Born on May 29, 1965, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Charlie Hayes embarked on a professional baseball career that spanned over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his defensive skills at third base, Hayes played for several teams throughout his career, leaving a lasting memory for fans, especially with his role in the 1996 World Series.
Hayes began his MLB journey when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 1983 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Giants on September 11, 1988. During his time with the Giants, Hayes showcased his potential as a reliable infielder, but it was his trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989 that provided him with more playing opportunities.
With the Phillies, Hayes became a regular starter and demonstrated his abilities both offensively and defensively. In 1990, he had one of his best seasons, hitting .258 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs. His performance that year helped solidify his reputation as a dependable third baseman. However, after a couple of seasons with the Phillies, Hayes was traded to the New York Yankees in 1992.
Hayes' first stint with the Yankees was brief, as he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft. Playing for the Rockies in their inaugural season in 1993, Hayes enjoyed a career-high year, batting .305 with 25 home runs and 98 RBIs. His performance in Colorado was a highlight of his career, as he thrived in the hitter-friendly environment of Mile High Stadium.
After two seasons with the Rockies, Hayes was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1994. His time with the Pirates was short-lived, and he found himself back with the Yankees in 1996. This return to New York proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Hayes played a crucial role in the Yankees' postseason success, particularly in the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. He famously caught the final out of Game 6, securing the Yankees' first World Series title since 1978.
Following his World Series triumph, Hayes continued to play in the majors, joining the San Francisco Giants again in 1997. He later played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros before retiring after the 2001 season. Throughout his career, Hayes was known for his steady glove at third base and his ability to contribute offensively when needed.
In total, Charlie Hayes played for seven different teams over his 14-year MLB career. He finished with a .262 batting average, 144 home runs, and 740 RBIs. Beyond the statistics, Hayes is often remembered for his role in the Yankees' 1996 World Series victory and his consistent presence on the field.
After retiring from professional baseball, Hayes remained involved in the sport, particularly through coaching and mentoring young players. His legacy continues through his son, Ke'Bryan Hayes, who followed in his father's footsteps and became a professional baseball player, debuting with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020.
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