Andrés Galarraga

At six-foot-three and 235 pounds (1.91 m, 117 kg), Galarraga began his professional career in Venezuela at age of 16. Despite several injuries that plagued Galarraga throughout his career, he was a very popular player both for his achievements on the field, and for his big and bright smile that was used to charm, greet, guard, and convince. He was nicknamed "The Big Cat" (El Gran Gato) for his extraordinary quickness at first base in spite of his big frame.

Highlights

• 5-time All-Star (1988, 1993, 1997-98, 2000)
• Led league in batting average (1993)
• Led league in homeruns (1996)
• Led league in runs batted in (1996-97)
• Led league in hits (1988)
• Led league in doubles (1988)
• Led league in total bases (1988)
• Twice Gold Glove Award (1989-90)
• 6-time Top 10 MLB Award (1988, 1993-94, 1996-98)
• Twice named by The Sporting News for the NL Silver Slugger team (1988, 1996)
• Named by The Sporting News for the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award (1993)
• Twice led league first basemen in double plays and total chances (1995-96)
• Led league first basemen in putouts (1995)