On April 3, 1974, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Pedro Guerrero from the then-Cleveland Indians in exchange for Minor League pitcher Bruce Ellingsen.
Guerrero began his career with the Indians when he signed with them in 1972 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic. The Indians traded Guerrero to the Dodgers for Ellingsen in what turned out to be an extremely lopsided deal.
Ellingsen pitched in 16 games for Cleveland that season, with two of them being starts. He had a 3.21 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in what turned out to be the only Major League season of his career.
On the other hand, Guerrero became an integral part of the Dodgers organization for many years. He had limited opportunities in the Majors from 1978-1979, and filled a utility role for the Dodgers in 1980.
Guerrero finally got his shot to be a starter in 1981 and made the most of it with his first of five All-Star appearances. Later that same season, he helped the Dodgers win their fifth World Series and first since 1965. Guerrero was also named co-World Series MVP for his .333 batting average, two homers and seven RBI during the Fall Classic.
Guerrero won the first and only Silver Slugger of his career in 1982, hitting .304/.378/.536 with 27 doubles, five triples, 32 home runs and 100 RBI over 575 at-bats. In 1984, he signed a five-year, $7 million contract, which at the time set a record for the most lucrative deal in Dodgers history.
In total, Guerrero played 11 seasons for the Dodgers and made four All-Star teams from 1978-1988. Guerrero finished his career with the St. Louis Cardinals after being traded during the Dodgers’ championship season in 1988.
He continued to be a productive Major League hitter for the next three years and earned one final All-Star nod with the Cardinals in 1989.
Pedro Guerrero career stats
Guerrero played in 1,536 games over his career, batting .300/.370/.480 with 267 doubles, 215 home runs and 898 RBI. He compiled 36.5 WAR during his 15-year career in the Majors.
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