Tony Ordeñana

Who was Tony Ordeñana?

Antonio Ordeñana Rodríguez [Or-deh-nyahna] was a Major League Baseball shortstop who appeared in one game for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1943. The 5'9", 158 lb. rookie was a native of Guanabacoa, Cuba. His nickname was "Mosquito".

Ordeñana is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II. His major league debut was on October 3, 1943, and he was in the starting lineup at home against the Philadelphia Phillies for the last game of the season. The Pirates lost the game 11–3, but Ordeñana went 2-for-4 and drove in all three runs against starter and winner Rogers McKee. Ordeñana truly was a "one-game wonder"...excellent in the field as well as with the bat. He recorded two putouts, five assists, no errors, and participated in one double play.

Ordeñana died at the age of 69 in Miami, Florida.