My apologies to all my thousands of loyal readers. I recently moved to Connecticut (I think that’s how you spell it), and the Internet/ Phone/ Cable service… not unlike the cross bread of Boston/New York inhabitants… truly sucks butt. But I digress… back to the weekly articles. As a refresher, this column is devoted to those who’ve come and gone through the Philadelphia scene, not so much like shooting stars, but more like wet matches in a wind storm that catch a little spark before they flame out and you toss them aside. Players like… Bo Diaz!

Born as Baudillo Jose Diaz Seijas in 1953, Diaz was a very promising young catching prospect, but had a very tough time getting to the show, finally stepping foot in the Fenway Dugout for the first time with the Boston Red Sox in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he became an All-Star for the first time in 1981.

The following season he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he became an integral part of the team that went on to win the NL Pennant, and was a major factor in the division clincher, a 13-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs, in which he went 5 for 5. He also happened to lead the Phillies in hitting in the World Series that year, batting a robust .333.

That same year, he accomplished what only 11 other major league ballplayers have accomplished, the Sayonara Slam. What’s that you ask? With the Phils trailing the New York Mets 9-6 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with two outs and two on, Mr. Diaz stepped up and launched a 2-1 pitch from Neil Allen into history, for a 10-6 Phillies win.

Among his other accomplishments, Diaz is widely credited for his defense and game calling ability, helping Steve Carlton win the Cy Young in ’82. He was also the only player to ever throw out the same base stealer 4 times in one game, doing so to Robby Thompson in 1986 while with the Cincinnatti Reds.

Unfortunately for Bo, injuries marred most of his career. When healthy, he was a legitimate All-Star. Both a defensive specialist and hitter to all fields, with a little bit of pop. But his healthy times were short, thus inhibiting his stature into the everyday lexicon of the Baseball World.

In 1990, Bo was killed when a satellite dish he was installing on top of his home in Venezuela, fell upon him. It was a short life for a player widely considered to be the greatest catcher in Venezuelan history. God Bless you Bo… we still miss you.