Cecil Espy, a professional baseball player known for his speed and agility, spent a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as an outfielder. Born on January 20, 1963, in San Diego, California, Espy was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 1980 MLB Draft. His journey through the minor leagues showcased his potential, particularly his base-stealing ability and defensive skills in the outfield.
Espy made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 2, 1983. However, his time with the team was brief, and he spent the next few years moving between the majors and minors. In 1985, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he began to find more consistent playing time. Espy's speed on the bases was a valuable asset, and he quickly became known for his ability to steal bases and cover ground in the outfield.
During his tenure with the Rangers, Espy played in a variety of roles, often utilized as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. His best season came in 1987 when he played in 119 games, stole 49 bases, and maintained a batting average of .257. This performance highlighted his capabilities as a base-stealer and a reliable outfielder.
In 1988, Espy was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he continued to be a valuable asset on the bases. His time with the Pirates was marked by his role as a utility player, often coming off the bench to provide speed and defensive prowess. Espy played with the Pirates until 1991, contributing to the team's success during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Espy returned to the Rangers in 1992, where he played his final two seasons in the MLB. Although his playing time decreased, he remained a respected figure in the clubhouse and continued to contribute as a veteran presence on the team. His career concluded after the 1993 season, leaving behind a legacy of speed and defensive skill.
Throughout his career, Espy was known for his quickness and ability to change the dynamics of a game with his base-running.
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