Rich Garcés

Richard Alan Garcés Mendoza
(El Guapo)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 250 lb.
• High School Liceo Jose Felix Rivas
• Debut September 18, 1990
• Final Game July 20, 2002
• Born May 18, 1971 in Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Rich Garcés was signed as a free agent for the Minnesota Twins by scout Enrique Brito on December 29, 1987.

The rotund right-hander returned to the Boston Red Sox organization in 2005 with the GCL Red Sox of the Gulf Coast League in a comeback attempt. He then pitched in the Can-Am Association with the Nashua Pride in 2006 and 2007 and with the Potros de Tijuana in the Mexican League in 2007, but never made it back to the big leagues. He is the brother of Jesus Garces.

Garces was a long-time star in the Venezuelan League. He was Pitcher of the Year in 1994-1995, Closer of the Year four times (1994-1995, 1995-1996 in a tie with Tony Phillips), 2006-2007, 2007-2008; Jay Baller had been the only prior three-time winner) and Comeback Player of the Year twice (1993-1994 and 2004-2005). He was the first pitcher in league annals to top 100 saves, retiring with 124; through 2013-2014, Francisco Butto was second with 86.