TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/1/2022 | Received: 4/9/2022 | 8 Days
- ’87 Donruss (2), ’89 Topps (2)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Bruce Fields, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder, may not have had the most prominent playing career, but his lifelong dedication to the game has left a lasting legacy, particularly as a coach and mentor. Known for his passion for teaching and helping young players develop their skills, Fields’ impact on the game has extended far beyond his brief time as a player. His career in baseball has been marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a deep love for the sport.
Bruce Alan Fields was born on October 6, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Lansing, Michigan and fell in love with baseball at an early age, playing in local leagues and excelling on the field. His dedication to the game led him to be drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 7th round of the 1978 MLB Draft right out of high school.
Fields spent several years in the Tigers’ minor league system, working hard to improve his skills as an outfielder and hitter. Like many young players, his journey to the major leagues was not immediate, and he had to work through the rigors of the minor leagues to refine his game.
He made his MLB debut on September 3, 1986, with the Detroit Tigers, fulfilling his dream of playing for his hometown team. His time in the majors, however, was limited, as he appeared in just sixteen games for the Tigers that season. The following year, he joined the Seattle Mariners organization and appeared again in the majors for them in 1988, where he played in 39 games during the 1988 season.
Though his opportunities in the big leagues were scarce, Fields made the most of his time, contributing as a versatile outfielder and showing flashes of his potential at the plate. Over his brief MLB career, Fields compiled a .274 batting average in 58 games, with 31 hits and one home run. While his time as a player in the majors was short-lived, his deep understanding of the game and commitment to improvement would serve him well in the next phase of his career.
Following his playing career, Fields found his true calling as a coach and instructor. He began working in various minor league systems, helping young players develop their skills and transition to higher levels of competition. Fields’ experience as a player, combined with his ability to communicate effectively with young athletes, made him a sought-after instructor.
In 2001, Fields became the hitting coach for the Detroit Tigers, where he worked with both seasoned veterans and rising stars. His knowledge of hitting mechanics and approach to the game helped many players reach their full potential. His tenure with the Tigers as a coach extended for several years, and he later took on coaching roles with the Cleveland Indians and other minor league teams.
Bruce Fields’ love for baseball has extended to his family, with his son, Daniel Fields, also pursuing a career in professional baseball. Daniel was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2009 and briefly played in the major leagues, making Bruce’s influence on the game a family affair. In addition to his coaching career, Bruce Fields has remained active in the baseball community, continuing to share his insights and experiences with the next generation of players.
The Score on Bruce Fields – 7.0
Bruce has a lot going on with his signature. Especially in his last name because there really isn’t all that much to his first name. It definitely gets a bit jumbled up all at the end. These two cards (or actually two of two cards) all came out pretty great. I especially like the 1989 Topps cards because of the blue marker going with the blue color of the Mariners in that era’s uniforms.
Thanks Mr. Fields! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.