Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Meet Your Hall of Famers: Chi-Chi Costilla

 


Bio:   Chi-Chi (his parents met at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant) was born in Angier, NC (Pop. 5253, 22 miles south of Raleigh).  After setting the North Carolina small school record for career batting average (.653) he attended Valparaiso University.  He was an All-American in his Senior season. 

Draft: Taken with the 3rd pick (Donald Miles 1st, Clarence Paul 2nd) in season 33 by Boston (NormanW5).  

Scout Anthony Becker- “Chi-Chi was not the biggest guy, he had some speed, but man could the KID HIT”

Career: Chi-Chi made his debut in Season 35 with Boston and played his full career with 3 organizations (Boston, New York, Hartford).  Over that time, he became a 9 time All-Star, and won an MVP award in Season 42.  He also won 3 Gold Gloves (LF, RF x2), 2 Silver Slugger Awards (2B, RF) and the World Series in Season 41 with Tampa Bay.  Although he won the MVP in Season 42 (.323, 28 HR, 122 RBI) his best season was Season 40 when was traded from Boston to Florida in midseason. That year he accumulated 38 HR, 153 RBI 131 R and hit .323 between the two organizations.  Over his career he had a lifetime BA .316 which totaled 2707 hits, 580 2B, 393 HR, 1600 RBI and 253 Stolen Bases.  He still holds Season records for New York with 49 2B (44), and Boston 54 2B (37).

Speech Highlight- “This day is the greatest of my career..because I am reminded of those that helped me get here.”

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