Vince Coleman breaks Davey Lopes record

Vince Coleman Stats & Facts

Player

 

VINTAGE BASEBALL MEMORABILIA

Vintage Baseball Memorabilia

Vince Coleman

Position: Leftfielder
Bats: Both  •  Throws: Right
6-0, 170lb (183cm, 77kg)
Born: September 22, 1961 in Jacksonville, FL
Draft: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1981 MLB June Amateur Draft from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL) and the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1982 MLB June Amateur Draft from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL).
High School: Raines HS (Jacksonville, FL)
School: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL)
Debut: April 18, 1985 (12,627th in MLB history)
vs. MON 3 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 SB
Last Game: April 14, 1997
vs. MIL 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Full Name: Vincent Maurice Coleman
Nicknames: Vincent Van Go

 

Nine Players Who Debuted in 1985

Andres Galarraga
Paul O’Neill
Ozzie Guillen
Devon White
Jose Canseco
Cecil Fielder
Teddy Higuera
Shawon Dunston
Todd Worrell

 

 

 

Notable Events and Chronology for Vince Coleman Career

davey lopes stealing

Davey Lopes breaks the record for most consecutive stolen bases

On the same day, two minor leaguers, Vince Coleman and Donnell Nixon, break Rickey Henderson's single-season record by stealing their 131st base of the season.

On the same day, two minor leaguers, Vince Coleman and Donnell Nixon, break Rickey Henderson’s single-season record by stealing their 131st base of the season.

Vince Coleman debuts with 2 steals

Vince Coleman debuts with 2 steals

Lonnie Smith traded to Kansas City

Lonnie Smith traded to Kansas City

Vince Coleman's first major league homer is inside-the-park as the Cards beat the Braves, 6 - 3. Bob Horner accounts for the Braves' runs with two homers.

Vince Coleman’s first major league homer is inside-the-park as the Cards beat the Braves, 6 – 3. Bob Horner accounts for the Braves’ runs with two homers.

Vince Coleman steals two bases in the 1st inning of the Cardinals' 9 - 8 loss to the Cubs to run his season total to 74, breaking the major league rookie record of 72 set the previous season by Juan Samuel. A squeeze bunt by Larry Bowa with the bases full in the 14th scores the winning run. Bowa had earlier tripled with the sacks full. The game takes five hours and three minutes to end.

Vince Coleman steals two bases in the 1st inning of the Cardinals’ 9 – 8 loss to the Cubs to run his season total to 74, breaking the major league rookie record of 72 set the previous season by Juan Samuel. A squeeze bunt by Larry Bowa with the bases full in the 14th scores the winning run. Bowa had earlier tripled with the sacks full. The game takes five hours and three minutes to end.

1985 - Vince Coleman steals his 100th base of the season and teammate Tom Herr drives in his 100th run, but the Cardinals lose to the Phillies, 6 - 3.

1985 – Vince Coleman steals his 100th base of the season and teammate Tom Herr drives in his 100th run, but the Cardinals lose to the Phillies, 6 – 3.

St. Louis wins 12-2 but loses rookie sensation Vince Coleman to one of the more bizarre injuries in major league history.

St. Louis wins 12-2 but loses rookie sensation Vince Coleman to one of the more bizarre injuries in major league history.

John Tudor Game 5 WS 1985

John Tudor pitches a five-hit, 3 – 0 victory over the Kansas City Royals, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-1 lead in the World Series.

Vince Coleman is as the NL Rookie of the Year

Vince Coleman is as the NL Rookie of the Year

Major League Season Recap 1985

Major League Season Recap 1985

With his 30th stolen base, Mets third baseman Howard Johnson becomes the first National League infielder to become a member of the 30-30 club. The other players in the Senior Circuit to have 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season are outfielders Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bobby Bonds, Dale Murphy, and Eric Davis.

With his 30th stolen base, Mets third baseman Howard Johnson becomes the first National League infielder to become a member of the 30-30 club. The other players in the Senior Circuit to have 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season are outfielders Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bobby Bonds, Dale Murphy, and Eric Davis.

Vince Coleman breaks Davey Lopes record

Vince Coleman breaks Davey Lopes record stealing his 39 & 40th base without being caught

1989 - Vince Coleman's major league record-setting consecutive stolen base streak ends at 50 as Expos backstop Nelson Santovenia nails him trying to swipe second base. The Cardinal speedster surpassed the previous record of 38 established by Davey Lopes of the Dodgers in 1975.

1989 – Vince Coleman’s major league record-setting consecutive stolen base streak ends at 50 as Expos backstop Nelson Santovenia nails him trying to swipe second base. The Cardinal speedster surpassed the previous record of 38 established by Davey Lopes of the Dodgers in 1975.

Free agent OF Vince Coleman signs a four-year contract with the Mets. He has led the National League in stolen bases each of the last six seasons, and this year (June 3rd) copped his 500th theft in his 804th game, the quickest player to reach that plateau.

