Paul Casanova – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Paul Casanova carved out his place in Major League Baseball as a steady catcher during one of the sport’s liveliest eras. Born in Cuba in 1941, he fought his way up from the minors and eventually became the go-to guy behind the plate for the Washington Senators and Atlanta Braves.

Casanova spent nine years in MLB, from 1965 to 1974, and became known for his sharp defensive instincts. He served as the Senators’ starting catcher for four of his first five full seasons. Sure, he didn’t exactly light it up at the plate—he finished with a .225 batting average—but his fielding and leadership kept him in demand. His most unforgettable moment? That wild 22-inning game in 1967, where he caught every pitch and drove in the winning run.

Casanova’s story goes beyond stats. He represents the wave of Cuban players who left home to chase big-league dreams in the U.S. His journey from a sugar cane worker’s son to All-Star catcher says a lot about his grit—and the baseball world of the ‘60s and ‘70s. After retiring, he ran a baseball academy and became a mentor to many Latino players.

Paul Casanova’s Baseball Career: 1965–1974

Paul Casanova played nine MLB seasons as a catcher, debuting with the Washington Senators in 1965 and wrapping up with the Atlanta Braves in 1974. He even earned an All-Star nod in 1967 and took part in one of baseball’s longest games.

Major League Debut and Teams

Casanova debuted in the majors on September 18, 1965, with the Senators against the Twins. He only played five games that season, going two-for-fourteen.

He quickly became the Senators’ main catcher and spent seven seasons in Washington, from 1965 to 1971. His standout year was 1967, when he made the All-Star team.

That season, Casanova played 141 games and posted a .984 fielding percentage. On June 12, 1967, he caught all 22 innings against the White Sox and drove in the winning run in the longest night game in MLB history at that time.

Career Stats with Washington:

• Games: 775
• Batting Average: .225
• Home Runs: 50
• RBIs: 252

In December 1971, the Senators sent Casanova to Atlanta for Hal King. He spent his last three seasons as a Brave, mostly backing up Earl Williams and Johnny Oates.

Retirement and Final Season

Casanova’s role shrank during his Atlanta stint as he moved from starter to backup. In 1972, he backed up Earl Williams, then split catching duties with Johnny Oates in 1973.

He barely played in his final season in 1974, appearing in just 42 games. Casanova’s last MLB game was on September 9, 1974, against the Dodgers.

One bright spot in Atlanta: he caught Phil Niekro’s no-hitter on August 5, 1973. That moment capped a career built on defensive skills more than offense.

The Braves let Casanova go on March 28, 1975, closing the book on his nine-year MLB run. He finished with a .225 batting average, 50 home runs, and 252 RBIs in 859 games.

Teams kept him around for his glove and game-calling, not his bat.

Role as Catcher and Key Performances

Casanova made his name as a dependable defensive catcher. He got an All-Star nod in 1967 and showed real grit in marathon games. His strong arm helped him lead AL catchers in double plays three times.

All-Star Season in 1967

The 1967 season was as good as it got for Casanova. He earned his first and only All-Star selection, though he didn’t actually play in the game.

That season, he established himself among the AL’s best catchers. The Sporting News even named him their AL all-star catcher for his defensive work.

His efforts that year locked down the Senators’ catching spot. The recognition came in just his second full season, which says a lot about how quickly he adjusted to the big leagues.

Notable Games and Achievements

Casanova’s most famous outing came on June 12, 1967, when he caught all 22 innings versus the White Sox. That game set a record for the longest night game in AL history.

He went 1-for-9 at the plate but came through with the game-winning hit in the 6-5 win. Sitting behind the plate for nearly six hours, he showed off his toughness and focus.

Another big highlight: in 1973, he caught Phil Niekro’s no-hitter for Atlanta. That milestone only added to his rep as a trusted catcher for pitchers.

Defensive Reputation

People around the league respected Casanova for his defense and cannon of an arm. He led AL catchers in double plays three times, showing off his quick reflexes and accuracy.

His rifle arm made base runners think twice. Casanova’s 6’4” frame helped him block the plate and frame pitches, too.

Players and coaches talked up his game-calling and work ethic. He kept the starting job in Washington from 1966 to 1971, even though he only hit .225 with 50 home runs and 252 RBIs.

Batting and Statistical Highlights

Paul Casanova finished with a .225 career batting average over 10 MLB seasons, hitting 33 home runs and driving in 169 RBIs in 859 games. He had his best years with the Senators in 1966 and 1967.

Career Batting Average and Power

Casanova’s career .225 average pretty much sums up his role—defense first, not offense. His hitting peaked in his first two full seasons.

In 1966, he hit a career-high 13 home runs but only batted .196 in 322 at-bats. Still, that power got him a spot on The Sporting News AL All-Star team.

He topped out with a .229 average in 1967, his best year at the plate. After that, he never hit better than .229 again.

His last three seasons with Atlanta, from 1972 to 1974, saw his numbers drop. He played 173 games, hit .210, and managed 9 home runs with 36 RBIs.

RBI and Offensive Contributions

Casanova drove in a career-high 53 RBIs during his 1967 season, when he played 141 games. That was his most productive year and matched his All-Star selection.

He collected 169 career RBIs over 10 seasons, averaging about 17 a year. That’s about what you’d expect from a defense-first catcher in that era.

