Guide Note: Atanasio Tony Perez Rigal was a fixture on Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" baseball clubs of the 1970s. A native Cuban, he left a job in a Havana sugar cane factory to sign with the Cincinnati Reds' organization. In 1967 he notched the first of seven 100-RBI campaigns, concluding his career with 1,652 RBI over 23 Major League seasons. Respected for his clutch hitting, he belted three home runs in the 1975 World Series, including a key two-run shot in Game Seven, one of two World Championships he earned.
Fast Facts:
- Born: May 14, 1942
- Nicknames: "Big Dog," "Doggie"
- Father of Eduardo Perez
- Seven time All-Star who was voted the Most Valuable Player of the 1967 All-Star Game
- Hit the first home run in Pittsburgh Three Rivers Stadium
- One of the best RBI men, driving in 100 or more runs seven times in his 23-year career
- Elected to MLB Hall of Fame in 2000
