Sixto Lezcano – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Sixto Joaquin Lezcano Curras played 12 seasons as a Major League Baseball outfielder from 1974 to 1985, making his name as one of Puerto Rico’s most accomplished players of his time. Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on November 28, 1953, Lezcano left his mark on five different teams. People knew him for his defensive skills and his power at the plate.

He began his journey when the Milwaukee Brewers signed him at just 16 for $5,000. On September 10, 1974, he debuted against the Baltimore Orioles and went 3-for-5, even knocking in the winning hit in the 10th inning. That game really set the tone for a career filled with clutch moments.

Lezcano showed off a complete skill set with every team he joined. He picked up a Gold Glove in 1979, smashed grand slams on Opening Day, and represented Puerto Rico with pride on baseball’s biggest stage.

From his early days in the Brewers’ farm system to his last season in 1985, Lezcano’s story speaks to the dedication and talent that defined a generation of Latin American players who helped shape the game.

Early Life and Background

Sixto Joaquin Lezcano Curras was born on November 28, 1953, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Growing up in a baseball-loving family and attending Colegio San Jose in high school put him on a path straight to pro baseball.

Family Heritage and Upbringing

Lezcano grew up in Arecibo, a coastal city in northern Puerto Rico with a deep baseball tradition. His family valued sports, so he got into baseball young.

His father, Carlos Lezcano, played a big part in building his skills. The whole family encouraged Sixto to chase his baseball dreams.

Arecibo gave him the perfect place to develop. The city had already produced a few pros by then. Local fields and youth leagues let him practice and compete often.

The Puerto Rican baseball culture focused on fundamentals and hard work. Lezcano picked up these values as a kid.

His family stood behind him all the way.

Colegio San Jose High School Experience

Lezcano attended Colegio San Jose High School in Puerto Rico, where he shined as a baseball player.

The school’s baseball program helped him grow as an outfielder.

During high school, his talent really started to show. He stood out for his defense and showed a lot of promise at the plate.

Scouts noticed him pretty quickly.

The coaches at Colegio San Jose saw his potential and worked with him to polish his technique and understanding of the game.

His high school experience gave him the foundation he needed to handle pro baseball.

By graduation, Lezcano had already become one of Puerto Rico’s top young prospects.

He joined Major League Baseball at just 20.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Sixto Lezcano played 12 seasons in the majors from 1974 to 1985, appearing in 1,291 games for five teams.

He played both in the American League and National League, where he built a reputation as a reliable outfielder with a strong bat and a dependable glove in right field.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Lezcano debuted in the majors on September 10, 1974, with the Milwaukee Brewers at age 20.

He wore number 37, becoming the first Brewer to do so in the big leagues.

His first game was a standout. He went 3-for-5 against the Orioles, hitting a walk-off single in the 10th that drove in Johnny Briggs for a 6-5 win.

Just ten days later, he hit his first MLB home run off Detroit’s John Hiller. That three-run shot gave the Brewers a 5-3 lead and kicked off his power-hitting career.

Lezcano’s early years with Milwaukee showed steady improvement. He worked his way up through the Brewers’ minor league teams—Newark, Danville, Shreveport, Sacramento—before finally getting his shot.

Career Highlights and Key Achievements

Lezcano’s best year was 1979. He hit 28 home runs, drove in 101 runs, and batted .321 for the Brewers.

That season, he won a Gold Glove Award as the American League’s top right fielder. He was also named the Brewers’ MVP and Puerto Rico’s professional athlete of the year.

Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 1,291
• Batting Average: .271
• Home Runs: 148
• RBIs: 591
• Teams: 5 (Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates)

On April 10, 1980, Lezcano gave fans a show on Opening Day. He hit two home runs against the Red Sox, including a walk-off grand slam off Dick Drago that sent 53,313 fans home in a great mood.

Versatility as an Outfielder and Right Fielder

Lezcano mostly played right field but could handle any outfield spot. In 1978, he led AL right fielders with 18 assists.

On May 20, 1977, he set an AL record for most putouts by an outfielder in a nine-inning game—10 in one game. His defense matched his offense, making him a true two-way player.

Manager George Bamberger once said Lezcano could “do everything” and called him “one of the most underrated ballplayers in the American League.” His mix of defense and offense made him a key player on every team.

After Milwaukee, Lezcano played for the Cardinals, Padres, Phillies, and Pirates. He kept up his reputation as a reliable outfielder who could hit and field in both leagues.

Team-by-Team Journey

Lezcano’s 12-year MLB career took him through five teams. He had his best years in Milwaukee, but also played for St. Louis, San Diego, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.

His journey showed off his Gold Glove talent, but he also had some attitude issues that popped up now and then.

