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Sal Fasano

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Sal Fasano
Fasano as manager for the Lansing Lugnuts in 2010.
Catcher / Coach
Born: (1971-08-10) August 10, 1971 (age 53)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 3, 1996, for the Kansas City Royals
Last MLB appearance
September 14, 2008, for the Cleveland Indians
MLB statistics
Batting average.221
Home runs47
Runs batted in140
Teams
As player
As coach
Career highlights and awards

Salvatore Frank Fasano (/fəˈsɑːnoʊ/; born August 10, 1971) is an American former professional baseball catcher, who played for nine different Major League Baseball (MLB) teams over his 11-year big league career. Upon retiring as a player, he became a coach within the Toronto Blue Jays organization between 2010 and 2016. After coaching for a single season within the Los Angeles Angels minor league system, Fasano joined the major league coaching staff of the Atlanta Braves.

Jeff Pearlman of ESPN.com said of Fasano: "When I think of Sal Fasano, however, I think of greatness. Not of Willie Mays or Ted Williams greatness, but of a uniquely excellent human being who, were class and decency the most valued standards of a career, would be the easiest Hall of Fame inductee of all time."[1]

Professional career

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Kansas City Royals

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After three seasons in the minor leagues, Fasano made his Major League debut on April 3, 1996, for the Royals. He finished the game 0-for-3 in a 7–1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.[2] He spent the next three seasons splitting catching duties with starter Mike Macfarlane and rising prospect Mike Sweeney. In 1998, he established career highs in at bats (216) and runs batted in (RBIs) (31).[3] He also ranked second in the American League in HBPs with 16.[4] In his first four seasons with the Royals, Fasano batted .219 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI.[3]

Oakland Athletics

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The Oakland Athletics acquired Fasano from the Royals in exchange for cash considerations on March 31, 2000.[5] He was named the team's backup catcher behind starter Ramón Hernández. Fasano helped the A's capture the American League West division crown that season, and made his, to date, only post season appearance as a defensive replacement.[6] While with Oakland, Fasano says, he came to realize that many players around him were taking anabolic steroids, and briefly considered following suit, but he decided against it.[7] In 63 total games with the Athletics, Fasano hit .190 with seven home runs and 19 RBI.[3]

Return to Kansas City

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On May 22, 2001, the Royals purchased Fasano's contract from the Athletics.[8] He appeared in only three games for the Royals during his second stint, and went hitless in his lone at-bat.[3]

Colorado Rockies

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On June 24, 2001, Fasano and Mac Suzuki were traded to the Colorado Rockies for Brent Mayne.[9] In 25 games for the Rockies, Fasano hit .254 with three home runs and 9 RBI.[3]

2002–2005

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On January 11, 2002, Fasano signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[10] and was released on June 1.[3] On June 6, he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.[3] On July 31, Fasano and Alex Ochoa were traded to the Anaheim Angels for Jorge Fabregas and a player to be named later.[11] Fasano played in only two games for the Angels, going 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout.[3] On November 4, 2002, he was released by the Angels.[12] He did not play baseball at any level in 2003, and on January 14, 2004, signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.[3] Fasano appeared in 76 games for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 2004, and hit .229 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI.[13]

Fasano was released by the Yankees organization on October 15, 2004.[3] On December 16, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles.[3] Fasano appeared in 64 games for them during the 2005 season, and arguably had the best season of his Major League career, hitting .250 with 11 home runs and 20 RBI.[3] He became a free agent on October 15, 2005.[14]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On December 1, 2005, Fasano signed a one-year, $425,000 contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.[15] Fasano began 2006 as a backup to Mike Lieberthal. His distinctive Fu Manchu mustache earned him the cult admiration of Phillies fans, who began a Phan Phavorites fan club called Sal's Pals.[16] Fasano showed his gratitude by buying the group pizza.[17] Fasano began to see more playing time as Lieberthal got injured, eventually taking over the starting role.[18] However, when rookie backstop Chris Coste emerged in Lieberthal's absence, it left Fasano as the odd catcher out on the Phillies' roster. He was designated for assignment on July 22.[19] In 50 games for the Phillies, Fasano hit .243 with four home runs and 10 RBI.[3]

