Putsy Caballero, American baseball player, Died at 89

  Sports

Ralph Joseph “Putsy” Caballero was born on November 5, 1927, and died on December 8, 2016.

He was an infielder in Major League Baseball.

He played eight seasons in Major League Baseball, all for the Philadelphia Phillies during the Whiz Kids era, and holds the record as the youngest person in major league history to appear at third base.

When he graduated high school at age 16, the Phillies signed Caballero to a contract worth $10,000.

Following a few short stints at the major league level and playing parts of three seasons in the minor leagues, Caballero was named the starter at third base in 1948.

During his one season as an everyday player, Caballero batted .245 in 380 plate appearances at age 20.

Following another stint in the minors in 1949, he was a backup infielder, pinch hitter, and pinch runner for the 1950 season, and continued in that role through 1952.

Following three more seasons in the minors, Caballero retired from baseball after the 1955 season.

After his baseball career, Caballero worked as an exterminator.

Caballero’s Louisiana home was destroyed in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, and he then lived in Lakeview, New Orleans.

Putsy Caballero passed away at 89 years old.