Greg Vaughn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greg Vaughn |
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Vaughn with the El Paso Diablos c. 1988
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| Left fielder / Designated hitter | |||
| Born: July 3, 1965 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| August 10, 1989, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 10, 2003, for the Colorado Rockies | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .242 | ||
| Home runs | 355 | ||
| Runs batted in | 1,072 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Gregory Lamont Vaughn, born on July 3, 1965, is a former American baseball player. He was a left fielder and played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). These teams included the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Colorado Rockies.
Greg was born in Sacramento, California. He went to Kennedy High School there. Later, he played college baseball at the University of Miami. He is also related to other former major league players, Mo Vaughn and Jerry Royster.
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Greg Vaughn's Baseball Journey
Starting Out in Amateur Baseball
Before playing professionally, Greg Vaughn showed his talent in college. In 1984 and 1985, he played for the Cotuit Kettleers. This team is part of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). He helped the Kettleers win league titles in both seasons. In 1985, he was even named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Because of his great performance, Greg was added to the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2009.
Playing in the Major Leagues
The Milwaukee Brewers chose Greg Vaughn in the 1984 amateur draft. He was known as a "slugger," meaning he hit the ball with a lot of power. Even if his batting average (how often he got a hit) was sometimes lower, his powerful hitting made up for it.
Hitting Home Runs and RBIs
Greg had three seasons where he hit at least 100 runs batted in (RBIs). An RBI means he helped a teammate score a run. He also had four seasons where he hit 30 or more home runs. A home run is when a player hits the ball out of the field, allowing them to run around all the bases and score.
His best year was the 1998 season. He hit an amazing 50 home runs that year! This placed him fourth in the major leagues. Only Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire hit more home runs that season. Mark McGwire even set a new home run record that year.
Moving Teams and Making History
In 1999, Greg Vaughn made history. He became the first player in MLB to be traded after hitting 50 home runs in the previous season. The San Diego Padres traded him to the Cincinnati Reds.
When Greg joined the Reds, there was a small issue. He had a goatee, but the Reds had a rule against facial hair since 1967. Fans wanted the team owner, Marge Schott, to change the rule. She eventually did, and Greg was able to keep his goatee.
On the field, Greg continued to play well. He hit 45 home runs for the Reds in 1999. This made him the second player ever to hit 40 or more home runs in two different seasons with two different teams. Andrés Galarraga was the first player to do this, just one year before Greg.
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Career Highlights and Statistics
The years 1998 and 1999 were the best of Greg Vaughn's career. He finished fourth in the National League MVP voting in both seasons.
Throughout his career, Greg Vaughn played in 1,731 games. He had a batting average of .242. He hit 355 home runs and had 1,072 RBIs. He also scored 1,017 runs, got 1,475 hits, and had 121 stolen bases.
Greg Vaughn became eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. To be inducted, a player needs 75% of the votes. He did not receive any votes and was removed from the ballot.
Greg Vaughn's Family Life
Greg Vaughn's son, Cory Vaughn, also played baseball. Cory played minor league baseball for the New York Mets organization.
See also
- 50 home run club
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
