Pat Locanto
never played in the major leagues but he played in the Phillies minor league system for 5 years and was also picked by the Kansas City Royals in the 1969 Rule 5 Draft. That spring, Topps even took some pictures of him in a Royals uniform which was the topic on http://www.baseball-birthdays.net
Click Here to Read Pat Locanto Post on Baseball-Birthdays.net
" This is Patrick Locanto who is the professional ball player
(Philadelphia, Kansas City) you gentleman were trying to identify in the
Topps Baseball Card from 1970. It has fascinated me because for all
these years since those pictures were taken (KC Spring Training, 1970) I
had never seen them until now!! FYI, I was in my dentist office when
he googled my name a couple months ago that they popped up with the
dialogue from Baseball-Birthday.net. I have to thank all of you for
the consideration.
Amazin_69 had a pretty accurate recap of my
career which is pretty impressive since I played so long ago. I was
drafted out of Western Michigan University as a senior in 1968.
Philadelphia 21st round. Played in the Minor A Northwest League
shortened league that summer made the Allstar Team. Went to spring
training the following year and made the AA Eastern League Team for
Reading, Pa. again making the All Star Team. Two really exceptional
years for a middle infielder. The winter in 1969 I was the number 1
draft choice for the KC Royals in the Rule 5 draft put on their big
league roster. This is where my career trouble begins because of the
Army Reserves (Vietnam) I didn't get out of the active duty requirement
until three weeks into spring training with KC. Tried hard to impress
people, hurt my arm and didn't tell anyone. Rule 5 works that you are
required to remain on the big league roster for the whole year. If the
team that drafts you sends you to the minor leagues then the original
team can choose to repurchase you. KC purchased me for $25K and
Philadelphia was able to repurchase me for half price or $12.5K. I was
then returned to Philadelphia when spring training was completed and I
had my leg broken on a player sliding into me braking up a double play
in the 2nd game of the season at Reading, Pa. I like to say, very
unfortunately, I went from the Big Leagues, Triple AAA, Double AA, and
out of baseball in one month. Sad, but true, even though I continued to
try to recover for the next couple years with healing, flexibility
issues.
I didn't get released, I actually decided to retire from
the Phillies in 1973 while having leg issues at Spartenburg, SC. I then
commenced with the rest of my life since I had a college degree. I
have been married for 45 year, two children, one grandchild. Being
originally from Detroit and growing up in the auto industry I ended up
in purchasing, sales, management, and a director for automotive
manufacturing companies. Move to California in 1978 where I currently
preside.
I would welcome the opportunity to get the Topps
pictures but not sure how to go about it. If anyone reads this post
maybe they can help me locate them or purchase them from someone.
Thanks for listening.
Patrick Locanto
Mr Locanto sent me his address and I made some cards for him and had him sign a few. Even though he never made the major leagues, my motto is "If they took your picture, you deserve a card"
