The outfielder who claimed his eyelids were stuck open to avoid playing
In short: José Cardenal was a powerhouse of the 1970s baseball era, known for his speed and heavy hitting. Yet, he is equally remembered for a bizarre moment of defiance: famously refusing to play a season opener by claiming his eyelids were physically stuck open.
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1943, José Cardenal began his professional journey with the San Francisco Giants in 1963. He quickly established himself as a versatile threat, moving between teams like the California Angels and Cleveland Indians. During his tenure with Cleveland, he showcased elite athleticism, leading the team in stolen bases twice and recording a career-high of 40 in 1968. During that period, he reached an uncommon defensive milestone by recording two unassisted double plays, matching a major league mark for outfielders.
Cardenal’s peak arrived with the Chicago Cubs, where he became a fan favorite. In 1973, he led the team in batting average, doubles, and stolen bases, earning him the Cubs Player of the Year honors from local writers. However, his tenure was marked by a notoriously temperamental personality. This reached a boiling point in 1974 when he clashed with management, leading to his infamous refusal to take the field for the season opener based on his 'stuck eyelid' injury.
Despite the friction, Cardenal remained a productive force, posting career highs in hits and batting average in 1975. During his subsequent coaching tenure, he served as New York Yankees' first base coach during their three World Championship victories in 1996, 1998, and 1999. His legacy was cemented in 2022 when he was inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame, recognized for a career spanning 18 seasons and over 1,900 games played.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: José Cardenal
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