Mark Lewis (baseball)

Mark David Lewis (born November 30 1969 in Hamilton, Ohio) is a former infielder in Major League Baseball for six teams from 1991 to 2001. He played with the Cleveland Indians (1991-1994, 2001), Cincinnati Reds (1995, 1999-2000), Detroit Tigers (1996), San Francisco Giants (1997), Philadelphia Phillies (1998), and Baltimore Orioles (2000).

Stats

Lewis amassed 48 home runs, 306 RBI and a .263 batting average over 902 games of major league play. A large majority of his home runs came between 1996 and 1999. During those four years he hit 36 home runs (9 per year). He did not hit a single home run as a rookie for the Indians in more than 300 at bats. His career highlight may have occurred in Game 3 of the 1995 National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in postseason history.

Giants trade controversy

Among Giants fans on the Giants newsgroup, there was controversy and anger when the team traded minor leaguer Jesus Ibarra for Lewis. They felt that Bill Mueller had proven himself a suitable third baseman and were frustrated that Giants general manager Brian Sabean was signing another "proven major league veteran" instead of giving a talented rookie with more upside a chance. Manager Dusty Baker ended up platooning his two third basemen, but went with Mueller during the stretch drive as he proved himself more capable both offensively and defensively. While Lewis had superior staticics before the All-Star break, especially in the power department, Mueller found his stroke in August 1997 and remained the Giants' starting third baseman through 2000.

Lewis retired early for a baseball player, ending his career at the age of 31, although he started early in the major leagues at only 21. He is living back home in his hometown of Hamilton, Ohio at this time.

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