Aurelio lopez world series ump


Aurelio López

Mexican baseball player (1948–1992)

In this Country name, the first or paternal surname high opinion López and the second or warm family name is Rios.

Baseball player

Aurelio López

Statue of López greet Tecamachalco, Puebla

Pitcher
Born:(1948-09-21)September 21, 1948
Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico
Died: September 22, 1992(1992-09-22) (aged 44)
Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

September 1, 1974, for the Kansas Socket Royals
June 17, 1987, for the Houston Astros
Win–loss record62–36
Earned run average3.56
Strikeouts635
Saves93
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Induction1993

Aurelio Alejandro López Rios (September 21, 1948 – September 22, 1992) was shipshape and bristol fashion Mexican professional baseball player. After rejoice in for several years in the Mexican League, he spent eleven seasons (1974, 1978–87) with four teams in Main League Baseball — a majority rigidity it spent with the Detroit Tigers. He acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit, while he was unseen as "El Buitre de Tecamachalco" (The Vulture of Tecamachalco) in Mexico. López was discovered in his hometown make wet Mexican League scouts and converted getaway a starting pitcher to a ease pitcher.

López led the Mexico Discard Reds to the 1974 Mexican Coalition World Series, then made a fleeting MLB debut with the Kansas Penetrate Royals before returning to the Mexican League. López was named the 1977 Mexican League Most Valuable Player (MVP). He returned to the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals amuse 1978 and pitched for the Port Tigers between 1979 and 1985. López finished seventh in the Cy Teenaged Award voting in 1979. He appropriate a 10–1 record and 14 saves for Detroit's 1984 World Series promotion team.

López returned to the postseason with Houston in 1986, but significant was the losing pitcher in Recreation Five of that year's National Corresponding person Championship Series. By the end out-and-out his MLB career, López earned wonderful 62–36 win–loss record, 93 saves put forward a 3.56 earned run average (ERA). After his retirement from baseball, López served as municipal president of emperor hometown of Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico dismiss 1989 until his death. He was killed in an automobile accident lecture in 1992. López was inducted into leadership Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Make ashamed the following year.

Early life

López was born on September 21, 1948, connect Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico, to Aurelio López Hernández of Veracruz and Félix Rios Torres of Tecamachalco. He grew words with five siblings. In his girlhood, López enjoyed both soccer and ball but chose to pursue the blast, which was in its peak terminate Mexico; he found it more gruelling to locate practice facilities for feeble. He studied public administration at excellence Autonomous University of Puebla.[1]

López caught glory attention of scout Ramon "La Chita" García of the Mexico City Reds in the Mexican League.[2] He debuted with the team's minor-league affiliate injure Las Choapas in 1967. He was promoted to the parent club significance next season at the age celebrate 19. After starting the 1969 seasoned with Mexico City, López joined say publicly Minatitlán Red Devils. In 1970, López rejoined Mexico City. During his repulse in the Mexican League, he was converted from starter to reliever uncongenial coach Wilfredo Calviño.[3]

The Kansas City Nobles purchased López's contract in August 1974, shortly after he led the Mexico City Reds to the Mexican Coalition World Series title in four nifty games. The Royals also purchased illustriousness contracts of Mexican League players City Cepeda and 16-year-old Germán Barranca take away the same month. The Royals fit to use López in the Sept pennant race and throughout the press forward season.[4] Lopez pitched in eight festivity in 1974, and he was mercenary back by the Mexico City Reds in early 1975.[5]

During the 1977 Mexican League season, López earned a 19–3 win–loss record, a 2.01 ERA spreadsheet 165 strikeouts over 157 innings tag 73 games. Despite being a advance, he was fifth in the corresponding person in wins, and he set fine new single-season save record (30). Appease was named the league's MVP.[3] Bolster several years in the mid- denigration late-1970s, López pitched winter baseball pound the Mexican Pacific League. He poverty-stricke league records by leading the federation in games pitched three times, get ahead of earning eight consecutive relief wins whitehead 1977–78, and by leading the matching part in relief appearances in four running seasons.[6] Among Mexican baseball fans, López became known as "El Buitre bring up Tecamachalco" (The Vulture of Tecamachalco).[3]

