Dave Collins, an American professional baseball player, spent his career primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. Born on October 20, 1952, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Collins attended Mesa Community College in Arizona, where he honed his skills before entering the professional leagues. His journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) began when he was drafted by the California Angels in the first round of the 1972 amateur draft.
Collins made his MLB debut with the California Angels in 1975. His time with the Angels was brief, and he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 1976. It was with the Mariners that Collins began to establish himself as a reliable player. Known for his speed and agility, he quickly became a valuable asset on the field. His ability to steal bases and cover ground in the outfield made him a player to watch.
In 1978, Collins was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent the next few years of his career. During his tenure with the Reds, he became known for his base-stealing prowess, consistently ranking among the league leaders in stolen bases. His speed on the base paths added a dynamic element to the Reds' lineup, and he played a crucial role in their offensive strategy.
Collins' career continued with a move to the New York Yankees in 1982. Although his time with the Yankees was short-lived, he continued to demonstrate his skills as a base runner and outfielder. Following his stint in New York, Collins joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 1983. With the Blue Jays, he enjoyed one of his most productive seasons, achieving a career-high batting average and continuing to excel in stolen bases.
In 1985, Collins signed with the Oakland Athletics, where he played for a single season before moving to the Detroit Tigers in 1986. His tenure with the Tigers was marked by consistent performance, and he remained a reliable player both offensively and defensively.
Collins returned to the Cincinnati Reds in 1987, bringing his career full circle. He played with the Reds until 1989, after which he joined the St. Louis Cardinals for his final season in 1990. Throughout his career, Collins was known for his speed, accumulating over 400 stolen bases. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was a hallmark of his playing style.
After retiring from professional baseball, Collins transitioned into coaching and player development roles. He worked with various MLB organizations, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. His post-playing career included roles as a coach and instructor, where he continued to contribute to the sport.
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