Lenny Dykstra
From BR Bullpen
Leonard Kyle Dykstra (Nails or Dude)
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 5' 10", Weight 167 lb.
- Debut May 3, 1985
- Final Game May 18, 1996
- Born February 10, 1963 in Santa Ana, CA USA
Contents |
[edit] Biographical Information
Scrappy Lenny Dykstra (whose nickname was "Nails") was a popular star during his twelve years in the major leagues. A string of injuries limited him to 100+ games in only six of those seasons.
Dykstra was a multi-talented player who tended to hit around .300, draw lots of walks, hit for moderate power (more often doubles than homers), steal bases, and field his position well (although he never won a Gold Glove).
He was a three-time All Star who performed extremely well in two World Series. In the 1986 World Series that his 1986 Mets won, he slugged .519. In the 1993 World Series that his 1993 Phillies lost, he slugged .913 with four home runs.
Dykstra spent his whole major league career with two National League teams, the Mets and the Phillies. Drafted in 1981, he came up with the Mets in 1985 and fought for playing time with the popular Mookie Wilson in center field. He was traded in mid-1989 in the Juan Samuel deal and spent the rest of his major league career with the Phillies.
He quickly showed the world his talent after coming to the Phillies by leading the league in on-base percentage in 1990. Then, in 1993, he was second in the MVP voting.
1993 was, however, his last seasons with over 100 games. His career ended in 1996 at only age 33.
Since his playing days, Dykstra has engaged in a variety of business interests, apparently with considerable success. He owns a number of car washes and Quick Lubes as well as other businesses.
He was accused of steroid use in a lawsuit in 2005. Dykstra has denied the use.
He is the father of Cutter Dykstra.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1983 MVP Carolina League Lynchburg Mets
- 3-time NL All-Star (1990, 1994 & 1995)
- NL Silver Slugger Award Winner (1993)
- NL On-Base Percentage Leader (1990)
- NL At Bats Leader (1993)
- NL Runs Scored Leader (1993)
- 2-time NL Hits Leader (1990 & 1993)
- NL Bases on Balls Leader (1993)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1990 & 1993)
- Won a World Series with the New York Mets in 1986
[edit] Records Held
- Plate appearances, left handed batter, season, 773, 1993
