blended speed and power, aimed to leverage their home-field advantage to overcome the visiting Tigers.
The game began quietly, with both teams held scoreless through the first three innings. The Tigers broke through first in the fourth inning, signaling a shift in momentum, as they capitalized on key hits and a crucial double by Milt May that brought in two runs. The fifth inning proved pivotal, with the Tigers extending their lead by four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from May that decisively swung the game in Detroit's favor. Texas struggled to respond, managing only a solo home run by Richie Zisk in the ninth inning, which was too little too late.
Detroit's victory was marked by effective pitching from Rozema, who went the distance, allowing just two runs on six hits while the team's defense turned in a solid performance despite an error. The Tigers' offense was led by strong performances from Ron LeFlore and Rusty Staub, providing the necessary run support. This game was indicative of the challenges Texas faced early in the season, struggling to convert opportunities into runs. For Detroit, the win was a positive step in building momentum as they aimed to be competitive in their division.
On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the...
1977 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the Detroit Tigers in a matchup that featured two teams navigating through the early part of the MLB season. The Rangers, aiming to build momentum, sent Doyle Alexander to the mound, a pitcher known for his durability and craftiness. The Tigers countered with Dave Rozema, a promising young arm seeking to establish himself in the league. This game came at a time when both teams were looking to assert themselves in their respective divisions, with the Rangers and Tigers both harboring aspirations of climbing the standings as the season progressed.
The game's early innings set the tone for a closely contested battle. The Tigers struck first, scoring a run in the opening frame, hinting at a potentially offensive showdown. However, Alexander settled in for Texas, effectively silencing the Tigers' bats as the game moved forward. The Rangers responded in the third inning, capitalizing on Rozema's mistakes to take a lead they would not relinquish.
Ultimately, the Rangers emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, a testament to their pitching strength and strategic execution on the field. Doyle Alexander's complete game highlighted his importance to the Rangers, as he navigated through the Tigers' lineup with precision. This victory for Texas was reflective of their season's aspirations, aiming to be competitive in a tough division. For the Tigers, the game underscored the challenges of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, a theme they would look to address as the season continued.
