Ray Lankford was a professional baseball player who spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was born on June 5, 1967, in Modesto, California, and attended Modesto High School. Lankford was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the 1987 MLB draft and made his major league debut in 1990.
Lankford was a versatile player who could play both outfield and infield positions. He was known for his speed, power, and strong arm. He was also a solid defensive player who won a Gold Glove award in 1997.
Lankford had a successful career with the Cardinals, playing for 13 seasons. He was a three-time All-Star, in 1994, 1995, and 1997. He also won a Silver Slugger award in 1997. Lankford was a consistent performer throughout his career, hitting over 20 home runs in eight seasons and stealing over 20 bases in six seasons.
One of Lankford's most memorable moments came in the 1996 National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves. In Game 5, Lankford hit a grand slam off Braves pitcher Greg Maddux, helping the Cardinals win the game and stay alive in the series. The Cardinals ultimately lost the series, but Lankford's heroics were a bright spot for the team.
Lankford retired from baseball in 2004 with a career batting average of .272, 238 home runs, and 258 stolen bases. He ranks among the Cardinals' all-time leaders in several categories, including home runs, stolen bases, and runs scored.
After retiring from baseball, Lankford remained involved in the sport. He worked as a hitting coach for the Cardinals' minor league teams and also served as a special assistant to the team's general manager. In 2014, Lankford was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.
Overall, Ray Lankford was a talented and versatile player who had a successful career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a consistent performer who contributed both offensively and defensively, and he remains a beloved figure among Cardinals fans.
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