Kurt Stillwell, a former Major League Baseball infielder, began his professional career when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds as the second overall pick in the first round of the 1983 MLB Draft. Born on June 4, 1965, in Glendale, California, Stillwell was known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field. He made his MLB debut with the Reds on April 13, 1986, stepping into the big leagues with high expectations due to his draft position and minor league performance.
During his time with the Reds, Stillwell played primarily as a shortstop. His rookie season saw him participating in 89 games, where he demonstrated his potential with a batting average of .223. Despite the modest start, his defensive capabilities were evident, and he quickly became a reliable presence in the infield. However, the Reds traded him to the Kansas City Royals in December 1987, a move that would provide him with more opportunities to develop his skills.
With the Royals, Stillwell found more consistent playing time and began to flourish. The 1988 season was a turning point, as he played in 157 games and improved his batting average to .251. His performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team in 1988, a testament to his growing reputation in the league. Stillwell's time with the Royals was marked by steady improvement and solid contributions both offensively and defensively.
In 1992, Stillwell was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to showcase his abilities as a dependable infielder. His tenure with the Padres was relatively short, lasting only two seasons, but he maintained a consistent presence on the field. In 1994, he signed with the California Angels, returning to his home state. With the Angels, Stillwell played two more seasons, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team.
Throughout his career, Stillwell was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He played in a total of 966 games, achieving a career batting average of .249, with 34 home runs and 310 RBIs. His defensive skills were a significant asset to every team he played for, and he was respected by teammates and opponents alike for his dedication to the game.
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