Free agent OF Vince Coleman signs a four-year contract with the Mets. He has led the National League in stolen bases each of the last six seasons, and this year (June 3rd) copped his 500th theft in his 804th game, the quickest player to reach that plateau.

Hoping to fill the void created by Darryl Strawberry's departure to LA as a free agent, the Mets make their first move into the free-agent market in 10 years when they sign Vince Coleman to a 4-year contract just shy of $12 million. The former St. Louis outfielder, who will spend time on the disabled list on five occasions during the next two seasons, will be hampered by injuries to his ribs and hamstrings during his stay with New York.

Hoping to fill the void created by Darryl Strawberry’s departure to LA as a free agent, the Mets make their first move into the free-agent market in 10 years when they sign Vince Coleman to a 4-year contract just shy of $12 million. The former St. Louis outfielder, who will spend time on the disabled list on five occasions during the next two seasons, will be hampered by injuries to his ribs and hamstrings during his stay with New York.

Three Mets accused in rape

Three Mets accused in rape

Chicago's Greg Maddux and New York's Vince Coleman almost get into a fight, but Maddux takes it out on the Mets by striking out 10 in a 3 - 1 Chicago win.

Chicago’s Greg Maddux and New York’s Vince Coleman almost get into a fight, but Maddux takes it out on the Mets by striking out 10 in a 3 – 1 Chicago win.

1992 - The Mets' Vince Coleman will end the season with just 27 walks, but he picks up five today against the Pirates to tie the 20th century mark. Pittsburgh breaks a 1 - 1 tie against the host Mets, scoring three runs in the 16th inning to win, 4 - 2. Reliever Dennis Cook wins as the Bucs' Andy Van Slyke and the Mets' Bill Pecota homer. John Franco pitches his second of four straight games, a season-high effort that puts him back on the disabled list.

1992 – The Mets’ Vince Coleman will end the season with just 27 walks, but he picks up five today against the Pirates to tie the 20th century mark. Pittsburgh breaks a 1 – 1 tie against the host Mets, scoring three runs in the 16th inning to win, 4 – 2. Reliever Dennis Cook wins as the Bucs’ Andy Van Slyke and the Mets’ Bill Pecota homer. John Franco pitches his second of four straight games, a season-high effort that puts him back on the disabled list.

Vince Coleman accidentally strikes Doc Gooden's right shoulder blade with a golf club while practicing his swing in the Shea Stadium clubhouse. The right-hander is not seriously hurt, but will pitch in tomorrow's afternoon's game, skipping his scheduled start tonight.

Vince Coleman accidentally strikes Doc Gooden’s right shoulder blade with a golf club while practicing his swing in the Shea Stadium clubhouse. The right-hander is not seriously hurt, but will pitch in tomorrow’s afternoon’s game, skipping his scheduled start tonight.

Mets right-hander Anthony Young extends his record losing streak to 27 games and post game Vince Coleman tosses an M80 that injures fans

Mets right-hander Anthony Young extends his record losing streak to 27 games and post game Vince Coleman tosses an M80 that injures fans

The Mets announce that Vince Coleman will remain on paid administrative leave until the end of the season, effectively ending his playing career with the team. Co-owner Fred Wilpon's unequivocal decision that the controversial outfielder, who signed a four-year $11.95 million contract before the 1991 season, will not ever put on a Mets uniform again is the result of Coleman admitting to tossing a M-100 firecracker from a Jeep departing from a Dodger Stadium parking lot last month, injuring three people.

The Mets announce that Vince Coleman will remain on paid administrative leave until the end of the season, effectively ending his playing career with the team. Co-owner Fred Wilpon’s unequivocal decision that the controversial outfielder, who signed a four-year $11.95 million contract before the 1991 season, will not ever put on a Mets uniform again is the result of Coleman admitting to tossing a M-100 firecracker from a Jeep departing from a Dodger Stadium parking lot last month, injuring three people.

vince coleman

The Mets trade Vince Coleman to the Royals along with $500,000, reacquiring Kevin McReynolds

The Royals top the Tigers, 5 - 4, on Jon Nunnally's home run in the 16th inning, Kansas City's first extra-base hit in the game following 21 singles, including five by OF Vince Coleman. The American League record is 26 set by the Brewers in 1992. Nine players hit in the 9th slot, including winning pitcher Hipolito Pichardo, who bats twice. He is the first Royals' pitcher to go to the plate since Mark Littell in 1977, though infielder David Howard, who tossed two innings in 1994, batted while pitching.

