If things like Youtube and Twitter and Gifs were around in the late 1980’s, Bentio Santiago would have been everywhere throwing out baserunners from his knees.
Alas it was not but Santiago’s exploits live on on the internet like in the clip below. (Plus having Vin Scully and Mel Allen in the same clip is just awesome)
Santiago came up in 1986 for a cup of coffee but was catcher to stay beginning in 1987 where Santiago would be named NL Rookie of the Year. Santiago hit .300 with 18 homers and 79 RBI that season. He also had a 34 game hitting streak during that year which is the longest for any rookie in history.
Benito would win four Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves and four straight All-Star teams from 1989-1992.
He ranks third in franchise history in Defensive WAR. His 85 homers are ninth in Franchise history.
Like many other players, Santiago’s Padres career would end with a player leaving via free agency. Santiago would have a 20 year career and play for eight different teams in his career. He was a part of the Padres 2015 Hall of Fame class.