Dean Palmer, a right-handed third baseman, spent his Major League Baseball career primarily with the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers. Born on December 27, 1968, in Tallahassee, Florida, Palmer was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on September 1, 1989, with the Rangers.
Palmer's early years with the Rangers were marked by his powerful hitting ability. In 1992, he hit 26 home runs and drove in 88 runs, establishing himself as a power hitter. His performance earned him a spot in the Rangers' lineup as a regular third baseman. Over the next few seasons, Palmer continued to demonstrate his power at the plate, consistently hitting over 20 home runs each year.
In 1995, Palmer had one of his best seasons with the Rangers, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 96 runs. His efforts were recognized with a Silver Slugger Award, which is given to the best offensive player at each position. However, his time with the Rangers was not without challenges. Palmer struggled with injuries, which affected his performance and playing time.
In 1998, Palmer was traded to the Kansas City Royals. During his tenure with the Royals, he continued to be a reliable power hitter. In the 1998 season, he hit 34 home runs and had 119 RBIs, which were career highs. His performance that year earned him his second Silver Slugger Award.
Palmer's career took another turn when he signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent in 1999. He continued to be a productive player for the Tigers, hitting 38 home runs in his first season with the team. This performance earned him his first and only All-Star selection in 1998. Palmer's time with the Tigers was marked by his consistent power hitting, although injuries continued to be a concern.
Throughout his career, Palmer was known for his ability to hit home runs and drive in runs. He finished his career with 275 home runs and 849 RBIs. Despite the challenges he faced with injuries, Palmer's power at the plate made him a valuable player for the teams he played for.
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