Throwback Thursday Special: the Atlanta Second Sackers

Photo Credit: Mike McCann. http://mikemccann.blogspot.com/2012/02/felix-millan.html

Felix Millan

Felix Millan was the first second baseman I can remember as a fan growing up in Braves’ Country.  He was a fixture there once getting the job during that first Atlanta season in 1966.

He remained there through 1972, then joining (*sigh*) the Mets and finishing with them from 1973-77, a twelve-year major league career.

Millan was a bit better than average as a fielder, but was definitely as offensive upgrade over Bolling.  Generally speaking, he hit in the upper 200’s as a singles hitter, though spiked to .310 in 1970.

How was Millan for contact?  For his career, he walked an average of 5% of his plate appearances and struck out just 3.8% – never fanning more than 35 times in any season.  Remarkable.