Johnny Ray, a second baseman known for his consistent performance and steady presence on the field, played Major League Baseball primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the California Angels. Born on March 1, 1957, in Chouteau, Oklahoma, Ray's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 12th round of the 1979 amateur draft. However, it was with the Pittsburgh Pirates that he would first make his mark in the majors.
Ray debuted with the Pirates on September 2, 1981, quickly establishing himself as a reliable player. In 1982, his first full season, he played in 162 games, a testament to his durability and the trust the team placed in him. That year, he batted .281 with 7 home runs and 63 RBIs, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year Award from The Sporting News. His performance also placed him second in the official Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Steve Sax of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Throughout his tenure with the Pirates, Ray was known for his batting prowess and defensive skills. He consistently posted batting averages above .280, with his best season in Pittsburgh coming in 1983 when he hit .283 with 11 home runs and 70 RBIs. Ray's ability to switch-hit added to his value, making him a versatile option in the lineup. Defensively, he was solid, often ranking among the league leaders in fielding percentage for second basemen.
In August 1987, Ray was traded to the California Angels in exchange for Miguel García and Bill Merrifield. With the Angels, he continued to be a dependable player, maintaining a batting average over .290 in his first two seasons with the team. In 1988, he achieved a career-high batting average of .306, further solidifying his reputation as a consistent hitter.
Ray's time with the Angels also saw him earn his only All-Star selection in 1988, a recognition of his performance and reliability on the field. He continued to play with the Angels until 1990, when his major league career came to a close. Over his career, Ray accumulated a .290 batting average, with 53 home runs and 594 RBIs.
After leaving Major League Baseball, Ray played briefly in Japan for the Yakult Swallows in 1991, where he continued to demonstrate his skills on an international stage. His career in Japan was short-lived, and he retired from professional baseball soon after.
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