Kevin Bass, a switch-hitting outfielder, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Houston Astros, where he became a familiar face to fans throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on May 12, 1959, in Redwood City, California, Bass was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 1977 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 1982, but it was his trade to the Houston Astros in September of that year that set the stage for the most productive years of his career.
Bass quickly established himself as a reliable player for the Astros. In 1986, he had a breakout season, batting .311 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, marking the only All-Star selection of his career. That year, the Astros won the National League West division, and Bass played a crucial role in their success. The team advanced to the National League Championship Series, where they faced the New York Mets in a memorable six-game series. Although the Astros ultimately fell short, Bass's contributions were vital throughout the season.
Throughout his tenure with the Astros, Bass was known for his speed and defensive skills in the outfield. He consistently posted solid numbers, both offensively and defensively, making him a valuable asset to the team. In addition to his All-Star season in 1986, Bass had several other productive years with the Astros, including 1987 when he hit .284 with 13 home runs and 74 RBIs.
In 1989, Bass signed with the San Francisco Giants as a free agent. His time with the Giants was short-lived, as he was traded to the New York Mets in 1992. Bass's stint with the Mets was also brief, and he returned to the Astros later that year. His second tenure with Houston was marked by a decline in his offensive production, but he remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse.
Bass's career continued with the Baltimore Orioles in 1993, where he played for one season before returning to the Astros for a third time in 1994. He finished his MLB career with the Astros in 1995. Over the course of his career, Bass compiled a .270 batting average, with 118 home runs and 611 RBIs. He also stole 151 bases, showcasing his speed on the basepaths.
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