Darrell Evans

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This article is about the baseball player; for the musician of the same name, see Darrell Evans (musician).

Darrell Evans

Third Baseman, First Baseman

Born: May 26 1947 (1947-05-26) (age 61)
Batted: Left	Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 20, 1969 for the Atlanta Braves
Final game
October 1, 1989 for the Atlanta Braves
Career statistics
Batting average	.248
Home Runs	414
RBI	1354
Teams
Atlanta Braves (1969-1976, 1989) San Francisco Giants (1976-1983) Detroit Tigers (1984-1988)
Career highlights and awards
2-Time N.L. All-Star (1973, 1983) Led NL in Walks in 1973 (124) and 1974 (126) Led NL in Runs Created (143) in 1973 Led AL in Home Runs (40) and At Bats per Home Run (12.6) Ranks 28th on MLB All-Time Games List (2,687) Ranks 39th on MLB All-Time Plate Appearances List (10,737) Ranks 41st on MLB All-Time Home Runs List (414) Ranks 11th on MLB All-Time Walks List (1,605) Ranks 46th on MLB All-Time Times on Base List (3,863) Ranks 50th on MLB All-Time Intentional Walks List (141)

Darrell Wayne Evans (born May 26, 1947 in Pasadena, California) is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves (1969-76, 1989), San Francisco Giants (1976-83) and Detroit Tigers (1984-88). Overshadowed in his prime by fellow National League third baseman Mike Schmidt, he has been described by author Bill James as the most underrated player in baseball history, primarily because his defensive skill, home run power, and ability to draw walks in a long career were offset by a low career batting average of .248.

Evans became the first player to hit 40 home runs in both leagues, and at 38 became the oldest player ever to lead the league in home runs. Evans hit over 20 home runs in 10 different seasons and drew over 100 walks 5 times, with a career high 126 in 1974. In 1988, he hit his 400th home run, becoming the 22nd player to reach that milestone. He retired after having joined Reggie Jackson in becoming only the second player to hit 100 home runs with three different teams, and ranking in 11th place among all-time walks leaders. Evans hit 60 home runs in his 40s, a major league record. He later served as a coach with the New York Yankees in 1990.

A two-time All-Star (1973 and 1983), Evans was selected as the third baseman on the 1973 Sporting News National League All-Star team. He won the 1983 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership.

Evans gained unusual attention when he stated in 1984 that he and his wife had witnessed a UFO in 1982 at their home in Pleasanton, California. Evans now works as the manager for the Long Beach Armada, a team in the independent Golden Baseball League that José Canseco once played for. He also works as a consultant for Netamin Communcation Corporation, ensuring accuracy as the gaming company develops Ultimate Baseball Online 2007, the first-ever Massively Multiplayer Online Sports Game (MMOSG).

[edit] See also

Preceded by Terry Kennedy	National League Player of the Month May, 1983	Succeeded by Andre Dawson
Preceded by Tony Armas	American League Home Run Champion 1985	Succeeded by Jesse Barfield