Rafael Batista

Who was Rafael Batista?

Rafael Batista Sánchez was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.

Batista was signed by the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent before the 1965 season, and drafted by the Houston Astros from the Atlanta Braves in the 1967 minor league draft. He played for the Astros in 1973 and 1975.

During his two short stints with Houston, he got into a total of 22 games, mostly as a pinch hitter. He batted .280 and was excellent in the field. In eight appearances at first base he recorded twenty-six putouts, one assist, no errors, and participated in one double play. In his one big league start he went 0–for–4 against San Diego Padres starter and winner Clay Kirby. He later was acquired by the Cafeteros de Cordoba of the Mexican League before the 1976 season, and never again played in the Major Leagues.

Batista died in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at the age of 61.