#287 Mike Gallego

About the Front: I wonder if Mike Gallego is getting annoyed with all of the attention being paid to Derek Jeter's farewell tour, and especially the retirement of his #2 jersey by the Yankees. Mike Gallego blazed that trail, Jeets.

About the Back: Yorba Linda, listed here as the city of residence for Gallego, is also the birthplace of Richard M. Nixon.

Triple Play:

1. Mike made the A's roster at the beginning of the 1985 season, but didn't have his first plate appearance until May 15. Prior to that, he appeared in 11 games as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. He didn't start a game until August 1, and singled off of Detroit's Bill Scherrer for his first career hit on August 22.

2. Despite totaling just 42 home runs in parts of 13 seasons, he had a pair of two-homer games with the Yankees: April 27, 1993 (both vs. Chuck Finley), and April 7, 1994 (vs. Kenny Rogers and Jay Howell).

3. He spent four years as third base and infield coach for the Rockies before returning to Oakland in that same capacity following the 2008 season. He's been with the Athletics ever since.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: I think it's entirely possible that Mike Gallego and Randy Velarde are the same person.

Bill James Said: "His good on-base percentage and ability to play three positions make him an invaluable part of the Yankee roster." Gallego had a career year in 1993, batting .283/.364/.412 for New York.

On This Date in 1993: September 25. Yes, I'm talking about the Reds and Rockies for the second straight day. Jose Rijo goes the distance in a 6-0 Cincinnati win; the only hit he allows is a broken-bat single by Charlie Hayes in the second inning. Rijo strikes out eight and does not issue any walks.