Brian Hunter (outfielder) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brian Hunter |
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Hunter at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in 2011
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| Center fielder | |||
| Born: March 25, 1971 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| June 27, 1994, for the Houston Astros | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 24, 2003, for the Houston Astros | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .264 | ||
| Home runs | 25 | ||
| Runs batted in | 241 | ||
| Stolen bases | 260 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Brian Lee Hunter, born on March 25, 1971, is a former professional baseball player. He played as a center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was well-known for his amazing speed, especially for stealing many bases during games. In 1997, he stole over 70 bases!
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Brian Hunter's Early Life and Baseball Start
Brian Hunter was born in Portland, Oregon. He went to Fort Vancouver High School in Vancouver, Washington. He was good at baseball from a young age.
Joining the Houston Astros
In 1989, the Houston Astros picked Brian in the second round of the amateur draft. He was the 35th player chosen overall. Brian threw and batted with his right hand.
Playing in the Minor Leagues
Before reaching the big leagues, Brian spent over five years playing in the minor leagues.
- He started his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Astros in 1989.
- For the next three seasons, he played in Class A. He was with the Asheville Tourists in 1990. Then he played for the Osceola Astros from 1991 to 1992.
- After that, he moved to Class AA with the Jackson Generals.
- In 1994, he played part of the season in Class AAA with the Tucson Toros.
Brian Hunter's Major League Career
Brian Hunter made his first appearance in Major League Baseball on June 27, 1994. He played for the Houston Astros against the Cincinnati Reds. In that game, he got one hit and stole his very first base!
Playing for the Detroit Tigers
Brian played for the Astros until the 1996 season. In December 1996, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He played for the Tigers from 1997 to 1999.
In 1997, Brian had an incredible year.
- He led all of Major League Baseball with 74 stolen bases. This was a huge number!
- He was caught stealing only 18 times that year.
- His 74 stolen bases for the Tigers in 1997 are still the most by an American League player since then.
- He played in all 162 games that season.
- He was also great in the outfield, leading the league in putouts and making only four errors.
- As a batter, he set a Tigers team record for outs with 525.
Moving to Other Teams
In April 1999, Brian was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He again led the American League in stolen bases that year, with 44. However, his batting average was lower.
After leaving the Mariners, Brian played for a few other teams:
- In 2000, he signed with the Colorado Rockies. He was later traded to the Cincinnati Reds that same year.
- In 2001, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Finally, he returned to the Houston Astros for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He finished his baseball career where it began.
Because of his amazing speed and ability to steal bases, sports commentator Chris Berman gave him the nickname "Deer" Hunter.
Coaching After Playing
After his playing career, Brian Hunter became a coach.
- In 2015, he was hired as the hitting coach for the Everett AquaSox.
- After two years in that role, he became a coach for the Tacoma Rainiers.
More About Stolen Bases
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual stolen base leaders
