Alex Treviño – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Alex Treviño, a Mexican-born catcher, built a solid 13-season career in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats. Born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1957, Treviño broke into the big leagues with the New York Mets in 1978 and bounced around to several teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros. He played his last MLB game with the Houston Astros in 1990, wrapping up a career that spanned 939 games behind the plate.

Treviño’s baseball journey showed off his defensive skills and versatility. He handled duties as a catcher, third baseman, and leftfielder, bringing flexibility to every roster. Sure, his .249 career batting average won’t get him in the Hall of Fame, but his game-calling and leadership behind the dish earned him plenty of respect from pitchers and managers.

After leaving MLB, Treviño kept playing in the Mexican League until he finally retired at age 38 in 1996. He didn’t step away from the game, though—he jumped into broadcasting, sharing stories and insights from his years behind the plate with fans who might not have caught his playing days.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Alex Treviño’s path to pro baseball started in Mexico, where family ties and natural ability set the stage for his future.

Childhood and Family

Alex Castro Treviño was born on August 26, 1957, in Monterrey, Mexico. Baseball ran deep in the Treviño family. His older brother, Bobby Treviño, played in the majors with the California Angels.

Alex was just ten when Bobby made his debut in 1968, so he got a front-row seat to professional baseball early on. That family connection definitely shaped his path.

Monterrey, with its strong baseball culture, gave Alex access to good facilities and coaching. He spent his young years working on the basics—skills that would serve him well as a pro catcher.

Amateur Baseball Development

Treviño quickly stood out in Mexico’s amateur baseball circuits. Scouts and coaches noticed his defensive chops behind the plate.

Even as a young catcher, he showed a knack for calling games and had a strong arm. Those became his trademarks as he moved up.

He played in youth tournaments all over Mexico, picking up experience against all kinds of competition. Those games helped him sharpen his skills and get ready for the next step.

During this time, he also tried his hand at third base and outfield, but catching always felt like home.

Path to Professional Baseball

Professional scouts didn’t overlook Treviño’s talent. His steady play in Mexican amateur leagues caught the eye of Major League teams searching for international talent.

The New York Mets signed Treviño and put him through their minor league system. He kept improving as he got used to playing in the U.S.

After working his way through the minors, Treviño debuted in the majors on September 11, 1978, at just 21. That moment kicked off a 13-year run in MLB.

His early pro years showed his adaptability and determination—qualities that helped him stick around as a backup catcher on several teams.

Major League Debut and Rise

Alex Treviño’s journey to becoming a steady big-league catcher started with his debut for the New York Mets in 1978. Those first years brought their share of challenges, but also some memorable performances as he fought to earn his spot.

Initial Seasons in the Major Leagues

Alex Treviño got his first taste of the majors on September 11, 1978, at 21. He’d turned pro at just 15 back in 1973, so he already had plenty of experience under his belt.

The Mets called him up after a few seasons in their farm system. Treviño became one of the rare Mexican-born players in the big leagues at that time.

He faced the usual rookie struggles, especially as a young catcher. Still, his arm and defensive skills stood out right away.

Joining the New York Mets

Treviño joined the Mets while they were rebuilding. The team was moving on from stars like Jerry Grote, who’d been the mainstay behind the plate.

Under manager Joe Torre, Treviño served as a backup catcher and soaked up advice on handling a big-league pitching staff. Torre, having caught in the majors himself, became a valuable mentor.

The Mets liked Treviño’s all-around game. He showed he could fill in at third base when needed, but catching was still his main gig.

His ability to speak both English and Spanish helped him connect with all kinds of pitchers.

Key Early Career Performances

Treviño’s playing time increased in 1979 and 1980. His defense kept getting better, especially when it came to throwing out runners and handling pitchers.

He wasn’t known for power at the plate, but he developed into a reliable contact hitter. He could put the ball in play when it mattered.

One early highlight: he managed a Mets pitching staff that mixed seasoned vets and young arms. That helped him earn the trust of coaches.

By the early 1980s, Treviño had carved out a role as a dependable major league catcher, more for his defense and game-calling than his bat. Teammates and opponents respected his work ethic and professionalism.

Houston Astros Era

Treviño’s career took a new turn when he joined the Houston Astros, where he settled in as a reliable backup catcher. His time with the Astros stretched over several seasons and included some memorable moments.

Trade to the Astros

The Mets traded Treviño to the Houston Astros in 1982 as part of a deal that sent Bob Knepper to Houston. The Astros wanted Treviño for his defensive skills and knack for handling pitchers.

He jumped right in with the Astros’ pitching staff, earning their trust pretty quickly. His game-calling and partnerships with pitchers became a real asset.

After a brief stint elsewhere, Treviño returned to the Astros later in his career. The organization clearly valued what he brought to the table.

Memorable Moments with Houston

Treviño’s 1986 season with the Astros stands out—he hit better than usual and kept up his steady defense. His batting average climbed higher than it had in previous years.

He came through with some clutch hits, like a game-winning double against the Cincinnati Reds that teammates still talk about. Treviño seemed to thrive in pressure spots.

Behind the plate, he caught some standout pitching performances, including a near no-hitter that just slipped away in the eighth inning. He especially shined when working with young pitchers.

In his final Astros season in 1990, Treviño mostly mentored younger catchers, but he still contributed during his limited time on the field.

Relationships with Teammates and Coaches

Treviño built strong bonds with Spanish-speaking players on the Astros, often acting as both teammate and mentor. His bilingual skills helped bridge the gap between Latin American players and the coaching staff.

Astros coaches leaned on Treviño’s baseball smarts, sometimes asking for his input on pitching strategy. He knew opposing hitters well, which proved handy when facing division rivals.

Guys like Bill Doran and Jim Pankovits spoke highly of Treviño’s steady presence in the clubhouse. His calm, consistent approach earned him plenty of respect.

Even though he spent much of his Astros tenure as a backup, Treviño’s influence ran deep. He mentored young catchers coming up through the system, leaving a mark on the organization.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Alex Treviño made his mark as a reliable catcher throughout his major league career, showing off steady defense and coming up with timely hits. His versatility and game management made him a valuable part of every team he joined.

Batting and Fielding Records

Treviño didn’t put up huge offensive numbers, but he finished with a .249 career batting average over 939 games from 1978 to 1990. Here’s a quick look at his career stats:

His best year at the plate came in 1984 with the Braves, where he hit .278 over 81 games. Treviño showed patience, drawing more walks than strikeouts in some seasons.

Key Offensive Contributions

Treviño wasn’t a big bat, but he delivered when it mattered. He focused on making contact and getting on base instead of hitting for power.

He played for the Mets, Astros, Reds, Braves, Giants, and Dodgers, and he adjusted to different lineups and hitting styles. He often came through in late innings, providing clutch hits when his team needed them.

He handled the bat well in sacrifice situations and, surprisingly for a catcher, stole 13 bases and legged out 9 triples in his career.

Notable Defensive Achievements

On defense, Treviño stood out as a solid backstop with excellent game-calling instincts. He posted a .985 fielding percentage as a catcher, working with some of the toughest pitching staffs in baseball.

His strong arm and quick release kept opposing baserunners honest. He also played third base and other infield spots when teams needed him.

Pitchers appreciated how he managed games and framed pitches. Treviño’s defense was all about fundamentals, smart positioning, and knowing the hitters.

Managers often praised his ability to handle pitchers and build relationships with both veterans and rookies.

Team Leadership and Reliability

Treviño really earned a reputation as a dependable teammate and a leader in the clubhouse. Managers often pointed out his relentless work ethic and sharp baseball instincts. Since he spoke both English and Spanish fluently, he could help teammates connect across language barriers—a skill not every player brings to the table.

Throughout his career, Treviño took younger catchers under his wing. He showed impressive durability for a catcher, handling over 100 games in several seasons, which is no small feat given how tough the position can be.

After returning to the Mets briefly before finishing with Cincinnati, Treviño stayed involved in baseball. He played in the Mexican League for a bit, then moved into broadcasting.

People trusted his steady demeanor and deep knowledge of the game, both while he played and later when he moved into the booth.

Playing for Other MLB Teams

Starting out with the New York Mets, Alex Treviño quickly made a name for himself as a reliable backup catcher for a handful of MLB teams in the 1980s. He could handle different pitching staffs and play multiple roles, which made him a solid addition to any roster.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

The San Francisco Giants picked up Treviño in 1982 after a trade from the Mets. He mostly backed up behind the plate, getting into 79 games and hitting .249 with 22 RBIs.

Treviño’s defense stood out to the Giants’ pitchers. He built a reputation for calling a good game and showing off a strong arm—he threw out 31% of base stealers, which was better than most catchers at the time.

The Giants sometimes plugged him in at third base when they needed to shuffle the lineup. Even though he didn’t spend long in San Francisco, Treviño left a mark with his workmanlike attitude and dependability.

Cincinnati Reds Years

Treviño had two stints with the Cincinnati Reds, with his last MLB appearance coming there in 1990. He really found his groove with the Reds in the late 1980s, working well in a catching tandem with Eddie Taubensee.

In 1989, Treviño played 62 games for Cincinnati, batting .255 with 2 homers and 19 RBIs. He spent a lot of time helping the younger pitchers settle in.

He played his final MLB game on September 30, 1990, at age 33. While he didn’t make the postseason roster, Treviño still contributed to the Reds team that eventually won the World Series that year.

San Diego Padres and Phillies

Treviño’s time with the San Diego Padres was short but not without impact. He joined the team in 1985, working alongside future Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Treviño also played a role in helping young pitchers like Mark Grant find their footing.

He hit .241 in 58 games for the Padres and brought steady defense. The team leaned on his experience and game sense, especially during a rebuilding stretch.

His brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies was meaningful in its own way. Treviño’s knack for handling pitchers made him a respected presence in the clubhouse. He wasn’t a power hitter, but he could make contact and step up in the right situations.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1990

Alex Treviño wrapped up his big league career in 1990 after 13 seasons. He spent that last year as a backup catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, ending a journey that took him through several teams in the late ‘80s.

Role with Chicago Cubs

During the late 1980s, Treviño joined the Chicago Cubs for a brief run as a veteran backup catcher. He worked with the Cubs’ young pitching staff, sharing advice and helping rookies like Jerome Walton adjust to the majors.

Treviño didn’t get a ton of playing time in Chicago, but he kept his defensive edge. He spent time mentoring younger catchers and giving the Cubs’ pitching prospects a boost.

The team respected his game-calling skills and knowledge of National League hitters. His professional attitude stood out to both his teammates and the coaching staff.

Finishing with the Cincinnati Reds

Treviño wrapped up his major league career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990. That year, he played in just 33 games and hit .245—not a ton of chances, honestly.

Sure, his offense wasn’t flashy, but Treviño brought steady defense behind the plate. Manager Lou Piniella trusted him to work with the Reds’ pitching staff, and that says something, especially during their championship run.

He played his last major league game on September 30, 1990, at 33 years old. The Reds ended up winning the World Series that season, but Treviño didn’t make the postseason roster.

After stepping away from MLB, Treviño kept playing ball in Mexico for a while. Later on, he switched gears and became a Spanish-language broadcaster for Houston Astros games.