no. 249 - chico salmon

Who is the man: Ruthford "Chico" Salmon was entering his third season with the Orioles in 1971, utilized mostly as a pinch-hitter and infield sub.

Can ya dig it: Bat. Check. Ball. Check. Glove. Check. Salmon has everything he needs to do work.

Right on: Second straight dugout shot!

You see this cat Salmon is a bad mother: Aside from being petrified of ghosts and snakes, Salmon is most known for playing all over the field -- evidenced by the "infield" designation on his card. He played every position except for pitcher and catcher. In 1970, he played 33 games at short, 12 at second, 11 at third and two at first. But that was nothing compared with 1968 and 1969 when he added the outfield to those four positions.

Shut your mouth: Although a well-rounded fielder, he wasn't blessed with good hands. When asked what his best position was, Salmon said, "at-bat."

No one understands him but his woman: Salmon was nearly the first Panamanian native to make an All-Star squad in 1966 after a strong start, but Jim Fregosi and Rico Petrocelli were selected over him.

(A word about the back): Salmon's single in Game 2 of the 1970 World Series triggered a five-run rally in the fifth inning that gave the Orioles a 6-4 lead over the Reds. They'd wind up winning Game 2, 6-5. It was his only World Series at-bat.