How a Venezuelan bank teller revolutionized the art of the shortstop's throw to first.
In short: Dave Concepcion rose from local Venezuelan baseball to anchor the legendary Big Red Machine. Beyond his nine All-Star appearances and five Gold Gloves, he fundamentally changed infield defense by perfecting the one-bounce throw, a technique designed to master the unpredictable speed of artificial turf at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium.
Born in 1948 in Ocumare de la Costa, Venezuela, David Ismael Concepcion Benitez began his career as a bank teller while playing part-time for the Tigres de Aragua. Scouted by Wilfredo Calvino, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1967. After debuting in 1970, he eventually became the starting shortstop for the iconic 1975 Big Red Machine, a roster featuring stars like Pete Rose and Johnny Bench. His defensive prowess was so profound that he earned five Gold Glove Awards, serving as a cornerstone of the team's four National League pennants and two World Series titles during the 1970s.
Concepcion's tactical innovation arrived as he adapted to the unique conditions of the era's stadiums. Collaborating with teammate Tony Perez, he developed a specific one-bounce throw to first base. This method allowed him to maintain precision and control when fielding on the slick, artificial surfaces common in National League parks. His versatility extended to his later years, where he transitioned into a utility infielder, mentoring his successor, Barry Larkin, before retiring after the 1988 season. He remains a franchise icon, sharing the record for the most seasons played in a Reds uniform.
His legacy is cemented in both Cincinnati and his home country. In 2007, the Reds retired his number 13, marking the first time in Major League history a team had retired that specific digit. Concepcion chose the number to pay tribute to his mother, Ernestina, who was born in 1913. Today, he remains active in baseball management in Venezuela, having served as a vice president for the Tigres de Aragua, and continues to reside near the mountains of Henri Pittier National Park, far from the stadiums where he redefined the shortstop position.
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