Luis Aparicio - Playing Career

Playing Career

Born in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela, Aparicio came from a baseball family. His father, Luis Aparicio Sr., was a notable shortstop in Venezuela and owned a Winter League team with Aparicio's uncle, Ernesto Aparicio. At the age of 19, Aparicio was selected as a member of the Venezuelan team in the 1953 Amateur World Series held in Caracas. He signed to play for the local professional team in Maracaibo alongside his father in 1953. In a symbolic gesture during the team's 1953 home opener, his father led off as the first hitter of the game, then after taking the first pitch, had Aparicio Jr. take his place at bat.

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