Todd Hundley, a catcher known for his power-hitting abilities, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1990s and early 2000s. Born on May 27, 1969, in Martinsville, Virginia, Hundley was the son of Randy Hundley, a former MLB catcher. This familial connection to the sport provided Todd with a unique perspective and understanding of the game from an early age.
Hundley was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1987 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Mets on May 18, 1990. Initially, Hundley shared catching duties, but over time, he became the team's primary catcher. His early years with the Mets were marked by steady development, both offensively and defensively.
The 1996 season was a breakout year for Hundley. He set a major league record for catchers by hitting 41 home runs, surpassing the previous record of 40 set by Roy Campanella in 1953. This achievement not only highlighted his power at the plate but also earned him a spot in the All-Star Game that year. Hundley's performance in 1996 was a bright spot for the Mets, and he finished the season with a .259 batting average and 112 RBIs.
In 1997, Hundley continued to be a strong presence in the Mets' lineup, earning another All-Star selection. However, his season was cut short due to an elbow injury that required surgery. This injury marked the beginning of a challenging period in Hundley's career, as he struggled to regain his previous form.
The Mets traded Hundley to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 1998. His tenure with the Dodgers was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time and effectiveness. Despite these setbacks, Hundley managed to hit 24 home runs in the 1999 season, demonstrating his enduring power-hitting capability.
In 2001, Hundley returned to the Chicago Cubs, the team his father had played for, in a trade that sent Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek to the Dodgers. His time with the Cubs was again affected by injuries, and he was unable to replicate the success he had experienced earlier in his career.
Hundley concluded his major league career with the Dodgers in 2003. Over his 14-year career, he amassed 202 home runs, 599 RBIs, and a .234 batting average. While injuries hampered his later years, Hundley's record-setting 1996 season remains a highlight of his career.
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