Eric Young, a dynamic presence in Major League Baseball, began his professional journey when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 43rd round of the 1989 MLB Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Young's speed and athleticism quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on July 30, 1992, marking the start of a career that would span over a decade and a half.
Young's tenure with the Dodgers was brief, as he was traded to the Colorado Rockies in 1993. It was with the Rockies that he truly began to shine. As the leadoff hitter, Young was instrumental in setting the pace for the Rockies' offense. His speed on the base paths was a constant threat to opposing pitchers and catchers, and he quickly became known for his ability to steal bases. In 1996, Young led the National League in stolen bases with 53, showcasing his prowess as a base stealer.
One of the most memorable moments of Young's career came on April 26, 1993, when he hit the first home run in Colorado Rockies history during the team's inaugural home game at Mile High Stadium. This historic homer endeared him to Rockies fans and solidified his place in the team's lore.
After several productive seasons with the Rockies, Young was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1997. His time with the Dodgers was marked by consistent performance, but he was on the move again in 1999, this time to the Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs, Young continued to be a reliable presence both offensively and defensively, playing primarily as a second baseman and outfielder.
In 2000, Young signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a leadoff hitter and base stealer. His tenure with the Brewers lasted until 2001, after which he joined the San Francisco Giants. Young's role with the Giants was more limited, but he provided veteran leadership and depth to the roster.
Young's career continued with stints at the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres. With each team, he brought experience and a competitive spirit, contributing both on the field and in the clubhouse. His final MLB season was with the Padres in 2006, concluding a career that saw him play for seven different teams.
Throughout his career, Young was known for his speed, accumulating 465 stolen bases, which ranks him among the top base stealers in MLB history. He also maintained a respectable batting average of .283, with 79 home runs and 543 RBIs over his career. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was a valuable asset to every team he played for.
After retiring as a player, Young transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players. His post-playing career included coaching roles with various MLB teams, where he continued to influence the game he loved.
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