Keith Lockhart, a professional baseball player, spent nearly a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as a second baseman. His journey in the big leagues began when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 1986 MLB Draft. However, it wasn't until several years later that he would make his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres.
Lockhart's debut came on April 5, 1994, with the Padres. During his time with San Diego, he played in a limited number of games, which provided him with the experience and exposure needed to establish himself in the league. Despite the challenges of breaking into a team with established players, Lockhart's perseverance paid off, and he soon found himself with the Kansas City Royals.
In 1995, Lockhart joined the Royals, where he began to see more playing time. His performance with Kansas City showcased his abilities as a reliable infielder and a consistent hitter. Over two seasons with the Royals, Lockhart played in over 200 games, batting .273 with 5 home runs and 76 RBIs. His time in Kansas City was marked by steady improvement and the development of his skills, which caught the attention of other teams.
The Atlanta Braves acquired Lockhart in a trade before the 1997 season, a move that would define the most substantial portion of his career. With the Braves, Lockhart became part of a team that was consistently in contention for the postseason. His role as a utility infielder allowed him to contribute to the Braves' success during a period when they were one of the dominant teams in the National League.
Lockhart's tenure with the Braves lasted from 1997 to 2002. During these years, he participated in several postseason campaigns, including the 1999 World Series. Although the Braves fell to the New York Yankees in the series, Lockhart's presence on the roster during these competitive years underscored his value to the team. He was known for his ability to come through in clutch situations, providing key hits and solid defense when called upon.
Throughout his time with Atlanta, Lockhart played in over 600 games, maintaining a batting average around .260. His versatility in the infield and his left-handed bat made him a valuable asset for the Braves, who utilized him in various roles depending on the team's needs. Lockhart's steady presence in the lineup and the clubhouse contributed to the Braves' sustained success during his years with the team.
After his stint with the Braves, Lockhart returned to the Padres for the 2003 season, which would be his final year in the majors. Although his time with San Diego was brief, it marked the conclusion of a respectable MLB career. Over the course of his career, Lockhart played in 1,128 games, recording a .261 batting average with 44 home runs and 268 RBIs.
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