The studious-looking, Cuban-born Rojas was selected in 1969 as the Phillies’ greatest second baseman ever. The popular five-time All-Star played all 10 positions during his career, pitching one scoreless inning in 1967, and DHing in the AL. He played 70 games in the outfield for the famed 1964’Hh)”great-collapse Phillies. In 1968 he led NL second basemen with a .987 fielding percentage, and in 1973 he helped set a Royal record 192 double plays. In his most productive year at the plate, the slightly-built Rojas drove in 69 runs and scored 78 in 1973. He replaced Angels manager Gene Mauch in spring training of 1988 when Mauch resigned due to ill health, but Rojas was fired in September.
