Harold Reynolds
| Birthdate | 11/26/1960 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1983 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Angels, Mariners, Orioles |
| Positions | Announcer, Second Base |
Harold Reynolds led the American League in stolen bases in 1987, the only year of the decade that Rickey Henderson wasn’t the league leader.
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Harold Reynolds played a dozen big league seasons before moving to the broadcast booth
Harold Reynolds played a dozen big league seasons before moving to the broadcast booth
Most know Harold Reynolds today for his work on MLB Network. A knowledgeable and insightful analyst, Reynolds draws upon the experiences of his twelve-year big league career.
The second overall pick in the 1980 draft, Reynolds made his big league debut as a September call up in 1983. He became the Mariners’ everyday second basemen in ’86.
In 1987, Reynolds had a breakout year. An All Star for the first time, he hit .275. Reynolds also led the American League in stolen bases. He holds the distinction of being the only player not named Rickey Henderson to lead the AL in stolen bases during the 1980s.
In ’88, Reynolds was again an All Star. He also won the first of three straight Gold Glove Awards. His 10th year with the Mariners came in 1992. After the World Series he became a free agent and signed with the Orioles two months later.
In 145 games with Baltimore in ’93, Reynolds hit a respectable .252. His on-base percentage was .343 – 16 points higher than his career mark.
Reynolds final season in the big leagues game in 1994 with the Angels. In 1,374 career games Reynolds amassed 1,233 hits, and 250 stolen bases to go with .258 average.
In the collection is the final contract Reynolds signed to appear on Topps baseball cards. Dated 2/25/1993, the three-year contract extension was signed in the speedster’s penultimate season.
Harold Reynolds stole a career-high 60 stolen bases for the Seattle Mariners in 1987
Harold Reynolds stole a career-high 60 stolen bases for the Seattle Mariners in 1987
Rickey Henderson led the American League in stolen bases every year but one in the 1980s. In the years he did lead the league, save the ’81 strike-shortened year, Henderson averaged more than 92 steals a season.
In 1987 injuries limited Henderson to just 95 games. That season a career-high 60 stolen bases from Harold Reynolds paced the league.
On the Dan Patrick radio show Reynolds told a story about a phone call he received from Rickey.
“The season ends, the phone rings. ‘Henderson here.’ He always talks in the third person. So I say, ‘What’s up, Rick?’ He goes, ‘Man you oughta be ashamed.’ I go, ‘What are you talking about?” He says, ‘Sixty stolen bases? You oughta be ashamed. Rickey has 60 at the break.’ Click. He hangs up.”
There is only one Rickey Henderson.
In the collection is a payroll check from just before the opening of the 1987 campaign dated March 31. He signed the reverse of the check. More on Rickey can be seen on his page on this website.
