Otto Vélez

Otoniel Velez Franceschi
(Otto The Swatto)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 195 lb.

• Debut September 4, 1973
• Final Game August 7, 1983
• Born November 29, 1950 in Ponce, P.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

On May 4, 1980, hard-hitting slugger Otto Vélez hit four home runs in a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians at Exhibition Stadium. In the first game, he hit a grand slam in the 1st inning, followed by a two-run homer in the 8th, and a game-winning solo shot in the 10th. In the following contest, he clubbed a three-run home run in the 1st inning. Overall, he had 10 runs batted in that day.

Vélez played for the Caguas Creoles, Ponce Lions and Santurce Crabbers in the Puerto Rican Winter Baseball League. In the winter of 1977-1978, he hit 17 home runs, tying Roger Freed for the league lead.

Vélez coached with Puerto Rico in the 1992 Olympics, 1994 Baseball World Cup and 1995 Intercontinental Cup. He had previously played for Puerto Rico in the 1969 Amateur World Series. He is related to Jorge Roque and his son, also named Jorge Roque.

Notable Achievements

• 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1980)