Todd Hundley was a professional baseball player who played as a catcher for various teams in the Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. Hundley was born on May 27, 1969, in Martinsville, Virginia, and grew up in the Chicago area. He was the son of Randy Hundley, a former MLB catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs.
Hundley began his professional baseball career in 1987 when he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Mets in 1990. Hundley quickly established himself as a solid catcher, known for his strong arm and ability to hit for power.
In 1996, Hundley had a breakout season with the Mets, hitting 41 home runs and driving in 112 runs. He became the first catcher in MLB history to hit 40 or more home runs in a season. Hundley's performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team and a Silver Slugger award.
After spending nine seasons with the Mets, Hundley was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998. He played for the Dodgers for two seasons before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2001. Hundley played for the Cubs for two seasons before being released in 2003.
Throughout his career, Hundley was known for his power hitting and ability to hit home runs. He finished his career with 202 home runs and 599 runs batted in (RBIs). Hundley also had a strong arm and was known for his ability to throw out baserunners attempting to steal.
Despite his success on the field, Hundley struggled with injuries throughout his career. He underwent several surgeries, including one to repair a torn rotator cuff in his throwing arm. Hundley also struggled with substance abuse issues, which led to a suspension in 1998 for violating MLB's drug policy.
After retiring from baseball, Hundley worked as a coach and instructor. He also became involved in philanthropy, supporting various charities and organizations. Hundley was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his contributions to the team during his career.
In conclusion, Todd Hundley was a talented catcher who played for several teams in the MLB during his career. He was known for his power hitting and strong arm, but also struggled with injuries and substance abuse issues. Despite these challenges, Hundley had a successful career and continues to be recognized for his contributions to the sport.
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