New York Yankees

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On July 26, 2006, Fasano was acquired by the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league infielder Hector Made.[20][21] One of Fasano's first acts as a Yankee was to trim his facial hair in accordance with the Yankees' personal appearance policy. He spent the late summer and September as a back-up to Jorge Posada and did not appear in the Yankees' four-game loss to the Detroit Tigers in the Division Series.[22] On August 19, 2006, Fasano made his first career pinch-running appearance, taking the place of Posada during a 13–5 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. During that game, Fasano nearly picked off Manny Ramirez after blocking the plate and denying the Red Sox another run.[23] In 28 games for the Yankees, Fasano batted .143 with one home run and 5 RBI.[3]

Toronto Blue Jays

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Fasano agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 17, 2007, and was invited to Major League spring training.[24] On April 26, the Blue Jays purchased Fasano's contract from Triple-A Syracuse of the International League in order to fill a void left by an injury to Gregg Zaun.[25] During this time, he shared catching responsibilities with Jason Phillips. His first at bat as a Blue Jay came against the Texas Rangers on April 28.[26] Following the return of Zaun, the Blue Jays designated Fasano for assignment on June 13.[27] He returned to Syracuse on June 19.[28]

On September 4, Fasano was recalled by the Blue Jays.[29] He had a .178 average with a home run and 4 RBI in 16 games during his brief stint as a replacement for the injured Zaun.[3] He finished the season as a member of the Blue Jays 40-man roster and the back-up to Zaun and Curtis Thigpen.

On December 14, 2007, Fasano re-signed with the Blue Jays on a minor league contract.[30] On March 25, 2008, Fasano was released by the Blue Jays.[31]

Atlanta Braves

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On April 11, 2008, Fasano signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Richmond Braves.[3] In 26 games for Richmond, Fasano hit .193 with two home runs and 9 RBI.[13]

Cleveland Indians

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On June 19, 2008, Fasano was traded by the Braves to the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later and assigned to the Major League team as a backup for Kelly Shoppach with Víctor Martínez on the disabled list.[32] In 15 games for the Indians in 2008, Fasano batted .261 with 6 RBI.[3]

Return to Colorado

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Fasano playing for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in 2009

On February 10, 2009, Fasano signed a minor league deal to return to the Rockies. He was also extended an invitation to Major League spring training.[33] Fasano played the entire 2009 season in Triple-A, batting .236 with four home runs and 21 RBI in 61 games for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox,[13] and retired at the end of the season.[3]

Coaching career

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On November 25, 2009, Fasano returned to the Blue Jays organization, accepting a managerial position with their Single-A affiliate, the Lansing Lugnuts, leading the 2010 team to a season record of 70–69 (.504).[34][35]

On November 28, 2010, Fasano accepted the position as the manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.[36]

In 2011, Fasano was named Double-A Manager of the Year for leading the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to an Eastern League championship win.[37] During the offseason, Fasano was given the position of Roving Catching Instructor in Player Development. Gary Allenson was named manager of the Fisher Cats.[38]

After being dismissed from the Blue Jays staff, Fasano became the manager for the Mobile BayBears for the 2017 season.[39] The season ended with a record of 64–75 (.460).[13]

In the fall of 2017, Fasano took a job as the catching instructor for the Atlanta Braves.[40] On October 10, 2024, the Braves announced that Fasano would not return for the 2025 season, and that his position would not be filled.[41][42]

Personal life

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Fasano is the son of Vincent and Nella Fasano, Italian immigrants who settled in the Chicago area. He graduated from Hoffman Estates High School in Illinois, and played baseball collegiately at the University of Evansville, and is married to Kerri Kubinski, who was a volleyball player at Evansville.[43] Fasano is a born-again Christian; he was introduced to spirituality by Kansas City teammate Keith Lockhart and credits religion with curtailing his desire to drink. Fasano and his wife have three children: Vincenzo, Angelo, and Santino. Santino was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and was successfully operated on.[44]

