Kal Daniels
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Kal Daniels | |
|---|---|
| Outfielder | |
| Batted: Left | Threw: Right |
| MLB debut | |
| April 9, 1986 for the Cincinnati Reds | |
| Final game | |
| September 22, 1992 for the Chicago Cubs | |
| Career statistics | |
| Batting average | .285 |
| Home runs | 104 |
| RBI | 360 |
| Teams | |
|
|
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Kalvoski Daniels is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played from 1986-1992. He spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs during his seven year career.
Daniels was born on August 20, 1963 in Vienna, Georgia. He attended Northside High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, and he eventually attended Middle Georgia College.
Daniels was drafted by the New York Mets in the third round, 58th overall, of the 1982 amateur entry draft, January Regular Phase. He didn't sign then, but when he was drafted seventh overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1982 amateur entry draft, June Secondary Phase, he did.
Daniels started his minor league career almost completely as a one-asset athlete, where his speed was his only asset. In his first professional season, he hit .367 and stole 27 bases in 67 games.
In 1984, his third professional season, Daniels began developing power to go along with his good speed. In 122 games that year, he hit 17 home runs and stole 43 bases.
On April 9, 1986, Daniels made his big league debut at 22 years old. He had a successful rookie season, mostly being used off the bench-he hit .320 with 6 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 78 games (181 at-bats). Many would contend his second season was his best-although he played in only 108 games, he still hit .334 with 26 home runs and 26 stolen bases.
After the 1989 season, his numbers dropped off drastically, especially his stolen base totals-this was because he had to undergo a knee surgery (the sixth of his career), that evidently "stole" his ability to steal bases.
While many would contend his 1987 season was his best, many may also consider his 1990 season his best. Although he only stole 4 bases, he hit 27 home runs and collected 94 RBI. In 1991 and 1992, his numbers began dropping close to the Mendoza Line. He played his final game on September 22, 1992.
[edit] Honors and Awards
- In 1982, Daniels was a Pioneer League All-Star.
[edit] Major Transactions
- The Reds traded Daniels with Lenny Harris to the Dodgers for Tim Leary and Mariano Duncan on July 18, 1989.
- The Dodgers sent Daniels to the Cubs for a player to be named (minor leaguer Michael Sodders) on June 27, 1992.
[edit] Trivia
- Daniels was an All-Star once during his pro career-during his first professional season.
- Daniels finished 27 in MVP voting in 1990.
- Daniels' salary increased each year between 1986 and 1992, going from $60,000 in 1986 to $2.5 million in 1992.
- He led the league in on base percentage in 1988, with a .397 OBP.
- He is most like Bob Cerv statistically.
- He was 5'11", 195 pounds (some say 205) and he threw right handed but batted left.
- Daniels was teammates longest with three teammates-Eric Davis, Paul O'Neill and Rob Murphy. He spent 6 years with all of them.
- In 1989, Kal Daniels wanted $325,000-owner Marge Schott was offering $300,000. They settled the debate by flipping a coin: Daniels won the coin toss and earned an extra $25,000 that year.
- Only eight times did Daniels not play in the outfield-in 1992, with the Cubs. He played first base during that time, committing one error.
- He was suspended in September, 1988 for throwing a bat into a dugout.
- Daniels works occasionally at the Mark Johnson Baseball Academy in Warner Robins, Georgia, owned by catcher Mark Johnson.
- Daniels wore the number 28 throughout his entire career.
- He hit 5 career grand slams, including 3 in 1990.
| Preceded by David Justice |
National League Player of the Month September, 1990 |
Succeeded by Félix José |
