Mike Cameron

Lore & Background

Cameron was born in LaGrange, Georgia, and raised on Render Street by his grandmother. He attended LaGrange High School. He was drafted out of high school in the 18th round by the Chicago White Sox in 1991. On November 15, the Mets traded Cameron to the San Diego Padres for Xavier Nady. Cameron won a National League Gold Glove Award in 2006. After leaving the Mariners in 2004 via free agency, Cameron played his first game back in Seattle during interleague play in May 2006. Mariners fans greeted his return with a standing ovation. On October 31, 2007, it was announced that he had failed a test for banned stimulants for a second time and would miss the first 25 games of the 2008 season. Cameron has said he believes that a supplement he took was 'tainted.' He was just the second major leaguer to be suspended for a second positive test for stimulants, following Neifi Pérez.

Reader's Guide

Cameron was a strong defensive outfielder, winning three Gold Glove Awards as a center fielder during his peak. Offensively, he was a power–speed player, one of 15 MLB players with at least 270 home runs and 290 stolen bases. He was also a three true outcomes player: in addition to his home runs, he struck out more than 130 times in 10 seasons and walked in 11 percent of plate appearances, well above the MLB average during his career. From 1997–2009, he ranked second in strikeouts, 14th in walks, and 24th in home runs.

Did You Know?

• In 2002, Cameron became the 13th player to hit four home runs in one game.
• Cameron is one of 25 players in baseball history to have at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases.
• He won Gold Gloves in 2001, 2003, and 2006.