Mark Grace is a former American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 seasons. He was born on June 28, 1964, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended San Diego State University, where he played college baseball for the Aztecs.
Grace was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round of the 1985 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with the team in 1988. He quickly established himself as a reliable hitter and a solid defensive player, earning a reputation as one of the best first basemen in the league.
Over the course of his career, Grace played for the Cubs, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a three-time All-Star, won four Gold Glove Awards, and finished in the top 20 in National League MVP voting four times.
Grace was known for his consistent hitting and his ability to get on base. He had a career batting average of .303 and an on-base percentage of .383. He also had a knack for hitting doubles, finishing his career with 511, which ranks him 32nd on the all-time list.
Off the field, Grace was known for his affable personality and his love of the game. He was a fan favorite in Chicago, where he played for 13 seasons, and was known for his charitable work in the community.
However, Grace's career was not without controversy. In 2002, he was arrested for driving under the influence, and in 2003, he was suspended for 50 games for violating MLB's drug policy.
Despite these setbacks, Grace remains one of the most beloved players in Cubs history. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2010 and had his number 17 retired by the team in 2016.
After retiring from baseball, Grace worked as a broadcaster for the Diamondbacks and the Cubs. He also served as a hitting coach for the Diamondbacks and the Washington Nationals.
Overall, Mark Grace had a successful career as a first baseman in MLB. He was a consistent hitter, a solid defensive player, and a fan favorite in Chicago. While his career was not without controversy, he remains a beloved figure in the world of baseball.
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