Ray Lankford, an American former professional baseball player, spent the majority of his career as a center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Born on June 5, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, Lankford grew up with a passion for sports, eventually focusing on baseball. He attended Modesto Junior College, where his athletic prowess caught the attention of major league scouts.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Lankford in the third round of the 1987 MLB Draft. He quickly progressed through the minor leagues, showcasing his speed and power. Lankford made his major league debut with the Cardinals on August 21, 1990. In his rookie season, he demonstrated his potential by hitting .286 with 8 home runs and 42 RBIs in 95 games. His performance earned him a spot on the 1991 Topps All-Star Rookie Team.
Throughout the 1990s, Lankford became a fixture in the Cardinals' lineup. Known for his combination of speed and power, he consistently delivered solid performances both at the plate and in the field. Lankford was particularly adept at stealing bases, achieving a career-high of 44 stolen bases in 1991. That same year, he led the National League in triples with 15, highlighting his ability to stretch hits and capitalize on his speed.
Lankford's offensive skills were complemented by his defensive capabilities. As a center fielder, he possessed a strong arm and excellent range, making him a reliable presence in the outfield. His defensive prowess was recognized in 1996 when he was awarded the National League Gold Glove Award.
The 1997 season marked one of Lankford's best offensive years. He hit 31 home runs, drove in 98 runs, and maintained a .295 batting average. His performance earned him a spot in the 1997 MLB All-Star Game, the only All-Star selection of his career. Lankford continued to be a productive player for the Cardinals, consistently hitting over 20 home runs and maintaining a solid on-base percentage.
In 2001, Lankford's tenure with the Cardinals came to an end when he was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitcher Woody Williams. His time with the Padres was short-lived, as he struggled to find his form. Lankford returned to the Cardinals in 2004, signing a minor league contract and eventually making it back to the major league roster. He played his final season with the Cardinals, retiring at the end of the year.
Over his 14-year career, Lankford compiled a .272 batting average, hit 238 home runs, and stole 258 bases. He remains one of the few players in MLB history to have over 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases. Lankford's blend of power and speed, along with his defensive skills, made him a valuable player during his time in the league.
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