Jeff King, a professional baseball player, spent a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as a first and third baseman. Born on December 26, 1964, in Marion, Indiana, King attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college baseball for the Razorbacks. His performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the first overall pick in the 1986 MLB Draft.
King made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 2, 1989. During his early years with the Pirates, he played alongside a talented roster that included Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla. Initially, King struggled to find his footing in the major leagues, but he gradually improved his performance at the plate and in the field. By the early 1990s, he had become a regular starter for the team.
In 1993, King had a breakout season, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 98 runs. His ability to play both first and third base provided the Pirates with flexibility in their lineup. Over the next few seasons, King continued to be a steady presence in the Pirates' lineup, contributing both offensively and defensively.
In 1996, King was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to play until his retirement. His time with the Royals was marked by consistent offensive production. In 1997, he achieved a career-high 28 home runs and 112 RBIs, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. Despite playing for a team that struggled in the standings, King remained a reliable player throughout his tenure with the Royals.
King's career came to an unexpected end in 1999. After experiencing back problems and a general decline in performance, he decided to retire from professional baseball. Over his career, King accumulated a batting average of .256, with 154 home runs and 709 RBIs.
Jeff King's career in MLB was characterized by steady performance and adaptability.
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