Meet Your Hall of Famer: Fautino Saenz

 

Bio:   Fautino Saenz was born in San Juan De La Maguana, DO (Pop. 169,032 located in western region of Dominican Republic founded in 1503.).  He was the starting catcher for the Junior Olympic team where he earned all-tournament honors. 

International Signing: Signed for 6.5 million (8^th highest that year) by Louisville (xmasjjm)

Scout Paul McKnight: “Fautino was average catcher that had above average power but had great control of the strike zone and hits righties exceptionally well.  His intangibles are what set him apart.  He had great makeup and was the on-field manager.”

Manager (xmasjjm): “I was elated that I had just enough cash to sign him late as an IFA.  His bat and plate discipline were lineup changing as he was in the heart of many playoff and championship teams.  Truly a difference making hitter.  Was he the best defensively, no, but that’s what backup defensive catchers are for! Hell of a career.”

Career: Saenz was signed in Season 33 by Louisville and broke into the Majors for one game in season 35. He went 1-2 with a 2-run homer and 2 BB.  He played his entire 22 pro baseball career with Louisville.  During his time, he was a 10-time All-Star, 7 Silver Slugger (37, 40, 41, 44, 46, 47,49) and won 2 Gold Glove Award (42, 46). He was also on 3 World Series Champion teams (38, 40, 44). His best season was Season 47 when he had an .323 AVG, 1.001 OPS, 84 R, 142 H, 19 2B, 4 3B, 28 HR and 80 RBI.  Over his Career he accumulated stats of .300 AVG, .886 OPS, 1331 R, 2413 H, 339 2B, 15 3B, 357 HR, 1286 RBI, and 1227 BB.  He still holds the career record for Louisville for with 1436 walks.

Speech Highlight: “I did not really worry about myself, I just wanted to make everyone else and the team better.” 

Meet Your Hall of Famers: John Lofton

 

Bio:   John Lofton was born in San Antonio, TX (Pop. 1,434,625).  He attended Lutheran High School (Nickname: Mustangs) where he was a 2-sport athlete (Football and Baseball).  At Lutheran, he was a 2-year starter for the Mustangs (6-Man football smallest classification).  In baseball he set a small school record with 12 homeruns in only 18 games. 

Draft: Was the 7th pick in Season 36 by Jacksonville (b2goofy). 

Scout Paul McKnight- “John is not the biggest player but gets everything out of his swing.  Big time power and great speed.  Fielding is ok but not great.  Could play 1B or COF.  Should project to be an All-Star with his bat.”

Career: Lofton was drafted in Season 36 by Jacksonville and broke into the Majors late in Season 39.  During his career he played most of his career in Jacksonville/Houston (13 seasons), and Louisville (5 seasons).  During his time, he was a 4-time Most Valuable Player (44, 45, 46, 48), 4-time All-Star, 5 Silver Slugger (40, 44, 45, 46, 48) and won a Gold Glove Award (48). It is interesting how he won an MVP in Season 48 when he was not an All-Star.  His best season was Season 46 when he was a 40-40 player with 51 Homeruns and 40 stolen bases.  He also added an .316 AVG, 1.102 OPS, 118 R, 173 H, 34 2B, 9 3B, and 137 RBI.  Over his Career he accumulated stats of .299 AVG, .960 OPS, 1454 R, 2270 H, 408 2B, 100 3B, 529 HR, 1544 RBI, 829 BB, and 325 SB.  He still holds season records Jacksonville/Houston organization of 59 HR (44), 146 RBI (44), and 13 3B (40).  He also has career records of 985 R, 245 SB and 68 3B.

Speech Highlight- “I have been able to live the perfect baseball dream, from 1^st rounder, to All-Star, to MVP, to Hall of Fame.  I owe a lot of people who helped me along the way.”