Paul Casanova (1941-2017)
On an otherwise forgettable Sunday afternoon in the midst of an utterly forgettable 1973 season, Phil Niekro had a date with immortality. That day against the San Diego Padres, Niekro threw a no-hitter -- the first in Atlanta Braves history and Paul Casanova was the happy-go-lucky Cuban backup catcher who mastered the knuckleball that day.
Casanova was winding down a decade long career with three seasons backing up Johnny Oates. He'd been an all-star while a Washington Senator, and was dealt to the Braves for another backup catcher, Hal King, opting for defense over the offensive-minded King. An elbow injury ended his career at the age of 33. But his defensive skills remained long after he'd lost his timing as a hitter and he played in the short-lived Senior Baseball League (1989), catching at age 47. But fans in Florida will have a vivid memory of a wheelchair-bound Casanova running a compelling panel discussion during last month's all-star game.
Casanova spent much of his post-playing career running a hugely popular restaurant in the Venezuelan port city of La Guaria called "La Pelota," a place ballplayers would gather when in country. He also ran a training academy unofficially called "Paul's back yard" after its location.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by chipchildress
