Merito Acosta
Born: 5/19/1896 in Bauta, Artemisa, Cuba
Died: 11/17/1963 in Miami, FL, USA
MLB Debut: 1913-06-05 | Final Game: 1918-09-02
Bats: L | Throws: L | Height: 5'7" | Weight: 140 lbs
Full name: Baldomero Pedro Acosta
Biography
Merito Acosta was a professional baseball player born in 1896, who played primarily as a position player from 1913 until his retirement in 1918. Acosta's career unfolded during a dynamic period in baseball history, marked by the transition from the deadball era to a more offensive-focused game. Over the course of his five-season career, he participated in 180 games, amassing 111 hits and achieving a batting average of .255. While he did not hit any home runs, he contributed to his teams with 37 RBIs and showcased his speed on the bases with 17 stolen bases.
Acosta's playing style was characterized by his ability to put the ball in play and his agility on the field. Despite the challenges of competing in an era dominated by stronger hitters, he carved out a niche as a reliable contributor. His legacy, while not filled with standout statistics, reflects the tenacity and skill of players who helped shape the game during a transformative time in baseball history. Acosta's career serves as a reminder of the diverse talents that populated the rosters of early 20th-century teams, contributing to the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 436 | 56 | 111 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 37 | 17 | 63 | 46 | 0.255 | 0.354 | 0.307 | 0.661 | 326.8 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | WSN | AL | 12 | 20 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0.300 | 0.0 |
| 1914 | WSN | AL | 39 | 74 | 10 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 18 | 0.257 | 79.7 |
| 1915 | WSN | AL | 72 | 163 | 20 | 34 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 8 | 28 | 15 | 0.209 | -132.6 |
| 1916 | WSN | AL | 5 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.125 | 0.0 |
| 1918 | PHA | AL | 49 | 169 | 23 | 51 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 0.302 | 379.8 |
| 1918 | WSN | AL | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.000 | 379.8 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OF | 136 | 0 | 191 | 18 | 15 | 5 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | WS1 | OF | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1914 | WS1 | OF | 25 | 0 | 24 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| 1915 | WS1 | OF | 53 | 0 | 75 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 1916 | WS1 | OF | 4 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1918 | PHA | OF | 45 | 0 | 77 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| Left Field | 54 |
| Center Field | 29 |
| Right Field | 56 |