Larry Sheets, a left-handed outfielder and designated hitter, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on December 6, 1959, in Staunton, Virginia, Sheets attended Eastern Mennonite University before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the 1978 MLB Draft. His journey through the minor leagues culminated in his MLB debut with the Orioles on September 18, 1984.
Sheets' early years with the Orioles saw him gradually establish himself as a reliable power hitter. In 1985, he began to see more playing time, appearing in 53 games and hitting .311 with 8 home runs. His breakout season came in 1987 when he played in 137 games and hit 31 home runs, driving in 94 runs with a .316 batting average. This performance placed him among the top hitters in the American League that year.
Despite his impressive 1987 season, Sheets faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance in subsequent years. In 1988, his batting average dipped to .230, although he still managed to hit 10 home runs. The following year, he improved slightly, hitting .277 with 18 home runs. However, the Orioles' struggles as a team during this period often overshadowed individual achievements.
In 1990, Sheets was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to serve as a designated hitter and outfielder. His time with the Tigers was marked by a steady, if unspectacular, performance. He played in 95 games that season, hitting .266 with 12 home runs. The following year, Sheets signed with the Seattle Mariners, but his stint there was brief, as he appeared in only 14 games.
Seeking new opportunities, Sheets took his talents overseas to Japan, where he played for the Yokohama Taiyo Whales in 1992. His international experience added a unique chapter to his career, allowing him to continue playing at a competitive level. Sheets returned to the United States in 1993, signing with the Baltimore Orioles for a final stint. However, he played in only 9 games before retiring from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Larry Sheets was known for his power-hitting ability, particularly during his peak years with the Orioles. While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the teams he played for were valued by teammates and fans alike. After retiring from baseball, Sheets remained involved in the sport, contributing to the development of young players through coaching and mentoring roles.
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