Luis Salazar was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for over a decade. He was born in Venezuela in 1956 and began his professional career in 1973 when he was signed by the Atlanta Braves as an amateur free agent. Salazar spent several years in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut in 1980.
Salazar played for several teams during his career, including the Braves, the San Diego Padres, the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Colorado Rockies. He was primarily a third baseman but also played second base and outfield. Salazar was known for his versatility and his ability to play multiple positions.
Throughout his career, Salazar was a solid hitter with a career batting average of .261. He hit 75 home runs and had 464 RBIs in 1,149 games. Salazar was also a good fielder, with a career fielding percentage of .964.
One of the highlights of Salazar's career came in 1982 when he helped lead the Braves to the National League West division title. Salazar hit .283 with 11 home runs and 66 RBIs that season. He also played a key role in the Braves' playoff series against the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting .333 with a home run and three RBIs.
Salazar's career was cut short in 1992 when he suffered a serious injury during a game. While playing for the Cubs, Salazar was hit in the face by a foul ball while sitting in the dugout. The impact caused multiple fractures to his face and left him with permanent vision loss in his left eye. Salazar attempted to make a comeback after the injury but was unable to regain his previous form and retired from baseball in 1993.
After his playing career, Salazar became a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He also served as a coach for several Major League teams, including the Braves, the Cubs, and the Washington Nationals. In 2011, Salazar was coaching for the Braves' minor league team when he was struck in the face by a foul ball during a game. He suffered multiple fractures to his face and had to undergo surgery, but he eventually made a full recovery.
Overall, Luis Salazar had a successful career as a Major League baseball player. He was a versatile player who could play multiple positions and was known for his solid hitting and fielding. While his career was cut short by a serious injury, Salazar went on to have a successful career as a coach and manager in the minor leagues.
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