Mariano Duncan, a Dominican-born infielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his speed and agility, Duncan quickly established himself as a reliable player. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 1985, and spent several seasons with the Dodgers, where he played primarily as a shortstop and second baseman. His rookie season was impressive, as he batted .244 with 38 stolen bases, showcasing his ability to be a threat on the base paths.
In 1989, Duncan was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he continued to develop his skills. During his time with the Reds, he contributed to the team's success with his consistent batting and fielding abilities. The pinnacle of his tenure with Cincinnati came in 1990 when the Reds won the World Series. Duncan played a crucial role in the team's postseason run, providing solid defense and timely hitting.
After his stint with the Reds, Duncan joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1992. His time in Philadelphia was marked by one of his best offensive seasons in 1993, when he hit .282 and helped lead the Phillies to the National League pennant. The Phillies faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series that year, and although they did not win, Duncan's performance throughout the season was a highlight of his career.
In 1995, Duncan signed with the New York Yankees, where he continued to be a valuable asset. His tenure with the Yankees was marked by another World Series appearance in 1996. Duncan contributed to the Yankees' championship victory with his experience and leadership, playing both second base and shortstop as needed.
Duncan's career also included a brief period with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 before he retired from professional baseball. Over his career, he was known for his ability to adapt to different teams and roles, always providing solid defense and contributing offensively when needed. His career batting average was .267, with 87 home runs and 491 RBIs, reflecting his consistent performance over the years.
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