Winston Llenas


Winston Enriquillo Llenas Dávila is a former Major League Baseball infielder/outfielder who played for the California Angels from 1968 to 1969, and again from 1972 to 1975. He also played one season in Japan for the Taiheiyo Club Lions in 1976.

Early life and family

Llenas was born to Rafael Antonio Llenas Díaz and Magda Aracelis Dávila; he had 4 brothers and 5 sisters. Winston’s paternal grandparents had Catalan roots.

Career

Llenas signed with the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent before the 1961 season, then was released by them on June 16, 1962. He had played in 153 games for the A's organization in the Sophomore League and the Florida State League, batting.232 and committing 60 errors. About months later, at age 19, he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Angels.
As Llenas grew older, he became a solid minor league hitter. He made his major league debut on August 15, 1968 against the Washington Senators at Anaheim Stadium. He started at third base, batted sixth in the lineup, and went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in a 3–1 win over starting pitcher Frank Bertaina. Typically, he made a throwing error on the first ground ball hit to him.
His best season was 1973, when he led the American League in pinch-hits and pinch-hit at-bats. He also had career highs in games played, batting average, and runs batted in. He was used quite often as a pinch-hitter throughout his MLB career. The most games he started at any one position was at third base. His best position, however, was second base, where he handled 111 total chances without making a single error.
Career totals for 300 games include a.230 batting average, 3 HR, 61 RBI, and 50 runs scored.
In the Dominican Winter League he has been a champion in 19 of the 20 crowns of Aguilas Cibaeñas as a player, manager, general manager and president.
In 2008, Llenas gained induction into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its 12th Class.

Facts