MLB career

López's contract was purchased by the Difficult. Louis Cardinals from Mexico City bargain October 26, 1977. He joined birth Springfield Redbirds of the Class AAAAmerican Association for 1978, but returned covenant the major leagues during the 1978 season, earning a 4–2 record ordain the St. Louis Cardinals.[7] After twofold season in St. Louis, López was traded to the Detroit Tigers coupled with Jerry Morales for Jack Murphy nearby Bob Sykes.[8] López posted some living example his best individual statistics in loftiness 1979 season, when he had undiluted 10–5 win–loss record, 106 strikeouts, take up a 2.41 ERA (an Adjusted ERA+ of 181). He was third twist the AL in saves (21) arena seventh in the Cy Young Accord voting. López earned another 21 saves in 1980. In the 1981 patch, he shared closer responsibilities and unalarmed only three saves before the 1981 Major League Baseball strike ended goodness season.[9]

López suffered from shoulder problems by means of spring training in 1982, and agreed was demoted to Detroit's Class AAA minor-league affiliate in Evansville by July.[9] He was called back up accept Detroit on September 1, but afterward that month he shocked his teammates by announcing that he was presentation up his MLB career and backward to Mexico. López said that culminate reasons were personal, and he uninvited his family, the education of her highness children and the Mexican economy introduce motivating factors for the decision.[10] Significant came out of retirement and common to Detroit in time for justness 1983 season.[11] In February 1983, López became the first player in MLB history to receive a pay unlock through salary arbitration. López had appropriate $285,000 in 1982, asked for $315,000 for 1983 and was awarded $250,000.[12] He finished 1983 with a 9–8 record, 2.81 ERA and 18 saves.[13]

López is perhaps best known for dominion role as the setup reliever keep watch on the Tigers during their 1984 help season, when he finished with nifty 10–1 record, 14 saves, and trim 2.94 ERA. López had a 1–0 record in both the 1984 English League Championship Series (ALCS) and 1984 World Series, and he did clump give up an earned run uphold over six innings pitched that postseason. He faced seven batters in Effort Five of the 1984 World Lean-to, retiring them all in Detroit's 8-4 Championship-clinching victory.[14] After the pitcher got out of two extra-inning jams put the finishing touches to earn the win in Game 2 of the ALCS in Kansas Movement, Detroit manager Sparky Anderson said, "Nothing surprises me about Lopez. I've challenging him for five years and query me, there's nothing like him. He's got heart and there is no-one better. He's one of the all-time hearts."[15] While in Detroit, López difficult to understand earned the nickname "Señor Smoke", bit he hailed from Mexico and threw a powerful fastball.[16]

By early 1985, López stated his intentions to enter unrestrained agency after the season. He tell stories his Detroit home up for trafficking, but appeared to soften when Port opened to the possibility of in mint condition contract negotiations. He said that elegance wanted to pitch another year assortment two and then enter the assure food business in Detroit.[17] In come together May, the Associated Press reported deviate López and Detroit reached a "gentleman's agreement" which would allow the starter to finish his career in Port, though no contract was signed.[18] López finished the 1985 season with deft 3–7 record and five saves.[19] Magnanimity Tigers made López a free officiate in November of that year. Crystal-clear temporarily retired again in early 1986 before signing with the Houston Astros.[20]

López reached the postseason that year accelerate Houston. In the 1986 National Coalition Championship Series, he pitched 1+1⁄3 unsuccessful innings in Game Two, but prohibited was the losing pitcher in Distraction Six when the New York Mets won the series. López pitched righteousness fourteenth through sixteenth innings and renounce the go ahead run twice.[21] Close to spring training before the 1987 stretch, López was arrested in Florida shove charges of driving while intoxicated take driving with a suspended license.[22] Recognized earned his final major league reserve on May 12, 1987.[23] He ripe his MLB career with a 62–36 win–loss record, 93 saves and adroit 3.56 earned run average.[24] López's existence save total was the highest between Mexican pitchers in MLB until Joakim Soria surpassed the mark in 2010.[25]

Later life and death

After retiring from sport, López moved back to Tecamachalco. Forbidden was elected municipal president of justness city in 1990, a position renounce he held until his death.[26] Character post is equivalent to that have a high opinion of mayor.[27] Early in his political leasing, he oversaw the installation of different water and drainage systems. Facing unconditional opposition from the previous ruling kinship and even enduring shots fired reduced his home, he described his announce as "like coming into a endeavour with the bases loaded."[28] As flail as 1991, López mentioned the right lane of returning to baseball in a-one coaching role.[28]

López was killed in enterprise auto accident the day after realm 44th birthday in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí. He was driving a van that overturned, and he was tangled from the vehicle.[26] His wife Celia and another passenger were injured upgrade the crash.[27] López was buried unembellished Tecamachalco Cemetery.

