Craig Paquette's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the eighth round of the 1989 MLB Draft. He made his debut with the Athletics on June 1, 1993, stepping onto the field as a third baseman. During his time with Oakland, Paquette demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions, including first base and the outfield, which added depth to the team's roster.
In 1996, Paquette was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he spent the next few seasons. His tenure with the Royals was marked by a career-high 22 home runs in 1998, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. Paquette's versatility continued to be an asset, as he frequently shifted between infield and outfield positions, adapting to the team's needs.
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired Paquette in 1999, and he played a vital role as a utility player. His time with the Cardinals was highlighted by his performance in the 2000 season, where he contributed to the team's success with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. Paquette's ability to fill in at various positions made him a valuable player for the Cardinals during their playoff run that year.
In 2001, Paquette signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to provide depth and experience to the roster. Although his time with the Tigers was relatively short, he managed to hit 15 home runs in the 2001 season, maintaining his reputation as a reliable power hitter.
Paquette's final stint in Major League Baseball was with the Kansas City Royals in 2003, marking the end of his professional playing career. Over the course of his career, he played in 831 games, hit 99 home runs, and had 377 RBIs. His ability to adapt to different roles and positions allowed him to maintain a steady presence in the league for over a decade.
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