Lafayette Drillers Flashback: Julio Divison

The Lafayette Drillers, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, called Lafayette, Louisiana their home for two years, from 1975-1976.

The Drillers, who played their home games at Clark Field, were co-champions of the Texas League in 1975 with the Midland Cubs, finishing 72-57, before going 58-76 in 1976, the last year of affiliated professional baseball in Lafayette.

A number of outstanding players, who eventually made it into Major League Baseball ranks played at Clark Field in 1975 & 1976, including five former Lafayette Driller players.

All summer long, we’re taking a look back at some of the former players for the Drillers.

Today, Julio Divison.

Divison was a starting pitcher for the Drillers during both the 1975 and 1976 seasons.

A native of Santa Domingo Dominican Republic, Divison, a right-hander, began his professional career in 1972, at the age of 16.

The 5-foot-9, 155-pound Divison was sparkling for the Drillers during their co-championship run of 1975, going 15-6, and leading the team in wins, with a 3.31 earned run average.

In 174 innings pitched, Divison allowed 175 hits, 64 earned runs, and 58 walks, while striking out 76 hitters.

Despite his success in 1975, the Giants returned Divison to Lafayette in 1976, and his stats fell significantly, going 6-13 with a 4.72 ERA.

The Drillers left Lafayette following the 1976 season, and Divison left the Giants' organization after an arm injury.

In 1977, Divison joined the Houston Astros organization, pitching only 11 innings for AA Columbus (Georgia) in his last professional season.

Divison was a pitch-to-contact type of pitcher, so he didn't so much impress people with his stuff, but as you can tell be his 1975 season, he could certainly get hitters out.

On a 1975 pitching staff that featured Frank Riccelli and Rob Dressler, it was Divison that was the ace, leading the club in both wins and innings pitched.