Candy Maldonado, born on September 5, 1960, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, embarked on a professional baseball career that spanned over a decade and a half. Known for his powerful hitting and strong arm, Maldonado played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) and became a familiar face to fans across several teams.
Maldonado's journey in MLB began when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1978. He made his major league debut with the Dodgers on September 7, 1981. During his time with the Dodgers, Maldonado showcased his potential as a reliable outfielder and a competent hitter. However, it was not until he joined the San Francisco Giants that he truly began to shine.
In 1986, Maldonado was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career. His tenure with the Giants was marked by consistent offensive output, including a career-high 85 RBIs in 1987. That same year, he played a crucial role in helping the Giants reach the National League Championship Series (NLCS), although they ultimately fell to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Maldonado's ability to deliver in clutch situations earned him the nickname "Candyman" among fans and teammates. His performance in the outfield was equally commendable, as he possessed a strong throwing arm that made him a defensive asset. In 1989, Maldonado was part of the Giants team that advanced to the World Series, where they faced the Oakland Athletics. Although the Giants were swept in the series, Maldonado's contributions throughout the season were instrumental in their success.
After his stint with the Giants, Maldonado continued his career with several other teams. In 1990, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he continued to be a productive player. His time with the Indians was followed by a brief period with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1991. Maldonado then joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991, where he played a vital role in the team's success.
The 1992 season was particularly memorable for Maldonado, as he was part of the Blue Jays team that won the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves. His performance during the postseason was noteworthy, as he provided key hits and solid defense. This World Series victory marked a high point in Maldonado's career, as he became one of the few Puerto Rican players to win a World Series ring.
Following his championship season with the Blue Jays, Maldonado continued to play in the major leagues, spending time with the Chicago Cubs and returning to the Cleveland Indians. He eventually concluded his MLB career with the Texas Rangers in 1995. Over the course of his career, Maldonado accumulated a respectable .254 batting average, with 146 home runs and 618 RBIs.
Candy Maldonado's career in baseball is remembered for his powerful hitting, defensive skills, and ability to perform under pressure.
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