Name: Mike LaValliere
Rank: 114
Position: C
Years With White Sox: 1993-1995
After being released by the Pirates just days into the 1993 season, Mike LaValliere signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. He was recalled in June when Ron Karkovice landed on the disabled list. He became the primary catcher after Carlton Fisk was released on June 28th, and moved back into a reserve role once Karkovice returned. He finished the year with a .258 average in only 97 at bats. LaValliere made two appearances during the ALCS against the Blue Jays, picking up 1 hit in 3 at bats.
LaValliere returned to the White Sox in 1994, again as a backup to Karkovice. He hit a robust .281 in only 139 at bats before the season came to a premature end due to the player’s strike.
When baseball resumed in 1995, LaValliere was back behind the plate for the White Sox. He again was used sparingly, ending the year with a .245 average in a scant 98 at bats. Following the season, he became a free agent and retired.
LaValliere’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:
