Mitch Webster's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the life of a dedicated outfielder who played for several teams over his career. Born on May 16, 1959, in Larned, Kansas, Webster grew up honing his skills in the sport that would eventually become his profession. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 23rd round of the 1977 amateur draft, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.
Webster made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 1, 1983. Although his time with the Dodgers was brief, it provided him with the experience and exposure needed to establish himself in the major leagues. In 1984, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he began to see more playing time. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Webster demonstrated his abilities as a switch-hitter and a reliable outfielder, contributing both offensively and defensively.
In 1985, Webster was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he spent the next few years of his career. His time with the Expos was marked by consistent performance, as he became a regular in the lineup. In 1986, he had one of his best seasons, batting .290 with 36 stolen bases, showcasing his speed and ability to get on base. His performance in Montreal solidified his reputation as a dependable player in the league.
Webster's career continued with a trade to the Chicago Cubs in 1988. While with the Cubs, he maintained his role as a solid outfielder and contributed to the team's efforts with his batting and fielding skills. In 1989, he was part of the Cubs team that won the National League East division, although they fell short in the playoffs.
After his stint with the Cubs, Webster moved on to play for the Cleveland Indians in 1990. His time with the Indians was relatively short, but he continued to provide veteran leadership and experience to the team. In 1991, he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played a supporting role in the outfield.
Webster's final MLB stop was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team where his major league journey began. He returned to the Dodgers in 1991 and played with them until 1995. During these years, he served as a valuable bench player, offering depth and experience to the Dodgers' roster.
Throughout his career, Mitch Webster was known for his speed on the bases and his ability to play all three outfield positions. He finished his MLB career with a batting average of .263, 70 home runs, and 160 stolen bases. His career spanned over a decade, during which he played for six different teams, adapting to various roles and contributing wherever he was needed.
After retiring from playing, Webster transitioned into scouting and player development roles, continuing his involvement in baseball off the field. His post-playing career included working as a scout for the Kansas City Royals, where he applied his extensive knowledge of the game to identify and develop new talent.
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