Andy Allanson
Encyclopedia
Andrew Neal Allanson is a former professional baseball catcher
who played in the Major Leagues
for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1995. Andy was signed as a second-round pick in the 1983 amateur draft, by the Cleveland Indians and scout Bobby Malkmus
. Allanson was an exceptional defensive receiver with a powerful throwing arm, who would sometimes throw to the bases without standing up.
A lithe, take-charge catcher, Allanson's handling of the 1986 Cleveland pitching staff was in part responsible for the Indians' resurgent, 84-78 mark. He was named the Topps All-Rookie catcher. Despite his size (6'5", 220 lbs), Allanson didn't homer until his 1,025th pro at-bat, in the Kingdome
that June 23. The Indians, feeling they were perhaps a better-hitting, veteran catcher away from contention, signed Rick Dempsey
for 1987, demoting Allanson. Cleveland finished last (61-101), and Allanson was again the starting catcher in 1988.
The acquisition of Joel Skinner
before the 1989 season again cut into Allanson's playing time, and when the team traded for Sandy Alomar, Jr.
in December 1989, it was clear Allanson's starting days were over. He was released the following spring, and spent 1990 in the minors. Over the next five years, Allanson saw only sporadic major-league action with four different clubs.
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
who played in the Major Leagues
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1995. Andy was signed as a second-round pick in the 1983 amateur draft, by the Cleveland Indians and scout Bobby Malkmus
Bobby Malkmus
Robert Edward Malkmus is a retired American infielder and scout in Major League Baseball. He also managed in the farm systems of three MLB clubs — the Philadelphia Phillies, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles....
. Allanson was an exceptional defensive receiver with a powerful throwing arm, who would sometimes throw to the bases without standing up.
A lithe, take-charge catcher, Allanson's handling of the 1986 Cleveland pitching staff was in part responsible for the Indians' resurgent, 84-78 mark. He was named the Topps All-Rookie catcher. Despite his size (6'5", 220 lbs), Allanson didn't homer until his 1,025th pro at-bat, in the Kingdome
Kingdome
The Kingdome was a multi-purpose stadium located in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood. Owned and operated by King County, the Kingdome opened in 1976 and was best known as the home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League , the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball , and the...
that June 23. The Indians, feeling they were perhaps a better-hitting, veteran catcher away from contention, signed Rick Dempsey
Rick Dempsey
John Rikard Dempsey is an American former professional baseball player. He played for 24 seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to , most notably for the Baltimore Orioles...
for 1987, demoting Allanson. Cleveland finished last (61-101), and Allanson was again the starting catcher in 1988.
The acquisition of Joel Skinner
Joel Skinner
Joel Patrick Skinner is a former Major League Baseball catcher and former third base coach of the Cleveland Indians. Skinner was dismissed effective with the end of the 2009 season on September 30, 2009. He is the son of Bob Skinner, a National League outfielder in the 1950s and '60s...
before the 1989 season again cut into Allanson's playing time, and when the team traded for Sandy Alomar, Jr.
Sandy Alomar, Jr.
Santos "Sandy" Alomar, Jr., or in the Spanish-language naming system Santos Alomar Velázquez , is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the San Diego Padres , Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox and , Colorado Rockies , Texas Rangers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and New York Mets...
in December 1989, it was clear Allanson's starting days were over. He was released the following spring, and spent 1990 in the minors. Over the next five years, Allanson saw only sporadic major-league action with four different clubs.