Rafael Palmeiro

Career

After an All-American career at Mississippi State University, Palmeiro debuted September 8, 1986 with the Chicago Cubs, and played with the Cubs through 1988. He has also had two stints with the Texas Rangers (1989-1993 and 1999-2003).

Related Topics:
Mississippi State University - September 8 - 1986 - Chicago Cubs - 1988 - Texas Rangers - 1989 - 1993 - 1999 - 2003

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A four-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove Award winner at first base, Palmeiro became the 19th player (and the second Hispanic, after Sammy Sosa) to reach the 500-home run plateau on May 12, 2003. He also became the first player in history to have led his league in singles one year and hit 500 home runs in his career. He joined the 500 home run club on May 11 2003 on a full-count pitch from Cleveland right-hander David Elder. Palmeiro hit his 3,000 career hit (a double) off Joel Pineiro of the Seattle Mariners on July 15, 2005. He, along with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Eddie Murray are the only players to hit 500 home runs and 3000 hits.

Related Topics:
Gold Glove Award - Hispanic - Sammy Sosa - May 12 - 2003 - 500 home run club - May 11 - 2003 - Cleveland - David Elder - Joel Pineiro - Seattle Mariners - Hank Aaron - Willie Mays - Eddie Murray

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Palmeiro is an anomaly in his sport because he did not hit his stride until after the age of 30, when he began a streak of hitting 30-plus home runs and batting in 100-plus runs nine seasons in a row (1995-2003). Some attribute this to his alleged steroid use during the 1990's (see below).

Related Topics:
1995 - 2003

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On September 23, 2005 he was benched by the Orioles for the remainder of the 2005 season http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2170471. It is highly unlikely that he will return to the Orioles in 2006, and his return to baseball is questionable.

Related Topics:
September 23 - 2005

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