Ozzie Virgil, Sr.

Ozzie Virgil

utility player

Born: May 17, 1932 (1932-05-17) (age 76)
Batted: Right	Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 23, 1956 for the New York Giants
Final game
June 27, 1969 for the San Francisco Giants
Career statistics
Home Runs	14
RBIs	73
Batting Average	.231
Teams
New York Giants (1956-1957) Detroit Tigers (1958,1960-1961) Kansas City Athletics (1961) Baltimore Orioles (1962) Pittsburgh Pirates (1965) San Francisco Giants (1966,1969)
Career highlights and awards
first Dominican to play in Major League Baseball

Osvaldo José (Pichardo) Virgil (born May 17, 1932 in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic) is a former utility player who played in Major League Baseball between 1956 and 1969 for the New York Giants (1956-57), Detroit Tigers (1958, 1960-61), Kansas City Athletics (1961), Baltimore Orioles (1962), Pittsburgh Pirates (1965) and San Francisco Giants (1966, 1969). Basically a third baseman, Virgil played all positions except pitcher and center field. He batted and threw right handed.

In a nine-season major league career, Virgil posted a .231 batting average with 14 home runs and 73 RBI in 324 games played. He also played for the minor league Rochester Red Wings in the International League.^[1]

[edit] Facts

He has the distinction of being the first Dominican to play in Major League Baseball.^[1]
On June 6, 1958 he became the first black player to play for the Detroit Tigers.^[1]
He served in the U.S. Marines from 1950 to 1959.
His son, Ozzie Jr., also played in the majors.
Went 5-5 in his American League debut for Detroit.^{[citation needed]}