Bill Almon's journey through Major League Baseball began when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. A shortstop by trade, Almon was highly regarded for his defensive skills and potential at the plate. His professional debut came later that year, marking the start of a career that would span over a decade in the major leagues.
Almon's early years with the Padres were a period of adjustment as he transitioned from college baseball at Brown University to the professional ranks. In 1977, he began to see more playing time, appearing in 125 games and demonstrating his ability to handle the demands of a full MLB season. His versatility in the infield was an asset to the Padres, as he played not only shortstop but also second and third base when needed.
In 1979, Almon was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess. However, his time with the Expos was short-lived, as he was traded again in 1980, this time to the New York Mets. His stint with the Mets was brief, and he found himself on the move once more, joining the Chicago White Sox later that year.
With the White Sox, Almon enjoyed one of his more productive seasons in 1981, batting .301 over 103 games. His performance at the plate was complemented by his steady glove work, making him a valuable player for the team. Despite this success, Almon's tenure with the White Sox ended in 1982 when he was traded to the Oakland Athletics.
Almon's time with the Athletics saw him continue to be a reliable infielder, though his offensive numbers fluctuated. In 1983, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent two seasons. During his time with the Pirates, Almon provided depth to the infield and contributed as a utility player.
In 1985, Almon returned to the New York Mets, but his second stint with the team was brief. He was soon traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played for part of the 1985 season. The following year, he signed with the Oakland Athletics once again, marking his second tenure with the team.
Almon's career came full circle when he rejoined the New York Mets in 1987. He played his final MLB season in 1988 with the Mets, bringing an end to a career that saw him play for seven different teams. Throughout his time in the majors, Almon was known for his adaptability and defensive skills, which allowed him to remain a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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