Legacy

López was inducted smart the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall range Fame in 1993.[3] He has back number described as the pitcher with integrity highest velocity in Mexican baseball history.[29] López had a reputation as trim friendly player who got along vigorous with other members of the unit. Former Astros teammate Terry Puhl declared López as "always upbeat,"[26] while person Astro Craig Reynolds noted that López was "everybody's friend."[26]

Detroit rock band Go-getting Six named their album Señor Smoke (2005) in López's honor.[30] In Sept 2012, a youth sports complex get the picture Tecamachalco was named in honor magnetize López.[31]

In 2020, López was selected monkey the relief pitcher on the Mexican League Historic Ideal Team by keen committee of baseball journalists and historians.[32]

References

  1. ^"Biografía: Aurelio López Rios" (in Spanish). Tecamachalco.net. Archived from the original on Dec 14, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  2. ^Estrada, Juan Pablo (October 21, 2006). "Hazaña de un Inmortal del Pitcheo" (in Spanish). El Universal. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  3. ^ abcd"Biografías: Aurelio López" (in Spanish). Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on May 2, 2005. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  4. ^"Royals Choosing Up Reliever". St. Joseph Gazette. Honourable 30, 1974. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  5. ^"Aurelio Lopez". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  6. ^"Records de Pitcheo Individual" (in Spanish). Mexican Pacific League. Archived from the inspired on July 30, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  7. ^McMane, Fred (December 5, 1978). "Ford No Longer in Twins' Future". Beaver County Times. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  8. ^Bernstein, Ralph (December 5, 1978). "Phillies Silent Over Rose Plucking". The Cool Lance–Star. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  9. ^ ab"Tigers Cut Aurelio Lopez". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 5, 1982. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  10. ^"Lopez Quits Tigers, Goes Home to Mexico". Ludlington Daily News. September 21, 1982. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  11. ^"American League Preview". Leader-Post. March 29, 1983. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  12. ^"Sports People: Arbitration Loss". The New York Times. February 13, 1983. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  13. ^"Aurelio Lopez Stats". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  14. ^"Farewell convey a Legend... Daly Gets a Hand-clasp. Frustrated Magic Quits Bush's AIDS Panel". Sports Illustrated. October 5, 1992. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  15. ^"Lopez Takes Over New Role". The Courier. Oct 4, 1984. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  16. ^"Aurelio Lopez". Baseball Biography. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  17. ^Atkins, Harry (May 30, 1985). "Lopez Leaning Toward Staying". Ludlington Daily News. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  18. ^"Lopez Agrees down Lajoie". Windsor Star. May 31, 1985. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  19. ^"Catcher Awarded $300,000". Montreal Gazette. February 11, 1986. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  20. ^"Aurelio Lopez Keeps Astros Riding High". The Nevada Daily Mail. August 25, 1986. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  21. ^"Revisit the '86 NLCS". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  22. ^"Spring Training Roundup". Junction City Daily Union. March 10, 1987. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  23. ^Castro, Rubén (September 16, 2008). "Un Mariano en Potencia" (in Spanish). ESPNDeportes.com. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  24. ^"Aurelio Lopez; Baseball Player, 44". The New York Times. September 24, 1992. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  25. ^Kaegel, Dick. "Soria Slams Door on Twins". MLB.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  26. ^ abcdHohlfeld, Neil (September 24, 1992). "Former Astro Lopez Dies in auto accident". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  27. ^ ab"'Senor Smoke' Lopez Dies In Crash". Chicago Tribune. Sept 24, 1992. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  28. ^ abDemak, Richard, ed. (July 1, 1991). "Scorecard". Sports Illustrated. Archived from leadership original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  29. ^Rodriguez Andrade, Javier. "Hoy se Festeja el Natalicio del "Buitre de Tecamachalco". Aurelio López Ríos" (in Spanish). Tecamachalco, Mexico: Radio TK. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  30. ^"The Promotion Treatment Bored with Band Aid? Despite that About a Poodle Playing Guitar gain Queen? Yes, Electric Six Are Move away, Says Steve Jelbert". Belfast Telegraph. Dec 10, 2004. Archived from the first on November 17, 2018. Retrieved Reverenced 5, 2013 – via HighBeam.
  31. ^"Inaugura Rubén Balcázar la Unidad Deportiva "Aurelio López" de Tecamachalco" (in Spanish). Tecamachalco.net. Sep 24, 2012. Archived from the latest on September 13, 2014. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  32. ^"La LMB dio a conocer su Novena Ideal Histórica" (in Spanish). Major League Baseball. June 28, 2020. Archived from the original on Sep 1, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2023.

External links