César Cedeño, a Dominican-born outfielder, became one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on February 25, 1951, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Cedeño was signed by the Houston Astros as an amateur free agent in 1967. His journey to the major leagues was swift, and he made his debut with the Astros in 1970 at the age of 19.
Cedeño quickly established himself as a dynamic player, known for his speed, defensive prowess, and ability to hit for both power and average. In the early 1970s, he was often compared to the legendary Willie Mays due to his all-around skills and athleticism. Cedeño's breakout season came in 1972 when he batted .320, hit 22 home runs, and stole 55 bases. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, the first of four consecutive All-Star selections from 1972 to 1975.
Throughout the 1970s, Cedeño was a central figure in the Astros' lineup. He consistently posted impressive numbers, including batting averages over .300 in multiple seasons and regularly stealing over 50 bases. His combination of speed and power made him a threat both at the plate and on the base paths. Cedeño won five Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive play in center field, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best outfielders of his era.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Cedeño's performance as the decade progressed. Despite this, he remained a valuable player for the Astros, contributing both offensively and defensively. In 1981, Cedeño had a resurgence, batting .271 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs in a strike-shortened season. His efforts helped the Astros reach the postseason, where they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
Cedeño's tenure with the Astros came to an end in 1981 when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. With the Reds, he continued to be a productive player, although his stolen base numbers declined. In 1985, Cedeño was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played a crucial role in their late-season push for the playoffs. His performance during the final month of the season was instrumental in helping the Cardinals secure the National League East title. Cedeño batted .434 in 28 games with the Cardinals, providing a spark to their lineup.
The Cardinals advanced to the World Series in 1985, where they faced the Kansas City Royals. Although the Cardinals ultimately lost the series in seven games, Cedeño's contributions during the regular season and playoffs were highly regarded. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1986, Cedeño retired from Major League Baseball.
Over the course of his career, Cedeño compiled a .285 batting average, hit 199 home runs, and stole 550 bases.
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