Bob Dernier was a professional baseball player who played as an outfielder for several teams during his career. He was born on January 5, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended the University of Kansas, where he played college baseball.
Dernier was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut with the Phillies in 1980 and played with the team until 1983. During his time with the Phillies, Dernier was known for his speed and defensive skills, earning a reputation as one of the best center fielders in the league.
In 1984, Dernier was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he played for three seasons. He continued to excel defensively and was a key player in the Cubs' 1984 playoff run. Dernier's speed also made him a valuable asset on the basepaths, as he stole 45 bases in 1984 and 31 in 1985.
After leaving the Cubs, Dernier played for the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies again before retiring in 1989. Over the course of his career, he had a batting average of .255, hit 19 home runs, and stole 141 bases.
Dernier's career was not without controversy, however. In 1987, he was involved in a brawl with the San Diego Padres after Padres pitcher Eric Show hit Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson with a pitch. Dernier was suspended for three games as a result of the incident.
After retiring from baseball, Dernier went on to become a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He also worked as a coach for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds.
Overall, Bob Dernier was a talented outfielder who was known for his speed and defensive skills. He played for several teams during his career and was a key player in the Cubs' 1984 playoff run. Despite some controversy, Dernier's contributions to the sport of baseball are still remembered and appreciated by fans today.
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