Twilight Tigers: Bob Hamelin

Recently, I read an article in Baseball Digest regarding Rookie Flameouts focusing on Joe Charbeneau and Mark Fidrych.  2x3 states a certain outfielder of the Dodgers may join that list.  Bringing back one of the Hot Corner's features parallels with this theme....The Hot Corner Twilight Tigers.

Bob Hamelin burst on the scene in 1994 at the age of 26 to win the AL Rookie of the Year.

None of these cards show off his trademark HUGE 1990s glasses.  As you see below, Hamelin was a big time prospect for the Royals in 1990, but didn't make it to the bigs until the end of 1993 and his best season in 1994.   I seem to recall some type of miracle drug flailing hitters could take to improve their power numbers, what was that called?

In the strike shortened 1994 season Hamelin hit .282 AVG with 24 HRs & 65 RBIs.  There was a hugh commotion about this OLD prospect having such an outstanding season.  The following year, The reigning Rookie of the Year came back to Earth and hit .168 with 7 HRs & 25 RBIs.  

Released by the Royals in late March of 1997, who would want this flamed out star?  One guess, signed April 8, 1997 with the Detroit Tigers.

The 1997 Detroit Tiger version of the ROY featured Hamelin in 110 games hitting .270 AVG,18 HRs and 52 RBIs.

Following the 1997 season Hamelin signed with Milwaukee and was out of baseball.

Keep it Hot on the Corner, pat.