Orlando Isales - #28 - OF

Born – Santurce, Puerto Rico, 12/22/1959

B-R, T-R… 5-9, 175

 

Orlando Isales got his “cup of coffee” in 1980, earning his call-up in September when rosters were expanded to 40 for the stretch run.  Mainly, Isales rode the bench, appearing in only three September games, one in the 14-2 blowout of the Chicago Cubs, and the last game of the season, after the division title had been clinched.  For Isales, 1980 would be the entirety of his major league career, though he would play three more minor league seasons.

1980 Statistics

 

AB

 Hits

 HR

RBI

Avg.

1980

5

2

0

3

.400

Lifetime Statistics

Year

Team

AB

Runs

Hits

HR

RBI

Avg.

1980

Phillies

5

1

2

0

3

.400

TOTALS

 

5

1

2

0

3

.400

 

Phillies Publications

From The Phillies 1980 Media Guide:

 

How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent by Ruben Amaro and Luis Peraza, 2/4/75, at 15 years of age.

 

Five-year minor league pro… Signed when he was 15 years old, a couple of weeks after the Phillies signed fellow Puerto Rican, Jorge Lebron, who was only 14; Lebron has since been released…  Has moved up a classification each of his minor league years…  .274 average at Oklahoma City was a career best…  Excellent throwing arm; has been in double figures in assists each year, leading Western Carolina League with 21; 13 last year at OC was runner-up for most by an outfielder…  OC manager Lee Elia:  “Still young.  Above average outfielder with excellent arm.  Could be a heck of a major league player some day.”… Grad of Trina Padilla de Sanz High…  MVP winner in 1974 Babe Ruth World Series…  Played winter ball in Puerto Rico.

From The Phillies 1981 Media Guide:

 

How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent by Ruben Amaro and Luis Peraza, 2/4/75, at 15 years of age.

 

Six-year minor league pro… Signed when he was 15 years old, a couple of weeks after the Phillies signed fellow Puerto Rican, Jorge Lebron, who was only 14; Lebron has since been released…  Set personal high with 51 RBI at OC last summer… Hit two-run triple in first major league at bat, Sept. 30 off Cubs Doug Capilla…  “Batting average fell off at OC but he is still a good prospect.  He has the tools and is just a baby in terms of baseball experience,” says Jim Baumer…  Has good arm, led league in assists with 21 in 1976…  Grad of Trina Padilla de Sanz High…  MVP winner in 1974 Babe Ruth World Series…  Again played winter ball in Puerto Rico.

From The 1980 Phillies Yearbook:

  • Favorite Color:  Brown
  • Favorite Singer/Group:  Barry White
  • Favorite Song:  Sweetness Is My Weakness
  • Favorite City:  San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Least Favorite City:  Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
  • Person You'd Most Like To Meet:  God
  • Boyhood Idol(s):  Roberto Clemente
  • Biggest Turn-On:  When I have a good game and we win
  • Biggest Turn-Off:  When we lose
  • Favorite Subject in School:  Math
  • Favorite Book:  Don’t have one
  • Favorite TV Show:  Sanford and Son
  • Person You Most Admire:  Myself
  • Greatest Achievement:  First hit in pro ball
  • Most Memorable Moment:  When I was batting champion in 1974 Babe Ruth World Series
  • Hobbies:  Music, dancing, sports
  • Toughest Pitcher You’ve Faced:  Steve Schneck