References

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  1. ^ Pearlman, Jeff (April 6, 2007). "Pearlman: A guy we'll miss – ESPN Page 2". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  2. ^ "Kansas City Royals vs Baltimore Orioles Box Score: April 3, 1996". Baseball Reference. April 3, 1996. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Sal Fasano Statistics and History". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  4. ^ "1998 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Kahrl, Christina (April 3, 2000). "Transaction Analysis: March 23-31, 2000". Baseball Prospectus. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  6. ^ "Sal Fasano Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  7. ^ Pearlman, Jeff. "Mr. Clean". Reader's Digest, August 2008, pp. 133–137.
  8. ^ "Royals get Fasano from Athletics". United Press International. May 22, 2001. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  9. ^ "Colorado trade Mayne to Royals". Houston Chronicle. Associated Press. June 25, 2001. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  10. ^ "6 Sign Minors Contracts With D-Rays". Connecticut Insider. January 27, 2002. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  11. ^ "Trade Central". ESPN. July 31, 2002. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  12. ^ "Angels Release Sal Fasano". The Edwardsville Intelligencer. November 4, 2002. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d "Sal Fasano Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  14. ^ "Sal Fasano Trades and Transactions". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  15. ^ "Thursday roundup: Cubs deal reliever to Red Sox". ESPN. Associated Press. December 1, 2005. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  16. ^ "Sal's Pals More Entertaining Than Phillies". NBC Sports Philadelphia. April 21, 2006. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  17. ^ Mallozzi, Vincent M. (September 3, 2006). "Everybody loves Sal". The New York Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023. Sal's Pals drove to Yankee Stadium from Philadelphia every day from Aug. 11 to 17 and saw Fasano play in only three games. They have also traveled to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Washington and Toronto to see him play. Their loyalty has been rewarded. During an April game against the Marlins, Fasano had 20 large pizzas delivered to about 40 of his Pals in the right-field stands at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. As the pizzas were served, Italian music filled the ballpark, and the scoreboard flashed, "Sal Fasano would like to offer these pizzas to Sal's Pals.
  18. ^ "Lieberthal may be headed back to disabled list". The Morning Call. June 10, 2006. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Shenk, Larry (July 23, 2006). "Tough Time for Sal". Medium. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  20. ^ "Yankees acquire catcher Sal Fasano from Philadelphia Phillies for Minor League infielder Hector Made; Designate catcher Kelly Stinnett for assignment". New York Yankees. MLB.com. July 26, 2006. Archived from the original on June 24, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  21. ^ "Yankees acquire Fasano from Phils for minor-leaguer". ESPN. Associated Press. July 26, 2006. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  22. ^ "2006 AL Division Series – Detroit Tigers over New York Yankees (3–1)". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on July 27, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  23. ^ Golen, Jimmy (August 19, 2006). "Yankees 13, Red Sox 5". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 22, 2006. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  24. ^ Bastian, Jordan (January 17, 2007). "Jays ink Fasano to Minor League deal". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  25. ^ Bastian, Jordan (April 25, 2007). "Notes: Zaun to undergo surgery". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  26. ^ "Texas Rangers vs Toronto Blue Jays Box Score: April 28, 2007". Baseball Reference. April 28, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  27. ^ "Blue Jays parting ways with Sal Fasano". CBC.ca. June 13, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  28. ^ "Fasano returns to Chiefs". Minor League Baseball. June 19, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  29. ^ Bastian, Jordan (September 4, 2007). "Notes: League switches training sites". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  30. ^ Bastian, Jordan (December 14, 2007). "Fasano signs Minor League deal". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  31. ^ Bastian, Jordan (March 25, 2008). "Jays release veteran catcher Fasano". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  32. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (June 19, 2008). "Indians acquire Fasano from Braves". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  33. ^ Harding, Thomas (February 10, 2009). "Rockies invite 20 non-roster players". Colorado Rockies. MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  34. ^ Maciaszek, Marty (June 21, 2010). "As managers go, Fasano catching on to his new role". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  35. ^ "2010 Lansing Lugnuts". The Baseball Cube. Archived from the original on March 11, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  36. ^ "Sal Fasano Named Fisher Cats' Manager". Minor League Baseball. November 30, 2010. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  37. ^ Rosario, Bill (August 26, 2011). "Sal Fasano Named Manager of the Year". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  38. ^ "Blue Jays announce Minor League appointments". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. January 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  39. ^ Kelly, Matt (January 20, 2017). "Angels announce Minor League staffs". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  40. ^ "Braves add Weiss, Young Sr., Fasano to coaching staff". USA Today. Associated Press. November 10, 2017. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  41. ^ Bowman, Mark (October 10, 2024). "Hitting coach Seitzer won't be retained after 10-year run". MLB.com. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  42. ^ "Braves fire hitting coach, others after NL wild-card sweep". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  43. ^ Ryan, Allan (May 26, 2007). "Not so unlucky No. 13". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  44. ^ "A Baseball Career Without Steroids". Reader's Digest. August 2008. Archived from the original on February 7, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2009.
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