Delino DeShields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delino DeShields |
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DeShields managing the Dayton Dragons in 2011
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| Second baseman | |||
| Born: January 15, 1969 Seaford, Delaware, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 9, 1990, for the Montreal Expos | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 8, 2002, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .268 | ||
| Home runs | 80 | ||
| Runs batted in | 561 | ||
| Stolen bases | 463 | ||
| Teams | |||
As coach
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Delino Lamont DeShields (born January 15, 1969), also known as "Bop", is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 13 seasons. He played for teams like the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs between 1990 and 2002.
After his playing career, DeShields became a baseball coach and manager. Currently, he manages the Harrisburg Senators, a Double-A minor league team for the Washington Nationals. His son, Delino DeShields Jr., also played in MLB. His daughter, Diamond DeShields, is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.
Contents
Early Life and Choosing Baseball
Delino DeShields was born in Seaford, Delaware. He grew up there with his mother and grandmother. In high school, he was an amazing athlete. He was an All-American in both baseball and basketball at Seaford High School.
DeShields even planned to play college basketball at Villanova University. But then, he was picked by the Montreal Expos in the 1987 MLB draft. He was the 12th player chosen overall! He decided to start a career in baseball instead.
Playing Career Highlights
Montreal Expos Years
DeShields signed with the Montreal Expos for $130,000. He made his first Major League appearance on Opening Day in 1990. In his very first game, he got four hits! This was the most hits for a player in their debut in the National League in 29 years.
He quickly became the regular second baseman for the Expos. He finished second in the voting for the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1990. After a tougher year in 1991, he had his best seasons in 1992 and 1993. During these years, he hit for a high average of .294 and stole about 45 bases each year.
Time with the Los Angeles Dodgers
In November 1993, DeShields was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was traded for a young player named Pedro Martínez. DeShields played for the Dodgers for three years. He hit .241 during his time there.
Later Teams
After playing for the Dodgers, DeShields signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in November 1996. In December 1998, he joined the Baltimore Orioles. On April 4, 2001, he was the last batter in a special game. It was when Hideo Nomo threw a "no-hitter" against the Orioles. This means Nomo didn't let any Orioles player get a hit.
In July 2001, the Orioles released DeShields. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he finished his playing career in 2002.
After Playing Baseball
After retiring as a player, DeShields continued to be involved in baseball. He helped start the Urban Baseball League. He also works to promote baseball in African American communities.
Coaching and Managing
DeShields has managed several minor league teams. He managed the Dayton Dragons (a Single-A team for the Cincinnati Reds) in 2011 and 2012. Then, he managed the Double-A team, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in 2013. In 2014, he became the manager for the Triple-A team, the Louisville Bats.
In 2022, DeShields worked as the first base and baserunning coach for the Cincinnati Reds in MLB. In 2023, he became the manager of the Harrisburg Senators. This team is the Double-A affiliate for the Washington Nationals.
Family Life
Delino DeShields is married to Michelle Elliott DeShields. She is an educator and a TV host for a show called Georgia Traveler. Delino has five children. Two of his children from his first marriage became professional athletes. His son, Delino DeShields Jr., played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. His daughter, Diamond DeShields, plays professional basketball for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. He also has three younger children: D'Angelo, Denim, and Delaney.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- Named State Baseball Player of the Year in 1986.
- Finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1990.
- Led the National League in triples (14) in 1997.
- Was among the top 10 base stealers in the NL nine times (1990–1998).
- His 463 career stolen bases rank him 44th on the all-time list.
- He wore his socks just below the knee to honor players from the old Negro leagues.
- Inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Inducted into the Eastern Shore Baseball Foundation Hall of Fame and Museum in 2010.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual triples leaders
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
