Vince Coleman, known for his exceptional speed and base-stealing prowess, became one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on September 22, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida, Coleman attended Florida A&M University, where he excelled in both baseball and football. His athleticism caught the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, who selected him in the 10th round of the 1982 MLB Draft.
Coleman's major league debut came in 1985 with the Cardinals, and he quickly established himself as a force on the basepaths. That year, he stole 110 bases, setting a new rookie record and earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award. His speed was a critical asset for the Cardinals, and he played a vital role in helping the team reach the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the Kansas City Royals.
Throughout his time with the Cardinals, Coleman continued to dominate as a base stealer. He led the National League in stolen bases for six consecutive seasons from 1985 to 1990. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was a constant threat to opposing pitchers and catchers. In 1987, Coleman stole 109 bases, becoming the first player in MLB history to steal 100 or more bases in three consecutive seasons.
Despite his prowess on the basepaths, Coleman faced challenges in other aspects of his game. His batting average and on-base percentage were often considered average, and he struggled defensively at times. Nevertheless, his speed and base-stealing ability kept him as a valuable asset to any team.
In 1991, Coleman signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. His tenure with the Mets was marred by injuries and off-field incidents, including a notorious incident in 1993 when he accidentally injured three fans with a firecracker. These issues overshadowed his on-field performance, and his stolen base totals began to decline.
Coleman later played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers. While he never regained the form he displayed during his early years with the Cardinals, he continued to be a threat on the bases. His career concluded in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of the fastest players in baseball history.
Over his 13-year career, Coleman amassed 752 stolen bases, ranking him sixth on the all-time list.
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