The Molina Brothers
How can three brothers all have stand out careers in Major League Baseball? This seems to be so outlandish that it could not be true. However, Bengie (born July 20, 1974 - age 38), Jose (born June 3, 1975 - age 37), and Yadier (born July 13, 1982 - age 30) are three brothers who are living this reality. In fact, all three brother played and two continue to play the most gruelling position on the diamond, that being catcher.
Benjamin (Bengie) or "Big Money" broke into the Majors on September 21st, 1998 for the Anaheim Angels. He had a career batting average of .274, knocked out 144 home runs to go along with 711 RBI's. He played for the Anaheim Angels and stayed with them as they became the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, then played for the Toronto Blue Jays (2006), the San Francisco Giants (2007–2010), and finished in the heat of Arlington with the Texas Rangers (2010). He was a two time Gold Glove Award winner (2002, 2003), as well as a two time A.L. leader in Caught Stealing Against Percentage (2002, 2003).
Jose arrived in the majors on Sept. 6, 1999 for the Chicago Cubs. He played for the Cubs (1999), Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2001–2007), New York Yankees (2007–2009), Toronto Blue Jays (2010–2011), Tampa Bay Rays (2012–present). His stats are as follows: career batting average of .238 with 37 home runs, and 195 RBI's. Although Jose is the least offensive catcher of the three brothers, he has been and still is known for his defensive prowess behind the plate.
Yadier (or "Yadi") is the youngest of the three. He debuted on the big stage on June 1, 2004 for the St. Louis Cardinals, the same team is still catching for. In fact, these Cardinals are presently leading the NLCS 2 games to 1 over the San Francisco Giants. Yadier is arguably the most decorated of the three brothers in terms of Major League success (although Bengie has experienced more offensive production). Growing up and watching his two older brothers play the game in the manner in which they did automatically placed Yadier at an advantage. Third time's the charm for the Molina Bros.. Yadi's career stats are impressive.
Career batting average - .279
Hits - 1,022
Doubles - 182
Home runs - 77
RBI's (runs batted in) - 466
OPS (on base plus slugging %) - .730
Furthermore, Yadier is a 4 time consecutive All-Star (2009-2012) as well as a 4 time consecutive Gold Glove Winner (2008-2011). He is also a 3 time National League Champion (2004, 2006, 2011) and is searching for a fourth National League Pennant, and is currently 2 wins away.
In terms of World Series Championships, remarkably each brother has won the World Series! Yadier has won twice (2006, 2011) and as mentioned earlier is on quest for his third. He is among only Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra as the only catchers to appear in the World Series twice before they turned 25. Jose won in 2002 with the L.A. Angels of Anaheim, and then again in 2009 with the New York Yankees. Bengie won alongside his brother, Jose in L.A. in 2002. Bengie was the regular starter while Jose backed him up.
To experience this much success in the Major Leagues three times over is truly stunning! The three brothers have 5 World Series rings between them! The Molina Brothers are the pride of Puerto Rico and easily are in a league of their own.
Benjamin (Bengie) or "Big Money" broke into the Majors on September 21st, 1998 for the Anaheim Angels. He had a career batting average of .274, knocked out 144 home runs to go along with 711 RBI's. He played for the Anaheim Angels and stayed with them as they became the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, then played for the Toronto Blue Jays (2006), the San Francisco Giants (2007–2010), and finished in the heat of Arlington with the Texas Rangers (2010). He was a two time Gold Glove Award winner (2002, 2003), as well as a two time A.L. leader in Caught Stealing Against Percentage (2002, 2003).
Jose arrived in the majors on Sept. 6, 1999 for the Chicago Cubs. He played for the Cubs (1999), Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2001–2007), New York Yankees (2007–2009), Toronto Blue Jays (2010–2011), Tampa Bay Rays (2012–present). His stats are as follows: career batting average of .238 with 37 home runs, and 195 RBI's. Although Jose is the least offensive catcher of the three brothers, he has been and still is known for his defensive prowess behind the plate.
Yadier (or "Yadi") is the youngest of the three. He debuted on the big stage on June 1, 2004 for the St. Louis Cardinals, the same team is still catching for. In fact, these Cardinals are presently leading the NLCS 2 games to 1 over the San Francisco Giants. Yadier is arguably the most decorated of the three brothers in terms of Major League success (although Bengie has experienced more offensive production). Growing up and watching his two older brothers play the game in the manner in which they did automatically placed Yadier at an advantage. Third time's the charm for the Molina Bros.. Yadi's career stats are impressive.
Career batting average - .279
Hits - 1,022
Doubles - 182
Home runs - 77
RBI's (runs batted in) - 466
OPS (on base plus slugging %) - .730
Furthermore, Yadier is a 4 time consecutive All-Star (2009-2012) as well as a 4 time consecutive Gold Glove Winner (2008-2011). He is also a 3 time National League Champion (2004, 2006, 2011) and is searching for a fourth National League Pennant, and is currently 2 wins away.
In terms of World Series Championships, remarkably each brother has won the World Series! Yadier has won twice (2006, 2011) and as mentioned earlier is on quest for his third. He is among only Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra as the only catchers to appear in the World Series twice before they turned 25. Jose won in 2002 with the L.A. Angels of Anaheim, and then again in 2009 with the New York Yankees. Bengie won alongside his brother, Jose in L.A. in 2002. Bengie was the regular starter while Jose backed him up.
To experience this much success in the Major Leagues three times over is truly stunning! The three brothers have 5 World Series rings between them! The Molina Brothers are the pride of Puerto Rico and easily are in a league of their own.
Even more amazing is the fact that the three Alou brothers -- Jesus, Felipe, and Matty -- at one time were the starting outfield for the SF Giants.
ReplyDeleteThat is remarkable! I grew up an Expos fan, so I remember Felipe coaching Moises for many years as well as Mel Rojas (Felipe, Jesus, and Matty's nephew). Thanks for the comment!
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