Arnie Portocarrero

Who was Arnie Portocarrero?

Arnold Mario Portocarrero, was a professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1954-1960. He would play for the Philadelphia Athletics, Kansas City Athletics, and Baltimore Orioles. In 1954, his first year in the majors, he was a franchise hope for the Athletics who were in desperate shape both on the field and financially. It was hoped that the team might be good enough to improve attendance in Philadelphia's Shibe Park. The year before, some A's games had fewer than 2000 in the stands. But the Athletics did not improve, nor did gate receipts. The team was sold to Kansas City interests by the 1955 season. Portocarrero continued to pitch with KC and then with Baltimore. His best year was 1958 with a weak Baltimore team, the once St. Louis Browns. He had 15 wins with 11 losses.