Daryle Ward, a left-handed hitter known for his power at the plate, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. Born on June 27, 1975, in Lynwood, California, Ward was the son of former major leaguer Gary Ward, which gave him a unique perspective on the game from an early age. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 15th round of the 1994 MLB Draft, but it was with the Houston Astros that he would make his major league debut.
Ward's debut came on September 14, 1998, with the Astros, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to hit for power. In 2000, he played in 98 games and hit 20 home runs, showcasing his potential as a power hitter. His performance helped the Astros secure a spot in the postseason, although they were eliminated in the National League Division Series by the Atlanta Braves.
In 2002, Ward achieved a memorable milestone by hitting for the cycle on May 26 against the St. Louis Cardinals. This feat made him the first player in Astros history to hit for the cycle, a testament to his hitting prowess. That season, he hit 12 home runs and drove in 72 runs, solidifying his role as a valuable player in the Astros' lineup.
Ward's time with the Astros came to an end when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2003. His stint with the Dodgers was brief, and he was subsequently traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004. With the Pirates, Ward found more consistent playing time and continued to demonstrate his power-hitting abilities. In 2004, he hit 15 home runs and had 57 RBIs, providing a solid middle-of-the-order presence for the team.
After his tenure with the Pirates, Ward signed with the Washington Nationals in 2006. During his time with the Nationals, he served primarily as a pinch hitter and backup first baseman. Despite limited playing time, he managed to hit seven home runs in 2006, proving his ability to deliver in clutch situations.
Ward's career continued with the Chicago Cubs, where he played from 2007 to 2008. As a member of the Cubs, he was utilized mainly as a pinch hitter, a role in which he excelled. His experience and power off the bench were valuable assets for the Cubs, particularly during their 2007 playoff run. Although the Cubs were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series, Ward's contributions during the regular season were appreciated by the team and its fans.
Throughout his career, Ward was known for his ability to hit home runs and his prowess as a pinch hitter. He finished his major league career with 90 home runs and 379 RBIs, numbers that reflect his role as a power hitter. After leaving the major leagues, Ward continued to play in various independent leagues and international teams, including stints in the Mexican League.
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