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John Charles Bottarini (1908-1976) was a right-handed catcher who played one MLB season with the Chicago Cubs in 1937.
MLB Career: Appeared in 26 games as backup to future Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett. Hit .275 in 40 at-bats with 3 runs, 3 doubles, 1 home run, and 7 RBIs. Made 19 fielding appearances—18 at catcher and 1 in the outfield. Posted perfect 1.000 fielding percentage at catcher, handling 53 total chances (44 putouts, 9 assists) without an error.
Minor League Background: Played for the Los Angeles Angels in the Pacific Coast League before reaching Chicago. Suffered a significant injury while with the Angels when a foul tip struck his right-hand finger, causing a deep laceration that likely affected his catching ability.
Post-MLB: After the 1937 season, was sold to Memphis of the Southern Association minor league. Never returned to the major leagues despite his solid performance with the Cubs.
Personal: Born September 14, 1908. His brief major league opportunity came during his age-28 season, making him a relatively old rookie. Died tragically on October 8, 1976, at age 68, drowning in a boating accident in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
Despite limited playing time behind one of baseball's greatest catchers, Bottarini made the most of his opportunity with solid offensive production and flawless defense during his lone MLB season.
Offered is a cracked Louisville Slugger Hillerich & Bradsby 125 game used professional model bat that measures 34” and 33.8 oz. in weight.
The bat derives from the collection of former Major League baseball player and PCL legend, Jigger Statz and was most likely obtained when Bottarini and Statz were teammates in Los Angeles.
Item: 14142
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