Darin Erstad is a former American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder and first baseman. He was born on June 4, 1974, in Jamestown, North Dakota, and grew up in California. Erstad played college baseball at the University of Nebraska, where he was a two-sport athlete, also playing football as a punter and placekicker.
Erstad was drafted by the California Angels in the first round of the 1995 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut in 1996 and quickly established himself as a reliable outfielder with a strong arm and excellent defensive skills. Erstad won his first Gold Glove award in 2000, and he would go on to win two more in 2002 and 2004.
Erstad was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .282. He was known for his ability to hit for both power and average, and he was a consistent contributor to the Angels' offense throughout his career. Erstad was a two-time All-Star, earning the honor in 1998 and 2000.
Erstad's best season came in 2000, when he hit .355 with 25 home runs, 100 RBI, and 121 runs scored. He also led the American League in hits with 240, becoming the first player since 1930 to record 240 or more hits in a season. Erstad finished second in the AL MVP voting that year, behind only Jason Giambi.
Erstad played for the Angels for 11 seasons before signing with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent in 2007. He played one season in Chicago before retiring after the 2008 season. Erstad finished his career with a .282 batting average, 124 home runs, 699 RBI, and 1,697 hits.
In addition to his success on the field, Erstad was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a respected veteran in the Angels' clubhouse and was often praised for his professionalism and dedication to the game. Erstad was also involved in several charitable organizations throughout his career, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.
After retiring from baseball, Erstad returned to the University of Nebraska as the head coach of the baseball team. He has led the Cornhuskers to several successful seasons and has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year twice. Erstad's success as a coach has earned him praise from his former teammates and coaches, who have praised his leadership and dedication to the game.
Overall, Darin Erstad was a highly respected and successful baseball player who made a significant impact on the game during his career. He was a talented hitter and fielder who was known for his leadership and work ethic, and he has continued to make a positive impact on the game as a coach.
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