Roman Mejias

Mejías began his pro career in the Pirates\' farm system in 1953. He spent his entire rookie campaign of 1955 on the Pittsburgh roster, appearing in 71 games, 39 as a starting outfielder. But he batted only .216 with three home runs and was sent to the top level of minor league baseball for all of 1956 and part of 1957. Recalled by the Pirates in late May 1957, Mejías backed up the regular Pittsburgh outfield (left fielder Bob Skinner, center fielder Bill Virdon and right fielder Roberto Clemente), hitting a more robust .275. In 1958 and 1959, he was the Bucs\' fourth outfielder, hitting three home runs in a game against San Francisco in 1958, but then was assigned to Triple-A for most of 1960 and 1961, appearing in only seven total games and going hitless in two at bats.\n', '

On October 10, 1961, he was selected in the 11th round by Houston in the 1961 National League expansion draf…