Shawon Dunston was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on March 21, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Dunston was a highly touted prospect and was drafted first overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 1982 MLB draft.
Dunston made his major league debut in 1985 and quickly established himself as a talented shortstop. He was known for his strong arm and excellent defensive skills, which earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league. Dunston was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .269.
Dunston spent the majority of his career with the Cubs, playing for them from 1985 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 1998. He also played for the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Dunston was a two-time All-Star, earning the honor in 1988 and 1990. He was also a Gold Glove winner in 1988, and he finished in the top 20 in MVP voting twice during his career.
Despite his success on the field, Dunston was plagued by injuries throughout his career. He suffered from a variety of ailments, including back problems, knee injuries, and a torn Achilles tendon. These injuries limited his playing time and prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Dunston retired from baseball in 2002, finishing his career with a .269 batting average, 150 home runs, and 668 RBIs. He also had 212 stolen bases and a .964 fielding percentage.
After retiring from baseball, Dunston worked as a coach and instructor. He also became involved in charitable work, including the Shawon Dunston Foundation, which provides scholarships and other support to underprivileged youth.
Overall, Shawon Dunston was a talented and respected player who made a significant impact on the game of baseball. Despite his injuries, he was able to achieve a great deal of success during his career and remains a beloved figure among fans of the teams he played for.
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