Jorge Lebrón

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Jorge Lebrón

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 5' 10", Weight 152 lb.

BR Minors page

Biographical Information[edit]

When SS Jorge Lebrón made his professional debut with the Auburn Phillies of the New York-Penn League on August 10, 1974, he became the youngest regular player in the minor league history, at age 14. There had been a few one-off appearances by younger players before him, such as George Diggins and Charlie Reliford, but Lebrón was actually under contract as a player. Needless to say, his signing created a stir at the time. He was offered a $37,500 signing bonus by scout Ruben Amaro - a significant amount for the time - when he was signed on July 15th. He joined the team a few days later and went 0 for 5 in two games before returning to Puerto Rico where he was still in junior high school. His presence attracted a fair number of journalists and reporters to Falcon Park. His pro debut was even featured in People Magazine. Manager Larry Rojas, who also served as the kid's interpreter, deliberately kept him out of the regular line-up for three weeks after he joined the team so he and other instructors could work on the youngster's skills. The rules would later be changed to prohibit the signing of any player under the age of 16.

He returned in 1975 to play 33 games as a third baseman for the Pulaski Phillies of the Appalachian League hitting .253 but with just 3 extra-base hits, for a slugging percentage of .286. In his final season, 1976, he was still just 16 and played 43 games back with Auburn. He hit .248 with his first and only professional homer and 13 RBIs. He displayed a very good eye at the plate, drawing 33 walks for an OBP of .406, but he never played professional baseball again after that. His defensive numbers were poor both years he played at third base, with a fielding percentage below .900 both years. He reportedly had contract issues with the team after his final season and was suspended as a result. Apparently, being signed at a very young age had gone to his head, and he never really worked to improve on the impressive set of skills he had displayed as a young teenager, put on weight, and faded away as a result.

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