Luis Aponte

Luis Eduardo Aponte Yuripe

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.

• Debut September 4, 1980
• Final Game July 6, 1984
• Born June 14, 1953 in El Tigre, Anzoategui, Venezuela

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Biographical Information

Luis Aponte had a short career as a middle reliever for the Boston Red Sox between 1980 and 1983 and with the Cleveland Indians in 1984. After his major league playing days, he played in Mexico and Venezuela.

Aponte played in the longest game in baseball history while a member of Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox in 1981. He pitched the 7th through 10th innings of the 33-inning contest against the Rochester Red Wings, did not give up a hit, and struck out nine batters. The game was suspended after the 32nd inning at 4:09 A.M. with the teams still tied. When Aponte got home at 5 A.M., Mrs. Aponte didn't believe Luis' cockamamie story that he'd been playing baseball all night long (can you blame her?) and refused to let him in the house. Aponte returned to the ballpark and slept that morning in the clubhouse.

In 1983, Aponte's wallet was stolen while he was shopping in Cleveland. When he returned to the store the next day, he learned his wallet had been returned, less $480, but with a note that read, "Dear Mr. Aponte, Thank you very much for the money. I hope you have a fine career."

He started his career in the Venezuelan Winter League in 1973-74, and his last season was 1996-97. In 18 seasons, had a 54-39 record, a 2.98 ERA, and 73 saves in 373 games. He pitched exclusively for the Cardenales de Lara except for 1996-97, which was with the Caribes de Anzoategui.

Aponte later became a Cleveland Indians scout. He signed Maicer Izturis, Niuman Romero, Edward Mujica and Eider Torres.

Related Sites

• Luis Aponte at the SABR Bio Project
• Luis Aponte at the Registro Historico Estadistico Del Beisbol Profesional Venezolano