RIP Andy Etchebarren

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Long time Baltimore Orioles catcher, player on world championship teams in Baltimore, played for the Angels 1975-77. I saw him catch at the Big A in 1975, the first time that I ever went there. Dead at 76.

‘A terrific teammate’: Ex-Orioles catcher Andy Etchebarren, member of ’66 and ’70 championship teams, dies at 76

I remember seeing him catch both games of a doubleheader for the Rochester Red Wings at Jacksonville in the 1960s on a typically muggy evening. 

[Stradling]

Super odd coincidence.  I spent the last couple days in Havasu with Andy’s cousin.  I told her about his passing on our drive home yesterday.   

[eligrba]

I still have his card when he played for the Angels.

[tdawg87]

15 minutes ago, Stradling said:

Super odd coincidence.  I spent the last couple days in Havasu with Andy’s cousin.  I told her about his passing on our drive home yesterday.   

That sounds like a fun drive home.

[Stradling]

3 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

That sounds like a fun drive home.

She was unfazed.  

[AngelsLakersFan]

26 minutes ago, Stradling said:

She was unfazed.  

Maybe she's guilty...

[tdawg87]

26 minutes ago, Stradling said:

She was unfazed.  

You could say her emotions were...Etchebarren.

[Stradling]

I think it is one of those, "were cousins, but we don't know each other" type of situations.  Plus he was probably 35-40 years older than her.  Oh and their basque, so probably sketchy.  

[disarcina]

Back when defensive catchers meant something in the game -- not that they don't now -- but back during the era that Andy E caught - catchers were prized more for their defense and while. a few had offensive pop - the better ones were the guys who could handle the pitchers well.

speaking of which -- noticing that the soon to be repeat World Champion Astros have Martin Maldonado behind the plate in the post season for them.

what a great trade for them to get him back -- still not sure why the Angels did not sign him during the off-season when he was available again,

We would then have Maldonado and the guy we got for him (Sandoval) in the trade with Houston. I thought the trade for Sandoval was great but didn't realize at the time time, we'd be in a position to re-sign Maldonado before the 2019 season -- he wen tot KC then Chicago Cubs and now is starting in the playoffs for the Astros -- making their already good pitching staff better.

[disarcina]

Palmer, Cuellar, Phoebus, Wally Bunker ?? who am I missing ?  O's had - I think 4 20 game winners back when Andy E was catching the staff.

[disarcina]

the cousin is probably tired of guys saying "Andy Etchebarren?"  Really?  and reeling off stats (like the 4 starters who won 20 games in one season).....

although these days, younger fans don't follow the players and stats as in the past -- so if anyone says that to her -- it's the dinosaurs.

[disarcina]

if I would have read the link -- Dave McNally was the other starter on that O's staff.

[greginpsca]

I played golf with Andy a couple of times. Good guy. He use to own a liquor store and a fitness gym in Hacienda Heights.

[fanfromday1]

1 hour ago, greginpsca said:

  He use to own a liquor store and a fitness gym in Hacienda Heights.

I wonder which business had the most client's?

[lbjames]

Back in 1971, when I was a kid, they held an autograph session at Andy Etchebarren's liquor store in Hacienda Heights.  The Orioles were in town to play the Angels.  It was mobbed with kids and I remember waiting in line a long time.  But I was able to get a ball autographed by Brooks Robinson, Dave McNally, Jim Palmer, Davey Johnson and Etchebarren.  I still have it somewhere. 

[LAA Road Tripper]

Pat Dobson. 20 game winner number 4.

[Stradling]

14 minutes ago, azmancini said:

Dude- what does being Basque have to do with anything?

Dude it was a joke and in this case it had to do with Andy and his cousin, my friend.  

[Fish Oil]

4 hours ago, disarcina said:

Palmer, Cuellar, Phoebus, Wally Bunker ?? who am I missing ?  O's had - I think 4 20 game winners back when Andy E was catching the staff.

Palmer, Cuellar, Pat Dobson, and Dave McNally.

[Lou]

I know a basque chick. 

She's incredibly sketchy.

[Stradling]

1 hour ago, Lou said:

I know a basque chick. 

She's incredibly sketchy.

What’s basque got to do with it?  Asking for a guy from Az....

[Slegnaac]

I remember Andy from both the O's and the Angels during the 70's. 

Sad to hear he passed so young.

RIP Andy

[T.G.]

One of those unforgettable names

[Docwaukee]

35 minutes ago, Stradling said:

What’s basque got to do with it?  Asking for a guy from Az....

he doesn't post from there though.  

[Lou]

lol 

[Docwaukee]

2 hours ago, azmancini said:

No, actually spend quite a bit of time in Madrid and Salau. 

 

1 hour ago, azmancini said:

Words from the insecure “doc” that feels compelled to brag about his 4 Porches! LOL... can’t get over how cliche that is

 

lol.