Oddibe McDowell, an American former professional baseball player, is remembered for his time as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on August 25, 1962, in Hollywood, Florida, McDowell first gained attention for his athletic prowess during his college years. He attended Arizona State University, where he played for the Sun Devils and earned the Golden Spikes Award in 1984, an honor given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States.
McDowell's professional career began when he was selected by the Texas Rangers as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 1984 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Rangers on May 19, 1985. Known for his speed and defensive skills, McDowell quickly became a fixture in the Rangers' outfield. During his rookie season, he played in 133 games, hitting .239 with 18 home runs and 42 RBIs. His performance earned him a spot on the Baseball Digest All-Rookie Team.
In 1986, McDowell continued to develop his game, appearing in 150 games and improving his batting average to .266. He also demonstrated his speed on the base paths, stealing 25 bases. His defensive abilities were highlighted by his range and agility in center field, making him a valuable asset to the Rangers' lineup.
The following seasons saw McDowell maintain his role as a regular starter for the Rangers. In 1987, he played in 146 games, hitting .250 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs. His speed remained a key aspect of his game, as he stole 33 bases that year. However, his offensive production began to fluctuate, and by 1988, his batting average had dipped to .238.
In 1989, McDowell was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he played 69 games and hit .224. His time with the Indians was short-lived, as he was traded again in 1990, this time to the Atlanta Braves. With the Braves, McDowell saw limited playing time, appearing in only 29 games and hitting .222.
McDowell returned to the Rangers in 1992, but his role had diminished significantly. He played in just 39 games that season, hitting .271. The following year, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played his final MLB season in 1994. During his time with the Dodgers, McDowell appeared in 17 games, hitting .167.
Throughout his MLB career, McDowell was known for his speed and defensive capabilities, though his offensive consistency varied. Over ten seasons, he played in 834 games, achieving a career batting average of .253, with 74 home runs and 266 RBIs. He also stole 129 bases, showcasing his ability to be a threat on the base paths.
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