Leon Durham, known affectionately as "Bull," was a left-handed first baseman and outfielder who played in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. Born on July 31, 1957, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Durham's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1976 amateur draft. His early years in the minor leagues showcased his potential, and he made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1980.
Durham's time with the Cardinals was brief, as he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in December 1980 in a multi-player deal that included future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter. It was with the Cubs that Durham spent the majority of his career and became a familiar face to baseball fans. Playing primarily as a first baseman, he quickly established himself as a reliable hitter with a powerful swing.
Throughout his tenure with the Cubs, Durham consistently delivered solid offensive performances. In 1982, he had a breakout season, hitting .312 with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs. His efforts earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, marking the first of two All-Star appearances in his career. Durham's ability to hit for both average and power made him a valuable asset to the Cubs' lineup.
One of Durham's most memorable seasons came in 1984 when he played a crucial role in helping the Cubs reach the postseason for the first time since 1945. That year, he hit .279 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs, contributing significantly to the team's success. The Cubs won the National League East division, and Durham's performance was instrumental in their playoff run. However, the season ended in disappointment for the Cubs as they lost to the San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series.
Despite the setback, Durham continued to be a consistent performer for the Cubs over the next few years. He remained a fixture at first base and was known for his defensive skills as well as his offensive prowess. In 1987, Durham was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, bringing him back to his hometown. His time with the Reds was short-lived, and he was subsequently traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, the team with which he began his major league career.
Durham's final years in the majors saw him playing for the Cardinals and later the Detroit Tigers. While his performance declined in the latter part of his career, he remained a respected player known for his professionalism and work ethic. Durham retired from Major League Baseball after the 1989 season, concluding a career that spanned a decade.
After retiring as a player, Durham stayed involved in baseball, taking on various coaching roles. He worked as a hitting coach and instructor in several organizations, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. His post-playing career in coaching demonstrated his continued love for the game and his desire to help develop the next generation of talent.
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