Richie Sexson, a towering presence at 6 feet 8 inches, became known for his power-hitting abilities during his time in Major League Baseball. Born on December 29, 1974, in Portland, Oregon, Sexson's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 24th round of the 1993 MLB Draft. His early years in the minor leagues showcased his potential, and he made his MLB debut with the Indians in 1997.
Sexson's time with the Indians was marked by his development as a power hitter. In 1999, he hit 31 home runs, establishing himself as a formidable force at the plate. His performance caught the attention of other teams, and in 2000, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. It was with the Brewers that Sexson truly flourished, hitting 45 home runs in both the 2001 and 2003 seasons. His ability to drive in runs and hit for power made him a central figure in the Brewers' lineup.
In 2004, Sexson was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his time there was marred by injury. A shoulder injury limited him to just 23 games that season, a setback that interrupted his momentum. Despite this, the Seattle Mariners saw potential in Sexson and signed him to a four-year contract in December 2004.
With the Mariners, Sexson returned to form, hitting 39 home runs in 2005 and 34 in 2006. His presence in the Mariners' lineup provided much-needed power, and he became a fan favorite in Seattle. However, his performance began to decline in the following years, and by 2008, the Mariners released him mid-season.
Sexson briefly joined the New York Yankees in 2008, but his time with the team was short-lived. He retired from professional baseball after the season, concluding a career that saw him hit 306 home runs and drive in 943 runs over 12 seasons.
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