1976 Topps #129 - Andy Etchebarren

• Andy Etchebarren had a long career (1962-1978) mostly as a backup catcher. He was a two-time All Star (1966 and 1967) and he played on two World Championship teams (1966 and 1970 Baltimore Orioles).

• Etchebarren started playing in the Baltimore system in 1961. He spent most of the 1962-1965 seasons in the minors. Andy didn't hit much in the minors, but he showed his excellence behind the plate. He played for part of a season for a team in the White Sox chain. Apparently he was on loan from the Orioles. Andy batted a few times for the Orioles in 1962 and 1965.

• Andy was in the majors to stay in 1966. He earned some MVP consideration in 1966 (17th place). He must have been a great defender, since he only batted .221 in 121 games. Andy hit 11 homers for the Orioles and made his first All-Star team.

• Etchebarren made the AL All Star team again in 1967 despite hitting only .215 in 112 games. It would be the last season that he would have over 300 at bats. From 1968-1975 Andy would be a part-time catcher for the Orioles. His best offensive season was 1971 (.270, 9 HR in 222 AB).

• Andy played in only eight games in 1975 was sold to the California Angels on June. He played 31 games for the Angels to finish off the season. Etchebarren got into 103 games for the Angels in 1976, the most playing time he had in years. He played in 80 games in 1977 and then was sold to the Milwaukee Brewers after the season. Andy played in four games in 1978 and then retired.

• Andy coached and managed in the minors after his playing career, mostly in the Baltimore Orioles system. He is now the hitting coach (!) of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, a team in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The team co-owned by Brooks Robinson.

• Here is a link to an audio file of an October 2008 interview with Andy.