It was the top of the ninth, the Indians were down 5-2. Cleveland needed a rally this day, July 17, 1989, and Pete Dalena, put in as a pinch-hitter, did his best to get one started.With Jeff Reardon on the mound and one out, and on a no-ball, one-strike count, Dalena hit one to right field for a double.
The rally, however, was almost over before it began. Reardon set down the next two batters, locking down the Minnesota win.
Dalena's career was also almost over before it began. This was his sixth major league at-bat, his first major league hit. Dalena got one more at bat and his major league career was over.
Dalena was originally signed by the Yankees, drafted in the 27th round of the 1982 draft out of Fresno State. The Yankees selected him after gaining All American honors in 1981 as a designated hitter.
The infielder played that year at single-A, hitting .285 with 10 home runs. Dalena made AA Nashville in 1983 and then AAA Columbus briefly for 1984. He made AAA for good in 1985.
Dalena hit .305 with nine home runs that first year in 1985. In 1986, he hit .260 with 12 home runs. Two of those 1986 home runs came in one July game against Richmond. He also made the All-Star team that year.
Dalena stayed with the Yankees system at AAA through 1988, but he never got the call-up to the Bronx. Granted free agency, Dalena signed for 1989 with the Indians, finally getting his call to the bigs in July.
His first game came July 7, his last two weeks later.
One more year at AAA with the White Sox and the Twins systems and Dalena's playing days were done.
More recently, Dalena serves as the head baseball coach at San Joaquin Memorial in his hometown of Fresno. His team moved on in 2006 sectionals, with the help of a Dalena-called suicide squeeze, according to The Bakersfield Californian.
Dalena told The Californian he called for the squeeze after seeing the opposing pitcher. After the squeeze, Dalena's hitters woke up, winning 15-6
"I figured we were in for a barnburner when I saw the stuff he had warming up," Dalena told The Californian. "That was the best display of hitting I've seen against that type of pitcher. I'm glad we hit the way we did. That team never stopped playing."
- Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, July 22, 1986: Braves fall to Clippers, drop from league lead
- Bakersfield Californian, May 26, 2006: West falls short of section title
Cards Reviewed: 251/880 - 28.5%
Players/Coaches Reviewed: 256
Made the Majors: 174 - 68%
Never Made the Majors: 82 - 32%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 77
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 75
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