Milwaukee Brewers Era

Lezcano started out with the Brewers, signing for $5,000 at 16 in 1970. He moved up through the minors before debuting on September 10, 1974, going 3-for-5 with a game-winning single.

His early years were a mix of promise and some rough patches. In 1975, manager Del Crandall fined him twice for attitude problems and suspended him for a week after Lezcano refused to pinch-run—he was caught smoking in the dugout.

His best year in Milwaukee was 1979. He hit .321 with 28 homers and 101 RBIs, and his defense got him a Gold Glove.

Fans loved him at County Stadium, especially after his Opening Day performance in 1980. He hit two home runs, including a walk-off grand slam off Boston’s Dick Drago.

St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres

After six seasons in Milwaukee, Lezcano got traded to the Cardinals in a deal that changed both teams. His time in St. Louis was short, and he soon moved again to the Padres.

The Padres got him as part of a trade that sent Luis DeLeon from the Cardinals to San Diego.

Lezcano hoped for a fresh start in San Diego. The Padres wanted him for his experience and his bat. They saw him as a leader and a run producer, and his Gold Glove reputation made him a solid choice for their outfield.

Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

Lezcano finished his MLB career with the Phillies and Pirates in the mid-1980s. By then, he shifted from being an everyday player to more of a role guy.

With the Phillies, he brought some veteran presence to a team with playoff hopes. His experience from Milwaukee’s successful years helped younger players.

He wrapped up his career with the Pirates in 1985. By the end, he had 148 career home runs and 591 RBIs in 1,291 games.

Pittsburgh became his last stop, ending a journey that started 15 years earlier as a teenage prospect in Milwaukee’s system.

Statistical Performance and Records

Sixto Lezcano’s 12-year MLB run gave him a .271 batting average, 148 home runs, and 591 RBIs in 1,291 games.

His best year was 1979, when he earned a Gold Glove and finished 15th in MVP voting with a .321 average and 28 home runs.

Batting Average and Offensive Consistency

Lezcano kept up offensive consistency throughout his career. He finished with a .271 average, showing he could make solid contact.

His best year was 1979, batting .321. That was his only season over .300. The next year, his average dropped to .229, showing the ups and downs that can come with a long career.

Season-by-Season Batting Average Highlights:

• 1979: .321 (career high)
• 1978: .292
• 1982: .289
• 1980: .229 (career low as regular)

He hit .275 during his seven seasons in Milwaukee. From 1976-1979, he went .285, .273, .292, and .321—pretty steady numbers.

Home Runs and Slugging Percentage

Lezcano’s power peaked with Milwaukee. He hit 148 career home runs, with 28 coming in 1979.

His career slugging percentage was .440, showing legit power. In 1979, he reached a career-high .573 slugging percentage, which helped him get MVP votes.

Power Production by Team:

• Milwaukee: 102 home runs (7 seasons)
• San Diego: 24 home runs (2 seasons)
• Philadelphia: 14 home runs (2 seasons)

His power dropped off in his later years. After hitting 18 home runs in 1980, he never reached 20 again. In his last season with Pittsburgh, he hit just 3 homers in 72 games.

OPS and OPS+ Analysis

Lezcano finished his career with an OPS of .799, which was 24% above league average—his OPS+ was 124.

His highest OPS came in 1979 at .987, with a 164 OPS+. That year, he ranked among the best in baseball. In 1982 with San Diego, he had an .860 OPS and 145 OPS+, showing he still had it.

Top OPS Seasons:

• 1979: .987 (164 OPS+)
• 1982: .860 (145 OPS+)
• 1977: .861 (133 OPS+)

OPS+ shows Lezcano was above average in 9 of his 12 seasons. Only in his last few years did he drop much below league average.

Defensive Metrics and Gold Glove Recognition

Lezcano picked up Gold Glove recognition in 1979 as an American League right fielder. That award really highlighted his defensive excellence during what was probably his best season.

He brought the most defensive value to Milwaukee when he played mostly right field. Lezcano earned the Gold Glove during his top all-around season, when he blended elite offense with standout defense.

Later, he played multiple positions—right field, left field, and even spent some time as a designated hitter. This versatility kept him on the field longer, but it might’ve affected his defensive stats a bit.

That 1979 Gold Glove still stands out as the highlight of his defensive career. Pairing it with his offensive numbers that year, you could say it marked the peak of his two-way game.

International and Post-MLB Career

Lezcano kept his baseball journey going well after leaving MLB. He headed to Japan’s pro leagues and circled back to his Puerto Rican roots.

He stayed active in baseball through coaching and kept up his deep connection to winter league play, which had shaped him early on.

Taiyo Whales and Japanese Baseball Experience

After stepping away from MLB in 1985, Lezcano signed with the Taiyo Whales in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. That move kicked off a big new chapter, joining the wave of ex-major leaguers chasing fresh opportunities in Japan.

