Eric Anthony facts for kids

Eric Todd Anthony, born on November 8, 1967, is a former professional baseball player from America. He played as an Outfielder. The Houston Astros picked him in the 1986 MLB draft. He started playing in Major League Baseball on July 28, 1989. His last game was on September 27, 1997.

Early Baseball Days

Eric Anthony had an amazing start to his baseball journey. In 1986, when he was 18, he got a chance to try out for the Houston Astros. He wasn't even playing baseball at the time!

During the tryout, Eric showed off his incredible power. He hit many Home runs that flew over 400 feet. The baseball scouts were very impressed. Because of his strong hitting, the Astros chose him in the 34th round of the 1986 MLB draft.

Professional Baseball Career

Minor League Success

Before playing in the major leagues, Eric Anthony played in the minor leagues. He was known for hitting very powerful home runs. He often hit around 30 home runs each season.

In 1989, Eric led all minor league players with 31 home runs. He was even named the Most Valuable Player for the Southern League. The Houston Astros needed players who could hit home runs. So, they called Eric up to the major leagues in July 1989.

Major League Highlights

Eric Anthony's first hit in the major leagues was a home run! It was a 414-foot shot that easily cleared the fences in the Astrodome. Later in that same game, he almost hit another home run.

The next season, Eric hit an incredible home run in the Astrodome. The ball landed in the upper deck of the right field. This was the first time an Astros player had ever hit a ball that far. The ball traveled about 440 feet! The seat where the ball landed was even marked with a star.

For his first three seasons, Eric played some games for the Astros and some in the minor leagues. He was great in the minor leagues. However, it was harder for him to hit well in the major leagues.

Best Season and Trades

Eric's best season in the major leagues was in 1992. He became a regular player for the Astros. That year, he hit 19 home runs and had 80 RBIs. In 1993, he hit 15 home runs and had 66 RBIs. His batting average also got better.

After the 1993 season, the Astros traded Eric to the Seattle Mariners. They traded him for a young pitcher named Mike Hampton. Looking back, many people think this trade was better for the Astros. Eric left the Mariners by the end of 1994. Mike Hampton became one of the Astros' best pitchers.

On April 4, 1994, Eric Anthony made history again. He hit the very first home run at Cleveland's Jacobs Field.

Eric played as a reserve player for several teams after that. These teams included the Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He played his last major league game for the Dodgers in 1997.

After Major League Baseball

In 1998, Eric Anthony played baseball in Japan for the Yakult Swallows. After playing in Japan, he returned to the Dodgers organization. He played for their AAA team, Albuquerque, in 1998 and 1999. He hit very well in those seasons. However, injuries kept him from getting called back up to the major leagues.

Eric played a few more games in independent leagues and the Mexican League. He then retired from baseball in 2001.