#578 Camilo Carreon

Strange but true*: Camilo Carreon had a terrible time keeping his hair styled during the humid Cleveland summers. As a result, he used pine tar instead of pomade.

*= may not actually be true

Fun facts about Camilo Carreon:

-A native of Colton, CA, Cam signed with the White Sox as a teenager in 1956.

-Was promoted to Chicago for cups of coffee in 1959 and 1960 before receiving regular playing time in 1961. Hit .271 with 4 home runs and 27 RBI as a rookie.

-His two-run single off of Whitey Ford on August 15, 1961 boosted the Pale Hose to a 2-1 win and halted the Yankee pitcher's 14-game winning streak.

-Given the starting catcher's job in 1962, Cam batted .256 with career highs in doubles (19) and RBI (37). He would hit .274 with 35 RBI the following year despite receiving 52 less plate appearances, and also led the American League in fielding percentage by a catcher.

-Torn tendons in his right arm abbreviated his 1964 season.

-Was traded to the Indians in a three-team deal (also involving the Athletics) in early 1965. The Tribe also reacquired Rocky Colavito in the swap.

-After playing sparingly that year, Carreon was sent to the Orioles in exchange for an untested youngster named Lou Piniella. He played only four games for the eventual World Champs.

-After spending the late 1960s toiling at AAA for the Orioles, Mets, and White Sox, Cam retired. In parts of eight big league seasons, he hit .264 with 11 home runs and 114 RBI.

-His son Mark was an outfielder/first baseman for the Mets, Tigers, Giants, and Indians from 1987-1996. He was a career .277 hitter.

-After baseball Cam worked for the Tucson, AZ department of parks and recreation and was also a golf course groundskeeper. Sadly, he passed away at age 50 in 1987 due to cirrhosis of the liver. Mark made his major league debut just six days after his dad's death.