In 1966, he had another solid year for RBIs, which helped him secure the regular catcher job in Washington.

His bat cooled off in Atlanta. From 1972 to 1974, he averaged just 12 RBIs per season, appearing in about 58 games each year.

Background and Early Life

Paul Casanova’s journey from Cuba to MLB started in the early 1940s and shaped his career as a pro catcher. He began his pro career in 1960 and made the majors five years later.

Cuban Roots and Early Baseball Years

Paulino “Paul” Ortiz Casanova was born on December 21, 1941, in Colon, Cuba. Baseball ran deep in Cuban culture back then.

Cuba’s baseball scene was tough and well-established. Young players like Casanova picked up the game in that competitive environment.

Key Details:

• Birth Date: December 21, 1941
• Birthplace: Colon, Cuba
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 180 lbs
• Position: Catcher
• Batting/Throwing: Right-handed

Casanova grew up learning how to catch. That position demanded leadership and game sense. His size—6’4”—gave him an edge behind the plate.

Transition to U.S. Leagues

In 1960, Casanova signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians. He was just 18, but that move kicked off his pro career in the States.

He spent several years in the minors, sharpening his skills and getting used to American baseball. That time in the minors was tough but necessary for his development.

Switching from Cuban to American baseball wasn’t easy. He had to adjust to new styles, languages, and culture. Loads of Cuban players faced the same hurdles when they chased pro careers in the U.S.

Casanova’s persistence paid off. He made his MLB debut on September 18, 1965, with the Senators at age 23, after five years of grinding in the minors.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After retiring in 1974, Paul Casanova poured his energy into coaching young ballplayers at his Miami-based academy. He became a mentor to future major leaguers, and his impact reached far beyond the field. Casanova stayed involved in the community until he passed away in 2017 from cardiorespiratory complications.

Baseball Academy and Mentorship

Casanova turned his Miami home into a baseball academy, giving countless young players a shot at pro ball. The academy operated right out of his house and drew in kids eager to learn from a former big leaguer.

His most famous student? JD Martinez, who went on to star for the Red Sox. Martinez learned a ton from Casanova’s catching know-how and baseball smarts.

The academy focused on both the mental and physical sides of baseball. Casanova shared lessons from his own tough road to the majors—leaving Cuba, working odd jobs, and chasing his dream.

A bunch of current and former pros credit Casanova for shaping their careers. He always stressed the importance of persistence and hard work, values that defined him as a player.

Community Involvement and Influence

Casanova’s Miami home included a shrine to Cuban baseball stars, a nod to both his heritage and the sport’s history. It was a personal tribute and a teaching tool for visitors.

He stayed close with old teammates. Dusty Baker and Henry Aaron remained friends for life, with Baker sharing warm memories after Casanova’s death.

Casanova influenced several generations of players from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Some called him “the glue that held together a generation of players.”

He helped bridge cultural gaps in baseball, acting as a mentor and “hermano” (brother) to Latino players making their way into the majors.

Health and Passing

Paul Casanova passed away on August 12, 2017, at age 75 in Miami, Florida. Doctors listed cardiorespiratory complications as the cause.

His death marked the end of an era for those who knew him as a teammate and mentor. Friends and former players paid tribute, highlighting the lasting mark he left on their lives.

The baseball world lost someone who truly embodied perseverance and dedication. Casanova’s legacy lives on through the many players he guided after his playing days.

Paul Casanova in Baseball History and Media

Paul Casanova stands out in baseball history. He’s one of the last Negro League players who made it to the major leagues.

His story shows up in different media outlets and archives. They trace his journey from Cuba all the way to the majors.

Recognition and Notable Mentions

Paul Casanova picked up some real recognition during his playing days. People still remember him in baseball circles.

In 1966, he landed a spot as catcher on The Sporting News American League All-Star team. That year, he hit a personal best with 13 home runs.

A year later, he made the AL All-Star game. Not bad at all.

Casanova holds a spot in Negro League history as the second-to-last player from those leagues to reach the majors. Only Ike Brown debuted later than Casanova, who got his shot on September 18, 1965.

His most famous moment? That probably happened during a 22-inning marathon on June 12, 1967, with the Washington Senators facing the Chicago White Sox. Casanova caught all 268 pitches in that wild game.

He once said, a bit proudly, that “the reason the game went so long was because of my defense.” He threw out a bunch of base runners that day.

Career Highlights:

• 1966: The Sporting News AL All-Star team
• 1967: AL All-Star selection
• 22-inning game performance (June 12, 1967)

Archive Resources and References

You’ll find Paul Casanova’s story woven through a bunch of baseball archives and media sources. The Society for American Baseball Research keeps detailed records about his career and his journey from Cuba to the big leagues.

Brent Kelley included Casanova in his book “I Will Never Forget,” which features interviews with Negro League players. Casanova opened up about his drive, saying, “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to play so bad.”

Sites like Baseball-Reference.com and StatsCrew.com have all his stats. You can see his .225 career batting average, 50 home runs, and 252 RBIs in 859 games.

Bob Addie and other sportswriters covered his career in The Sporting News during the 1960s. These old articles give us a glimpse of Casanova’s playing style and his impact on the Washington Senators.

After retiring, Casanova ran a baseball academy out of his Miami home. That place ended up helping future major leaguers, including Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez.