Hilario “Sandy” Valdespino was born on January 24, 1939 at San Jose de las Lajas, Mayabeque (Cuba) and died on February 26, 2023 in Moultrie, Georgia at the age of 84. A Cuban native, Sandy Valdespino signed with the Washington Senators in 1957 and played in the Senators — and then Twins — farm system until 1965. He won the International League batting title in 1964 with the Atlanta Crackers, earning a promotion to the big leagues the following season.
Valdespino, a short but stocky 5’8″ and 170 pounder played for the Minnesota Twins for three seasons from 1965-1968 primarily in left field and as a pinch-hitter but never could earn a full-time role. During his time in Minnesota he appeared in 259 games but had only 450 AB’s hitting .220 with 4 home runs.
Valdespino is best remembered for a great catch he made on June 18, 1967 against the Cleveland Indians. You can read more about Valdespino’s great catch and his relationship with other Twins players here in SABR’s Bio on Valdespino.
Valdespino also played for Atlanta, Houston, Milwaukee, Kansas City and the Seattle Pilots in his 382-game major-league career. He played 1,446 minor league games before finishing his career in the Mexican League in 1974.
Survivors include his wife, Esperanza Valdespino; his daughter, Esperanza Valdespino; and grandchildren, Hillary Williams, Norman Williams Jr., Ashley Valdespino, Terrance Valdespino and Bianka Valdespino. He was preceded in death by a son, Hilario Valdespino Jr. We here at Twinstrivia.com pass on our condolences to the Valdespino family, friend and all his fans. Thank you for the great memories.