TTM Stats
- Sent: 10/23/2021 | Received: 5/5/2022 | 192 Days
- ’89 Fleer, ’92 Topps Stadium Club, ’96 Topps, ’01 Fleer, ’03 Fleer
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Luis Alicea’s name might not be etched into the annals of baseball superstardom, but for fans of the game, his story is a testament to perseverance, consistency, and passion. Over a 13-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, Alicea carved out a role as a reliable infielder, contributing to every team he played for with his glove, bat, and leadership.
Luis René Alicea de Jesús was born on July 29, 1965, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. A natural athlete from a young age, Alicea honed his baseball skills on the island, which has produced some of the game’s greatest talents. His abilities caught the attention of U.S. scouts, leading him to attend Florida State University (FSU), where he became a star.
At FSU, Alicea excelled as both a player and a student of the game, earning All-American honors and leading the Seminoles to the College World Series. His stellar college career put him on the radar of MLB scouts, and in the 1986 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the first round (23rd overall).
Alicea made his MLB debut on April 23, 1988, with the St. Louis Cardinals. In his first game, he turned heads by hitting a home run, an impressive feat for any rookie. He spent parts of the next few seasons with the Cardinals, often alternating between the majors and the minors, as he worked to solidify his place in the lineup.
Alicea’s early years in St. Louis showcased his defensive skills and versatility as a second baseman, but his bat was still developing. Despite the challenges, he remained a reliable presence, admired for his work ethic and professionalism.
In 1995, Alicea embarked on the journeyman phase of his career. Over the next eight years, he played for several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals. Each stop demonstrated Alicea’s value as a steady contributor who could adapt to different roles.
While his career numbers—.260 batting average, 47 home runs, and 422 RBI—don’t scream superstardom, Alicea was known for his ability to come through in clutch situations. His keen baseball instincts and leadership qualities earned him respect in every clubhouse he entered.
Alicea’s postseason opportunities were limited, but he made them count. His most notable playoff performance came during the 1996 American League Division Series (ALDS) with the Red Sox. He hit .600 over three games, a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion.
After retiring as a player in 2002, Alicea transitioned into coaching. He served as a coach for several organizations, including a stint with the Boston Red Sox in 2007, the year the team won the World Series. While Alicea was not part of the active roster, his coaching contributions reflected his deep understanding of the game.
Off the field, Alicea has remained connected to baseball, often working with young players in his native Puerto Rico. His efforts have helped inspire a new generation of athletes from the island, ensuring that the rich baseball tradition of Puerto Rico continues.
The Score on Luis Alicea – 7.0
Luis has a nice signature, but it is on the small side. What I think I like best about this return is actually the number of teams I got him playing with on these cards. My favorite of the bunch is the card I highlighted of him in a Red Sox uniform.
Thanks Mr. Alicea! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.