The Taiyo Whales, over in Yokohama, gave Lezcano a chance to keep his professional playing career going. Japanese baseball felt different—more about fundamentals and teamwork than the big-league style.

He adjusted pretty well as a veteran. Switching to Japanese ball meant learning new pitching styles and adapting to a different baseball culture.

Puerto Rican Winter League Legacy

Lezcano always kept close ties to Puerto Rico’s winter baseball scene. He played on three championship teams in the Puerto Rican winter league during his MLB years, including a huge 1976-77 season when he led the league in batting with a .366 average for the Caguas Criollos.

Those winter league games played a crucial role in his development. He faced future Hall of Famer Eddie Murray and got valuable experience against tough competition.

Even after he hung up his cleats, Lezcano stayed involved with Puerto Rican baseball. His hometown, Arecibo—nicknamed “El Diamante Del Norte” (The Diamond of the North)—had already produced major leaguers like Luis Olmo and Vic Power.

Coaching and Minor League Roles

When his playing days ended, Lezcano moved into coaching and instructional roles in pro baseball. As a Gold Glove winner and 12-year MLB veteran, he brought a lot to the table for younger players.

He worked in different minor league roles, sharing what he knew about outfield play and hitting. Lezcano’s know-how in right field—where manager George Bamberger once called him “probably the best right fielder in baseball”—really helped the next generation.

He built his coaching approach around the basics he’d learned throughout his career. Lezcano focused on plate discipline and defensive positioning, the same areas where he’d really improved as a player.

Legacy, Honors, and Personal Life

Sixto Lezcano’s impact on baseball reached far beyond his stats. Milwaukee recognized his contributions, and he built a lasting bond with Puerto Rican baseball.

His family’s ties to the sport and his community involvement after retirement made his legacy even stronger.

Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor Induction

The Milwaukee Brewers honored Sixto Lezcano by inducting him into the Brewers Wall of Honor in 2014. He spent six seasons with the team from 1974 to 1980, helping lay the groundwork for Milwaukee’s later success.

Lezcano’s most unforgettable moment with the Brewers happened on Opening Day 1980. He hit a walk-off grand slam against the Boston Red Sox at County Stadium, bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded—talk about drama.

His 1979 season really was the high point in Milwaukee. He hit .321 with 28 home runs and 101 RBIs, plus he picked up a Gold Glove. The Brewers named him their Most Valuable Player that year.

The Wall of Honor induction celebrated more than just his numbers. Lezcano played a key role in Milwaukee’s shift from a struggling franchise to a contender. He helped connect the early Brewers years to their rise in the 1980s.

Influence in Puerto Rican Baseball

Lezcano always represented Puerto Rico with pride. In 1979, he earned recognition as the Puerto Rican professional athlete of the year, which opened doors for future Puerto Rican MLB players.

He played winter league ball for the Caguas Criollos and Santurce Crabbers. That 1976-77 season, he led the league in batting with a .366 average for Caguas.

His winter league success helped him stay connected to Puerto Rico during his MLB career. He also got to play with other Latino stars and learn from veterans like Felix Millan and Willie Montanez.

Lezcano’s hometown, Arecibo—”El Diamante Del Norte”—had a tradition of producing major leaguers like Luis Olmo and Vic Power. He carried that tradition forward.

Family Ties and Carlos Lezcano

Baseball ran in the Lezcano family, with Carlos Lezcano also chasing a pro career. For them, the sport was more than just a game—it was a family thing.

Sixto’s personal life revolved around his family in Puerto Rico. He married his hometown sweetheart, Marianjelly, on May 21, 1979, while recovering from a thumb injury. Their son Michael was born in October 1979.

Family often shaped his baseball choices. He skipped winter league play more than once to spend time at home in Puerto Rico and let injuries heal.

The Lezcano family’s passion for baseball created a legacy that went way beyond individual stats. Their involvement inspired other Puerto Rican families to chase baseball dreams too.

Life After Retirement and Community Impact

After he retired in 1985, Lezcano dove into coaching and got involved in his community. He coached several minor league teams, like the Eugene Emeralds in 1993.

He also led the Wilmington Blue Rocks from 1994 to 1995. In 1996, he took on the Omaha Royals.

In 1989, he actually made a short return to the field with the Orlando Juice of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He hit an impressive .400 in just two games, but then he shifted his focus back to coaching.

He really cared about helping young players grow, and he loved sharing what he’d learned in the majors. These coaching gigs kept him close to the game and let him shape new talent.

But Lezcano didn’t stop with formal coaching. He made a real impact in Puerto Rico and stayed connected to Milwaukee, building relationships that kept giving back to both baseball communities even after he hung up his cleats.