Player Profile: Armando Benitez

I have 29 cards of Armando Benitez. This one is from 2001 Topps.

Playing career: Armando Benitez was one of the top closers of the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fifteen seasons with seven teams, mostly the Orioles and Mets, he saved 289 games, struck out well over a batter an inning and had a 3.13 ERA. Nevertheless, he is remembered for blowing several pennant-race and post-season games, most notably Game 1 of the 2000 World Series against the Yankees.

My memories: I remember him very well from the 1998 game where he hit Tino Martinez in the back, leading to a huge bench-clearing brawl. In the late 90’s it was the Orioles, not the Red Sox, who were the Yankees’ big AL East rival, and this brawl was a huge deal.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Armando Benitez is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Armand, between Armand Hammer, who used to run Occidental Petroleum, and Armand Van Helden, a DJ. Another prominent Armando Benitez is a dancer in Paraguay.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Yamil Benitez.