Wil Cordero, a Puerto Rican native, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey when he was signed by the Montreal Expos as an amateur free agent in 1988. His debut in the major leagues came in 1992, marking the beginning of a career that spanned over a decade. Cordero, primarily known for his role as a shortstop, also played as an outfielder and first baseman throughout his career, demonstrating his adaptability on the field.
Cordero's early years with the Expos were marked by his offensive capabilities. In 1994, he had a standout season, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. That year, he posted a .294 batting average, hit 15 home runs, and drove in 63 runs, showcasing his potential as a power hitter. His performance contributed to the Expos' strong showing that season, although the team's momentum was halted by the players' strike.
After his tenure with the Expos, Cordero's career saw him donning the uniforms of several other teams. In 1996, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to demonstrate his batting prowess. During his time with the Red Sox, Cordero maintained a solid batting average and contributed significantly to the team's offensive lineup.
Cordero's journey in the major leagues also included stints with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Florida Marlins. His role varied from team to team, but he consistently provided depth to the roster, whether as a starter or coming off the bench. In 1997, while with the Indians, Cordero played in the World Series, although the team ultimately fell to the Florida Marlins in a seven-game series.
Throughout his career, Cordero faced challenges both on and off the field. His personal life occasionally intersected with his professional career, most notably in 1997 when he faced legal issues. Despite these challenges, he continued to play in the major leagues, demonstrating his ability to remain a part of the professional baseball landscape.
Cordero's later years in the MLB saw him returning to the Expos, the team where his career began. In 2002 and 2003, he played primarily as a first baseman and outfielder, contributing as a veteran presence in the clubhouse. His final seasons were spent with the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals, where he continued to provide experience and depth to the teams.
Over the course of his career, Cordero accumulated a .273 batting average, hit 122 home runs, and drove in 566 runs.
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