Jim Essian's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on January 2, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Essian's professional baseball career began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round of the 1969 MLB Draft. His debut in the major leagues came on September 15, 1973, with the Phillies, marking the start of an 11-year playing career in the big leagues.
Essian's primary position was catcher, a role he fulfilled for several teams throughout his career. After his initial stint with the Phillies, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1975. It was with the White Sox that Essian began to establish himself as a reliable presence behind the plate. His tenure with the team lasted until 1977, after which he was traded to the Oakland Athletics.
During his time with the Athletics, Essian played a part in the team's rebuilding phase. He spent three seasons in Oakland, where he was known for his defensive skills and ability to handle a pitching staff. In 1980, Essian was traded to the Seattle Mariners, but his time there was brief, as he was soon on the move again, this time to the Cleveland Indians.
Essian's career continued with the Indians, where he played during the 1981 season. His journey through the majors saw him return to the Athletics in 1982, before finally landing with the Chicago Cubs in 1984. It was with the Cubs that Essian concluded his playing career in 1984, having appeared in a total of 646 games, with a batting average of .244, 33 home runs, and 207 RBIs.
Following his playing days, Essian transitioned into coaching and managing. He remained in the Cubs organization, where he managed in the minor leagues before being appointed as the manager of the Chicago Cubs in 1991. Essian took over the managerial role from Don Zimmer in May of that year. His tenure as manager was short-lived, lasting only until the end of the season, with the team finishing with a 59-63 record under his leadership.
Essian's career in baseball extended beyond his time on the field and in the dugout.
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