Delino DeShields is a former Major League Baseball player who played primarily as a second baseman. He was born on January 15, 1969, in Seaford, Delaware, and grew up in a family of athletes. His father, Delino DeShields Sr., was a professional baseball player, and his mother, Tisha, was a track and field athlete.
DeShields attended Seaford High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft and made his debut in the major leagues in 1990. He quickly established himself as a talented player, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team in 1992.
Over the course of his career, DeShields played for several teams, including the Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Cubs. He was known for his speed on the basepaths, stealing over 400 bases during his career. He also had a solid batting average, hitting .268 over 13 seasons.
One of the highlights of DeShields' career came in 1997, when he hit for the cycle while playing for the Orioles. This rare feat involves hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. DeShields became just the 15th player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.
Despite his success on the field, DeShields also faced some challenges during his career. In 2000, he was hit in the face by a pitch while playing for the Cardinals, causing him to miss several weeks of the season. He also struggled with injuries in later years, which ultimately led to his retirement in 2002.
After retiring from baseball, DeShields remained involved in the sport. He worked as a coach and manager in the minor leagues, and in 2015 he was named the manager of the Texas Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express. He also served as the first base coach for the Rangers from 2019 to 2020.
Overall, Delino DeShields had a successful career in Major League Baseball, earning a reputation as a talented player and a respected member of the baseball community. His speed and skill on the field made him a valuable asset to his teams, and his contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated today.
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