He might not have a last name like Braun or Feldman, but Minnesota’s new rookie third baseman Danny Valencia is a member of the Tribe. On June 3rd the Twins brought up Valencia from their farm system where he was a 3 time all-star. Valencia is 25 years old and is from Boca Raton (that is one tell of his yiddishkite).
He began his college ball at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. “After being named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, he transferred to the University of Miami, where he competed in the College World Series.” – jewishbaseballnews.co
He was selected in the 19th round. Valencia’s hit 14 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .466 slugging percentage in 2009. He went without a homer run in 185 at-bats with the AAA Rochester Red Wings this season.
Thus far with the Twins, in 58 ABs he is hitting .310, with 3 RBIs and 4 Runs. He also has 1 stolen base to his credit.
Keep an eye on the second Jewish Major League rookie this season. The Mets’ Ike Davis begin the other.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
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