That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies: Players who started here but had great success elsewhere

By Kerry Kauffman

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)
COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
PITTSBURGH – 1990: Mike LaValliere #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on as he stands outside the on deck circle during a 1990 MLB season game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – 1990: Mike LaValliere #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on as he stands outside the on deck circle during a 1990 MLB season game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

Mike LaValliere

Mike LaValliere was a 20-year old out of Charlotte, North Carolina when he made his professional debut in 1981.  A solid average hitter with minimal power, LaValliere made it through the minor league ranks as an excellent defensive catcher and made his Major League debut with the Phillies on September 9, 1984.

He appeared in just six games during the month, going 0-for-7  with two walks and two strikeouts.

After being sent to the Cardinals for future considerations on December 3, 1984,  LaValliere returned to the Phillies ten days later before being granted free agency. The Cardinals signed LaValliere on January 23, 1985.

LaValliere has two substandard seasons with the Cardinals before being dealt to the Pirates along with Andy Van Slyke and Mike Dunne for Tony Pena.  In 1986, LaValliere hit .300 and was recognized for his defense, earning his only Gold Glove Award.   He had another .300+ season in 1989, hitting .316 in 68 games. After three more seasons with the Pirates, LaValliere was released by the Pirates early in the 1993 season.

The White Sox signed LaValliere shortly after his release and he became a solid veteran backup for the team through the 1995 season. Granted free agency following the season, LaValliere retired with .268 average and 663 hits in 879 games.

Home/Phillies All-Time Lists