TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/16/2022 | Received: 7/22/2022 | 36 Days
- ’91 Score
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Tony Perezchica’s journey through baseball is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for the game. From his early days as a player to his extensive coaching career, Perezchica has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on April 20, 1966, in Mexicali, Mexico, Antonio Llamas Perezchica moved to Palm Springs, California, where he honed his baseball skills. His talent caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the San Francisco Giants in the third round of the 1984 MLB Draft.
Perezchica began his professional career in 1984 with the Everett Giants of the Northwest League. Over the next several years, he progressed through the Giants’ minor league system, showcasing his versatility as an infielder. He made his MLB debut on September 7, 1988, with the Giants. Throughout his playing career, he appeared in 69 major league games over four seasons with the Giants and the Cleveland Indians, compiling a .228 batting average with five RBIs.
After retiring as a player in 1995, Perezchica seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began as a hitting coach in the New York Yankees’ minor league system, working with teams like the Norwich Navigators, Columbus Clippers, and Greensboro Bats. His dedication to player development was evident early on, laying the foundation for a successful coaching career.
In 2003, Perezchica joined the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, taking on roles as a minor league manager and field coordinator. His commitment to nurturing talent and improving defensive play became his hallmark. By 2017, he was promoted to the Diamondbacks’ major league staff as the third base coach and infield instructor, positions he held for eight seasons.
Perezchica’s impact on the Diamondbacks was profound, particularly in enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities. Under his guidance, players like Nick Ahmed, Paul Goldschmidt, and Christian Walker achieved Gold Glove status. In 2024, Arizona’s defense ranked second in Outs Above Average and fifth in Defensive Efficiency Ratio, reflecting Perezchica’s emphasis on meticulous defensive preparation.
His philosophy centers on aggressive yet intelligent base running and putting pressure on the opposing defense. Perezchica believes in instilling these principles during spring training, ensuring players are well-prepared for in-game situations.
In October 2024, seeking new challenges, Perezchica joined the Houston Astros as their third base coach, infield coach, and run prevention coordinator. His appointment was part of a strategic move by the Astros to bolster their coaching staff following a disappointing playoff exit.
Astros manager Joe Espada, familiar with Perezchica’s work, praised his addition to the team, highlighting his fresh perspective and extensive experience in player development.
Tony Perezchica’s enduring commitment to baseball, both as a player and coach, underscores his profound influence on the game. His dedication to excellence, player development, and family continues to inspire those within and beyond the baseball community.
The Score on Tony Perezchica – 7.0
In the last several years I’ve gotten more into the part of my TTM collection that Tony fits into – players that didn’t play too much and have less cards to get them to sign. I think I have more cards from Tony now and I will attempt with him again, but I go through some waves of having guys like this come up. I like Tony’s signature. I would describe it as messy, but not to knock it. It’s just all over the place with a lot of things overlapping.
Thanks Mr. Perezchica! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.