Tony Ordenana
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Antonio (Rodriguez) Ordenana (October 30, 1918 - September 29, 1988) was a Major League Baseball shortstop who appeared in one game for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1943. The 5'9", 158 lb. rookie was a native of Guanabacoa, Cuba.
Ordenana is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II. His major league debut was on October 3, 1943, and he was in the starting lineup at home against the Philadelphia Blue Jays...the last game of the season. The Pirates lost the game 11-3, but Ordenana went 2-for-4 and drove in all three runs against starter and winner Rogers McKee. Ordenana truly was a "one-game wonder"...excellent in the field as well as with the bat. He recorded two putouts, five assists, no errors, and participated in one double play.
He passed away at the age of 69 in Miami, Florida.
[edit] Trivia
- Five other players made their major league debut on the same day as Ordenana...Norm Brown, Hank Camelli, Cookie Cuccurullo,
Chris Haughey, and Gil Hodges. (October 3, 1943) - His nickname was "Mosquito."