Lloyd McClendon embarked on his professional baseball journey as a player before transitioning into coaching and management roles. Born on January 11, 1959, in Gary, Indiana, McClendon first gained attention for his baseball skills at Roosevelt High School and later at Valparaiso University. His talent on the field led to his selection by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 1980 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Cincinnati Reds that he made his Major League debut in 1987.
McClendon played as an outfielder and first baseman during his MLB career, which spanned eight seasons. After his time with the Reds, he joined the Chicago Cubs in 1989, where he played until 1990. He then moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent the final years of his playing career from 1990 to 1994. Known for his right-handed batting and throwing, McClendon had a career batting average of .244, with 35 home runs and 154 RBIs.
Following his retirement as a player, McClendon transitioned into coaching, beginning with a role as a hitting coach for the Pirates. His understanding of the game and ability to mentor players led to his appointment as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2001. McClendon managed the team until 2005, during which he worked to develop young talent and navigate the challenges of leading a team in a competitive league.
After his tenure with the Pirates, McClendon continued his coaching career with various teams. He served as a coach for the Detroit Tigers, where he worked under manager Jim Leyland, a former mentor from his playing days. McClendon's coaching expertise contributed to the Tigers' success during this period, including their American League pennant win in 2006.
In 2014, McClendon took on the role of manager for the Seattle Mariners. During his time with the Mariners, he focused on building a competitive team and fostering a winning culture. Under his leadership, the Mariners achieved their first winning season in several years in 2014, finishing with an 87-75 record. McClendon managed the Mariners for two seasons before parting ways with the team in 2015.
Returning to the Detroit Tigers organization, McClendon continued to share his knowledge and experience as a coach. He served in various capacities, including as the team's hitting coach and later as the manager of the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate. His leadership and guidance were instrumental in developing the skills of young players within the organization.
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