Austin Kearns is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on May 20, 1980, in Lexington, Kentucky, and attended Lafayette High School. Kearns was a standout athlete in high school, playing both baseball and football. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft.
Kearns made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2002 and quickly established himself as a promising young player. He was known for his powerful arm and his ability to hit for both average and power. Kearns played primarily as a right fielder but also saw time in left field and at first base.
In his first full season in the MLB, Kearns hit .315 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 107 games. He finished seventh in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Kearns continued to improve over the next few seasons, hitting a career-high 26 home runs in 2006.
Kearns was traded to the Washington Nationals in 2006 as part of a multi-player deal. He spent three seasons with the Nationals, where he continued to be a productive player. In 2007, Kearns hit .266 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. He also won a Gold Glove award for his outstanding defensive play in right field.
After his time with the Nationals, Kearns played for several other teams, including the Cleveland Indians, the Miami Marlins, and the New York Yankees. He struggled with injuries in the later years of his career, which limited his playing time and production.
Kearns retired from professional baseball in 2014. Over the course of his career, he played in 1,087 games and had a batting average of .253 with 121 home runs and 513 RBIs. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to play multiple positions on the field.
Off the field, Kearns was known for his quiet demeanor and his dedication to his family. He was married to his wife, Lisa, and they had three children together. Kearns was also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
In conclusion, Austin Kearns was a talented and versatile player who had a successful career in the MLB. He was known for his powerful arm and his ability to hit for both average and power. Kearns played for several teams over the course of his career and was a productive player throughout. He retired from professional baseball in 2014 and is remembered as a dedicated athlete and family man.
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