The Royals top the Tigers, 5 – 4, on Jon Nunnally’s home run in the 16th inning, Kansas City’s first extra-base hit in the game following 21 singles, including five by OF Vince Coleman. The American League record is 26 set by the Brewers in 1992. Nine players hit in the 9th slot, including winning pitcher Hipolito Pichardo, who bats twice. He is the first Royals’ pitcher to go to the plate since Mark Littell in 1977, though infielder David Howard, who tossed two innings in 1994, batted while pitching.

Although he is hitting .287 and has 26 stolen bases in 75 games for KC, Vince Coleman is designated for assignment by the Royals. The Mariners acquire the 33 year-old fleet outfielder and will compile a 26-14 record with their new leadoff hitter, a key factor for Seattle in capturing the American League Wild Card.

Although he is hitting .287 and has 26 stolen bases in 75 games for KC, Vince Coleman is designated for assignment by the Royals. The Mariners acquire the 33 year-old fleet outfielder and will compile a 26-14 record with their new leadoff hitter, a key factor for Seattle in capturing the American League Wild Card.

SS Billy Hamilton of the Bakersfield Blaze of the California League steals his 100th base of the season in his team's 78th game, setting his sights on Vince Coleman's all-time minor league record of 135 stolen bases set in 1983. The speedster in batting .327 with an OBP of .412 while scoring just a little under a run per game.

SS Billy Hamilton of the Bakersfield Blaze of the California League steals his 100th base of the season in his team’s 78th game, setting his sights on Vince Coleman’s all-time minor league record of 135 stolen bases set in 1983. The speedster in batting .327 with an OBP of .412 while scoring just a little under a run per game.

SS Billy Hamilton of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos steals his 146th base of the season, beating the all-time minor league record set by Vince Coleman in 1983.

SS Billy Hamilton of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos steals his 146th base of the season, beating the all-time minor league record set by Vince Coleman in 1983.

Biography Vince Coleman

A record-setting basestealer, Vince Coleman swiped 100 or more bases in each of his first three major league seasons, earning the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1985. The speedster led the National League in stolen bases in each of his first six seasons, all with the St. Louis Cardinals. Playing left field, Coleman made up for an average bat by wreaking havoc on the basepaths for Whitey Herzog’s Runnin’ Redbirds. He teamed with Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith to help the Cardinals to two pennants. Prior to Game Four of the 1985 NLCS, Coleman was injured in a freak accident when the tarp ran over his leg. He missed the remainder of the post-season.

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Factoids, Quotes, Strange Things

Linked: Frank Robinson, Orlando Cepeda, and Willie McCovey are the only other unanimous selections as NL Rookie of the Year… In 1989, Coleman broke Davey Lopes’ record for most consecutive stolen bases without being caught… Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, Tommie Herr, Terry Pendleton

Awards and Honors
1985 NL Rookie of the Year

Post-Season Appearances
1985 National League Championship Series
1987 National League Championship Series
1987 World Series
1995 American League Championship Series
1995 American League Divisional Series

Where He Played: Left field

Feats: From September 15, 1988, until July 28, 1989, Vince Coleman swiped 50 bases without being caught, and NL record.

Notes
Career stolen base success: 80.1% vs RHP, 82.6% vs LHP

Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Coleman was a disappointment in New York for the Mets, suffering leg injuries during his tumultuous three-year stint in the Big Apple. During that time he clashed with manager Jeff Torbrog and coach Mike Cubbage, and was fined and suspended when he tossed a firecracker at a fan in the parking lot at Shea Stadium.

Transactions
June 8, 1981: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 1981 amateur draft, but did not sign.

June 7, 1982: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1982 amateur draft. Player signed June 9, 1982.

November 5, 1990: Granted Free Agency.

December 5, 1990: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Mets.

January 5, 1994: Traded by the New York Mets with cash to the Kansas City Royals for Kevin McReynolds.

October 20, 1994: Granted Free Agency.

April 26, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Kansas City Royals.

August 15, 1995: Traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later. The Seattle Mariners sent Jim Converse (August 18, 1995) to the Kansas City Royals to complete the trade.

October 31, 1995: Granted Free Agency.

January 20, 1996: Signed as a Free Agent with the Cincinnati Reds.

June 18, 1996: Released by the Cincinnati Reds.

June 30, 1996: Signed as a Free Agent with the California Angels.

October 15, 1996: Granted Free Agency.

January 9, 1997: Signed as a Free Agent with the Detroit Tigers.

April 16, 1997: Released by the Detroit Tigers.

All-Star Selections
1988 NL
1989 NL

Replaced
Lonnie Smith

Replaced By
Bernard Gilkey in St. Louis; Kevin McReynolds with the Mets; in Kansas City.

Best Strength as a Player
Speed

Largest Weakness as a Player
Ability to get on base, and the ability to lay off bad pitches. Coleman averaged 112 strikeouts in his first four seasons. He walked about half as much, and with his .264 career batting average, his OBP was a mediocre .324 (not very good for a leadoff batter). That’s why he scored relatively few runs despite his high stolen base totals.

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