Dave Cash (baseball)

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Dave Cash (baseball) bigraphy, stories - American baseball player and coach

Dave Cash (baseball) : biography

June 11, 1948 –

David Cash, Jr. (born June 11, 1948 in Utica, New York) is a retired Major League Baseball second baseman who played in the National League for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1969–1973), Philadelphia Phillies (1974–1976), Montreal Expos (1977–1979), and San Diego Padres (1980).

Career

Cash’s MLB career started modestly, as he played in only 82 games over his first two seasons, though he still hit a very respectable .314 in 271 at-bats. Cash established himself as a solid singles hitter and a good defensive second baseman in his time in Pittsburgh. He was the Pirates’ primary second baseman from 1971 to 1973, but his playing time was reduced somewhat by military service commitments and by the presence on the team of veteran second baseman Bill Mazeroski and rising star Rennie Stennett. After the 1973 season, with Stennett ready to play regularly and another excellent young second baseman (Willie Randolph) in their minor league system, the Pirates traded Cash to the Phillies for pitcher Ken Brett.

With the Phillies from 1974 to 1976, Cash became a true everyday player, missing only two games over three seasons. He made the All-Star team each year, and batted .300 or better with over 200 hits in both 1974 and 1975.

After the 1976 season, Cash signed as a free agent with the Expos. He had a good season in 1977 but a disappointing year in 1978, and by 1979 had lost his job as the Expos’ starting second baseman. He finished his career as a part-time player with the Padres in 1980.

Coaching

In 2006, Cash was hired to be first base coach for the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2007 he was hired to be the Manager of the Utica Brewmasters in the New York State League established in 2007 in his hometown of Utica, New York. During the team’s first game ever, Cash was ejected by the homeplate umpire for arguing balls and strikes.

In 2008, Cash was hired as the hitting coach for the Sussex Skyhawks in the CAN-AM League. The Skyhawks played in Augusta, New Jersey and won the 2008 CAN-AM League Championship 3 games to 0 over the Quebec Capitales.

In 2010, Cash served as the hitting coach for the GBL’s Yuma Scorpions.

Trivia

  • Cash was part of what is believed to be the first all-black starting lineup (including several Latinos) in Major League history. On September 1, 1971, the Pirates’ starting lineup was: Rennie Stennett, 2B; Gene Clines, CF; Roberto Clemente, RF; Willie Stargell, LF; Manny Sanguillén, C; Dave Cash, 3B; Al Oliver, 1B; Jackie Hernández, SS; and Dock Ellis, P.