Steven Allen Finley, better known as Steve Finley, was born on December 7, 1965, in Union City, Tennessee. From a young age, he showed a strong passion for baseball and excelled in the sport throughout his youth. Finley attended Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout athlete.
After graduating from high school, Finley decided to further pursue his baseball career at Southern Illinois University. He played outfield for the Salukis and quickly gained attention for his skills on the field. Finley's talent and dedication to the sport caught the eye of professional scouts, leading to his eventual selection in the Major League Baseball draft.
Finley was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round of the 1987 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Orioles in 1989 and went on to play for several teams throughout his career, including the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. Finley established himself as a reliable outfielder with a strong arm and impressive hitting abilities.
In 2001, Finley achieved a career milestone when he won a World Series title with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That same year, he was selected to his first All-Star Game, showcasing his talent on a national stage. Finley's performance on the field earned him another All-Star nod in 2000, solidifying his status as one of the top outfielders in the league.
Despite his age, Finley continued to excel in the later years of his career. In 2003, he made history by leading the league in triples at the age of 38, becoming the oldest player to achieve this feat. The following year, Finley hit 36 home runs at the age of 39, ranking third for most home runs by a player of that age, behind only legendary slugger Barry Bonds.
Off the field, Finley is a devoted family man. He has five children with his wife, Amy, and enjoys spending time with his loved ones when he's not playing baseball. Finley's strong work ethic and perseverance on the field are matched by his commitment to his family and community.
Steve Finley's impressive career and numerous accolades have solidified his place in baseball history. His skills as an outfielder, his clutch hitting, and his leadership on the field have left a lasting impact on the sport. Finley's dedication to the game and his determination to succeed serve as inspiration to aspiring baseball players everywhere.
Throughout his career, Steve Finley proved time and time again that age is just a number when it comes to achieving greatness in baseball. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the game have earned him a well-deserved place among the baseball greats.