Elmo Plaskett

From BR Bullpen

Elmo Alexander Plaskett

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 5' 10", Weight 195 lb.

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Biographical Information[edit]

Elmo Plaskett was the fourth major leaguer from the Virgin Islands. Elmo had a sweet natural swing but did not have good hands; his main position wound up being catcher.

In 1962, his sixth year as a pro, he had an excellent season with the Single-A Asheville Tourists. He won the South Atlantic League batting title over future three-time AL batting champ Tony Oliva, .34979 to .34978. With 27 homers and 96 RBI to boot, he was named Player of the Year. That September, he came up to the Pittsburgh Pirates at a time when the regular behind the plate was Smoky Burgess. He got one more cup of coffee with the Pirates in early 1963, but thereafter remained in the minors through 1969, when he served as mentor to young Vida Blue.

Plaskett's greatest feats came in Puerto Rican winter ball with the Ponce Leones. In 1960-61, with 15 homers, 45 RBI, and a .328 batting average in 64 games, he became the second of four players to win Puerto Rico's Triple Crown. The others are Willard Brown (twice), Wally Joyner, and Hector Villanueva.

At home on St. Croix, Elmo then became a baseball specialist for the department of Housing, Parks, and Recreation. His partner was Horace Clarke. Two of the young men they instructed - Jerry Browne and Midre Cummings - went on to fairly sizable careers in the majors.

Notable Achievements[edit]

Related Sites[edit]