Frank Taveras

Franklin Crisostomo Taveras Fabian

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 168 lb.

• Debut September 25, 1971
• Final Game July 25, 1982
• Born December 24, 1949 in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Monte Cristi, D.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

Shortstop Frank Taveras was best known for his speed, and finished in the top three in the National League in stolen bases four times. Yet, in 1,150 big league games, he hit only 2 home runs.

Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to the 1968 season, Taveras had cups of coffee with the big league club in 1971 and 1972. He replaced Dal Maxvill as the team's regular shortstop in 1974, a role he held for the next five years. He did not hit his first career home run until August 5, 1977, when he connected for a grand slam off Doug Capilla of the Cincinnati Reds. His total of 1,594 at-bats before his first career homer has not been topped since. His game was based on speed and not on power, as he stole 70 bases in 1977 to lead the National League.

Early in the 1979 season, Taveras was traded to the New York Mets for Tim Foli and Greg Field, and that year he led the National League in games played with 164 (11 with Pittsburgh and 153 with New York). Following the 1981 season, he was dealt to the Montreal Expos, but after hitting just .161, he was released on August 13th and his playing days were over.

His son, Frank Taveras Jr., was a minor league player from 1993 to 2002.

Notable Achievements

• NL Stolen Bases Leader (1977)
• 50 Stolen Bases Seasons: 2 (1976 & 1977)

Related Sites

• Frank Taveras at the SABR Bio Project