Andy Van Slyke

Andrew James Van Slyke (born December 21, 1960 in Utica, New York) is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1983-86), Pittsburgh Pirates (1987-94), Baltimore Orioles (1995) and Philadelphia Phillies (1995). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

In a 13-year career, Van Slyke was a .274 hitter with 164 home runs and 792 RBI in 1658 games.

Highlights

• 3-time All-Star (1988, 1992-93)
• 5-time Gold Glove Award (1988-92)
• Twice Silver Slugger Award (1988, 1992)
• Twice in top 10 in National League MVP vote (4th, 1988; 4th, 1992)
• Finished second in the NL batting race (.324, 1992, behind Gary Sheffield, .330)
• Led NL in hits (199, 1992)
• Led NL in doubles (45, 1992)
• Led NL in triples (15, 1988)
• Led NL in sacrifice flies (13, 1988)
• 3-time posted double figures in doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases (1987-88, 1992)
• Compiled a .987 career fielding average

Fact

• in a Pirates 5–3 win over the Houston Astros, Van Slyke became the first outfielder in nearly 18 years to record an unassisted double play. He raced in from center field to catch a fly ball, then continued in to double up Ken Caminiti, who was running from second base on the play (July 7, 1992).

External links

• Baseball Library (profile)
• Pirates lineup of a lifetime
• Famous Van Slyke quotes