Steve Decker's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on October 25, 1965, in Rock Island, Illinois, Decker attended Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, where he honed his skills as a catcher. His talent caught the attention of the San Francisco Giants, who selected him in the 21st round of the 1988 MLB Draft.
Decker made his MLB debut with the Giants on September 18, 1990. As a catcher, he was known for his defensive capabilities and ability to handle a pitching staff. During his time with the Giants, Decker played in parts of four seasons, from 1990 to 1992 and again in 1996. His most productive season with the Giants came in 1991 when he appeared in 55 games, hitting .206 with 5 home runs and 22 RBIs.
In 1993, Decker was traded to the Florida Marlins, where he played for a brief period. His tenure with the Marlins was short-lived, as he appeared in only 12 games. The following year, he joined the Colorado Rockies, where he played in 19 games during the 1994 season. Decker's time with the Rockies was marked by a .208 batting average, with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs.
Decker's career continued with the Anaheim Angels, where he played during the 1995 season. In Anaheim, he appeared in 23 games, batting .222 with 1 home run and 7 RBIs. His role as a backup catcher was solidified during this period, as he provided depth and experience to the teams he joined.
In 1996, Decker returned to the Giants for a brief stint before moving on to the Minnesota Twins in 1997. With the Twins, he played in 13 games, hitting .250 with 1 home run and 4 RBIs. His final MLB appearance came with the Giants in 1999, marking the end of his playing career.
Throughout his time in the major leagues, Decker was known for his work ethic and ability to mentor younger players. While his offensive numbers may not have been eye-catching, his defensive skills and knowledge of the game were valued by the teams he played for.
After retiring as a player, Decker transitioned into coaching and player development roles. He worked within the Giants organization, serving as a minor league manager and later as a coordinator of minor league hitting instruction. His experience as a former player provided valuable insights to the young prospects he mentored.
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