Shawon Dunston
Shawon Dunston | ||
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Runs batted in | 668 | |
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Shawon Donnell Dunston (born March 21, 1963) is an American former professional baseball player. A shortstop, Dunston played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1985 through 2002. On January 13, 2023, he was selected as a member of the 2023 class of the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame.
Dunston was the
Early life
Dunston was born in the
Dunston attended the nearby
Playing career
As a
Dunston competed with Larry Bowa for the role as the starting shortstop for the Cubs in spring training in 1985. Dunston initially won the job over Bowa.[5] He made his debut in the major leagues on April 9. However, Dunston struggled offensively and defensively, batting .194 and committing nine errors in 23 games. As a result, he was sent back to the minor leagues,[6] with Bowa regaining the starting role. After playing well for the Iowa Cubs, the Cubs recalled Dunston in August, and released Bowa.[5]
In
After the 1995 season, he was granted free agency. The Cubs wanted to move Dunston to
On August 31, 1997, the Cubs traded Dunston to the
On July 31, 1999, the Cardinals traded Dunston to the
Dunston was a career .269 hitter with 150 home runs and 668 RBI in 1814 games. He seldom walked, so in spite of his batting average, his on-base percentage was the second-worst among players with at least 4500 plate appearances during their careers.[21] At the end of his career, he was used mainly as a fourth outfielder and a role player off the bench. He wore jersey #12 while with the Chicago Cubs.
Playing style
Bill James noted that Dunston was an "eternal rookie, a player who continued until the end of his career to make rookie mistakes."[22] Dunston was known, especially early in his career, for his unusually strong throwing arm at the shortstop position.
He won the 1996 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership.
Post-playing career
Dunston became eligible for the
During his career, Dunston resided in Fremont, California.[8]
Personal
Dunston has a son, Shawon Jr., who has played minor league baseball.[20] One of Dunston's three daughters, Jasmine Dunston, became the White Sox Director of Minor League Operations in 2022.[24]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Berkow, Ira (March 2, 1992). "BASEBALL: Sports of The Times Dunston Reminded of Old School". The New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ a b Record-Journal via Google News Archive Search
- ^ a b Record-Journal via Google News Archive Search
- ^ "Dunston Standout In Baseball Draft". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 7, 1982. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ a b The Telegraph-Herald via Google News Archive Search
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE – Dunston Sent Down". The New York Times. May 16, 1985. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASEBALL; Cubs Re-sign Dunston". The New York Times. October 5, 1991. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ a b "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASEBALL; Dunston's Back Ailing". The New York Times. January 19, 1992. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASEBALL; Surgery for Dunston; Gladden Is Injured". The New York Times. May 14, 1992. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Goddard, Joe (November 13, 1992). "Dunston Feels Shortchanged". Chicago Sun-Times.
- ^ "JSOnline.com News Archives". Nl.newsbank.com. January 9, 1996. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ^ "Cubs Sign Dunston". The New York Times. December 3, 1996. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ a b "Dunston On Deal To Pittsburgh: 'I Don't Belong'". New York Daily News. September 7, 1997. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ^ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Google News Archive Search
- ^ "PLUS: BASEBALL; Dunston Signs With the Indians". The New York Times. February 17, 1998. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Google News Archive Search
- ^ "PLUS: BASEBALL – ST. LOUIS; Dunston Agrees To 1-Year Contract". The New York Times. February 17, 1999. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Diamos, Jason (August 5, 1999). "BASEBALL; Dunston's Route Long In Becoming a Met". The New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Rubin, Adam (October 27, 2002). "Reserve Role Starts To Benefit Dunston". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ a b Kepner, Tyler (October 27, 2002). "BASEBALL: NOTEBOOK; At 39, Dunston Savors the Moment". The New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ "Shawon Dunston Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ISBN 0743227220.
- ^ "Hall of Fame voting, 2008". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ^ "Jasmine Dunston takes the baton". Chicago Sun-Times. January 29, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- "Shawon-O-Meter"