Larry Herndon, an outfielder known for his steady presence at the plate and in the field, began his Major League Baseball career with the San Francisco Giants. Drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 1971 MLB Draft, Herndon made his debut in the major leagues in 1974. Over the next several years, he developed into a reliable player, showcasing his skills both offensively and defensively.
Herndon's tenure with the Giants lasted until 1981. During this period, he became known for his consistent batting average and solid defensive work in the outfield. His ability to hit for average and his speed on the bases made him a valuable asset to the Giants' lineup. In 1981, Herndon was traded to the Detroit Tigers, a move that would define the latter part of his career.
With the Tigers, Herndon continued to demonstrate his abilities as a dependable outfielder. His first season with Detroit in 1982 was particularly impressive, as he hit .292 with 23 home runs and 88 RBIs, earning him a 15th place finish in the American League MVP voting. Herndon's performance helped solidify his role as a key player for the Tigers during the early 1980s.
One of the highlights of Herndon's career came in 1984 when the Detroit Tigers won the World Series. Herndon played a crucial role in the team's success that year, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the season and the playoffs. In the World Series against the San Diego Padres, Herndon hit a home run in Game 1, setting the tone for the Tigers' championship run. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Tigers secure their first World Series title since 1968.
Herndon remained with the Tigers until 1988, continuing to provide veteran leadership and consistent play. Although his offensive numbers began to decline in the latter part of his career, his experience and steady presence were valuable to the team. After the 1988 season, Herndon retired from professional baseball, leaving behind a career marked by reliability and solid performance.
Throughout his career, Herndon was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He finished with a career batting average of .274, 107 home runs, and 550 RBIs. His ability to perform consistently over the years earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
After retiring as a player, Herndon remained involved in baseball, taking on roles such as coaching and mentoring younger players. His post-playing career further demonstrated his love for the game and his desire to share his knowledge and experience with others.
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