The speedy Reynolds was a defensive stalwart with excellent range. In 1987 he led AL second basemen in games started, total chances, putouts, assists, and double plays. The switch-hitter steadily improved his batting average and, until 1996, held the Mariner record for fewest strikeouts (34) by a batter with at least 530 plate appearances.
Reynolds stole a club-record 60 bases in 1987, becoming the first Mariner to lead the AL in a major offensive category and the first player ever to lead the league in steals while batting ninth in the order. But in 1988, he lost his stolen-base touch, getting caught 29 times while stealing 35.
That year Reynolds became the first player to represent the Mariners in the All-Star Game more than once. He also won a Gold Glove, despite leading AL second basemen in errors, because he also led in assists and double plays. Perennial honoree Frank White was livid at the selection, putting Reynolds in an uncomfortable position. "I was totally shocked to win the Gold Glove," Reynolds admitted. "But what am I supposed to do? Give it back?"
Reynolds retired after the 1994 season and later became an analyst for ESPN. His brother Don played briefly for San Diego in 1978 and 1979.
(JGR/TF)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 27, 1986:
In Seattle's 41 win over Baltimore, the M's Harold Reynolds ties the ML mark with 12 assists at 2B. He's the second second sacker to do it this season.
»June 3, 1989: Nolan Ryan pitches his 2nd one-hitter this season and 11th overall, allowing only a first-inning lead-off single to Harold Reynolds, in a 61 win over Seattle. Ryan also strikes out 11 to tie Don Sutton's major-league record of 21 seasons with at least 100 strikeouts.
»March 29, 1994: The Padres trade 2B Harold Reynolds to the Angels in exchange for P Hilly Hathaway.
»September 29, 2002: The D'Backs clinch the home field advantage with an 118 thumping of the Rockies. John Patterson is the winner over fellow rookie Stark (114). In the 2nd, Patterson is thrown out at 1B by RF Gabe Kapler 93, on an apparent hit, and serves up a home run to Juan Pierre, his first homer in 590 at bats. Pierre avoids matching Harold Reynolds, who went homerless in 1989. Curt Schilling, in his first relief appearance since 1992, tees up a 3run home run to Brant Butler in the 8th. Chad Moeller leads the Snakes with a 4for4 effort, including two homers and six RBIs.
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