Jimmy Sexton
Encyclopedia
Jimmy Dale Sexton was a Major League Baseball
infielder
, and played in professional baseball
from 1970–1984. He played with the Seattle Mariners
, Houston Astros
, Oakland Athletics
, and St. Louis Cardinals
at the major league level. Sexton signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates
in 1970. In his minor league career, Sexton batted
.282 with 951 hits
in 3373 at-bats, and 137 doubles
, 36 triples
, and 30 home runs. In his major league career, Sexton batted .218 with 81 hits in 372 at-bats, and 9 doubles, 3 triples, 5 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases.
organization, playing for the rookie-level GCL Pirates of the Gulf Coast League
in 1970. He batted
.283 with 2 doubles
in 33 games. The next season, Sexton continued to play for the GCL Pirates. He batted .244 with 2 doubles, and 1 triple
in 35 games. In 1972, Sexton was promoted to the short-season Niagara Falls Pirates of the New York-Penn League. That season, Sexton batted .288 with 2 doubles, and 3 triples in 69 games. Sexton was promoted again to start the 1973 season, this time playing for the Class-A Salem Pirates of the Carolina League
. In 124 games, Sexton batted .269 with 17 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs with Salem. The next season, he was promoted to the Double-A Thetford Mines Pirates of the Eastern League. Sexton batted .249 with 14 doubles, 1 triples, 3 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Sexton was fifth in the Eastern League in stolen bases. Sexton stayed at the Double-A level in 1975, this time playing for the Shreveport Captains in the Texas League
. He batted .274 with 23 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs, 28 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases. That season, Sexton led the Texas League in stolen bases. In 1976, Sexton split the season between the Double-A Shreveport Captains, and the Triple-A Charleston Charlies
of the International League
. In 59 games at he Double-A level, Sexton batted .324 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 207 at-bats. After his promotion to the Triple-A level that season, Sexton batted .273 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 12 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 49 games.
Craig Reynolds for left-handed pitcher
Grant Jackson. Despite making the major league roster in the beginning of the season, Sexton was assigned to the Triple-A San Jose Missions
of the Pacific Coast League
on April 8, 1977. With the Missions, he batted .256 with 13 doubles, 5 triples, 2 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 52 stolen bases. Sexton was third in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases that season. As a member of the Mariners' inaugural season, Sexton batted .216 with 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and 1 stolen bases in 14 games. Sexton made his major league debut on September 2, against the Toronto Blue Jays
and in 4 at-bats, Sexton went without a hit
. Sexton's first hit was a single
to left field on September 4, against Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Jerry Garvin
. Sexton also hit his first major league home run that game in the 7–2 Mariners' win
.
for Leon Roberts
on December 6, 1977. In his first season with the Astros, 1978, Sexton batted .206 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. Sexton played shortstop, second base, and third base
for the Astros that season. The next season, Sexton again spent the entire season on the major league roster. In 52 games with Houston, Sexton batted .209 with 8 runs, 1 RBIs, 1 stolen bases, and 7 walks in 43 at-bats. In 1980, Sexton was assigned to the Triple-A Tucson Toros
of the Pacific Coast League. During his stint with the Toros, Sexton batted .296 with 18 doubles, 6 triples, 1 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 55 stolen bases. He was third in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases that season, behind Marshall Edwards
who had 68 stolen bases, and Kim Allen
who had 84 stolen bases.
on February 13, 1981, for a player to be named later
or cash considerations. That season, Sexton played for both the Athletics at the major league level and the Triple-A Tacoma Tigers of the Pacific Coast League
. He began the season with the Tigers and batted .319 with 16 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. Sexton was tied with Rudy Law
for second in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases, behind Alan Wiggins
who had 73 stolen bases. Sexton made his A's debut on September 8, in a game where he replaced Wayne Gross
as a pinch runner
, and scored a run. After 7 games with the Athletics in 1981, Sexton went hitless and stole 2 bases. In 1982, Sexton again split the season between the Triple-A Tacoma Tigers, and the major league Athletics. With the Tigers, Sexton batted .310 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases. Sexton played his first major league game of the season on April 8. With Oakland, Sexton batted .245 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 14 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. On June 6, 1983 Sexton was designated for assignment
, and was later released by the Athletics.
. He played for the Denver Bears, the Triple-A affiliate of the White Sox. On August 10, Sexton was released by the White Sox.
on August 15, 1983, and played for both the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds of the American Association
, and the major league Cardinals. Between the Redbirds and the Bears in 1983, Sexton batted .300 with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 home runs. With the Cardinals, Sexton batted .111 in 6 games. The next season, Sexton played with the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds, and batted .217 in 9 games. That season, 1984, would prove to be Sexton's last season in professional baseball.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
, and played in professional baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
from 1970–1984. He played with the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, and St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
at the major league level. Sexton signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
in 1970. In his minor league career, Sexton batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.282 with 951 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in 3373 at-bats, and 137 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, 36 triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, and 30 home runs. In his major league career, Sexton batted .218 with 81 hits in 372 at-bats, and 9 doubles, 3 triples, 5 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Sexton began his professional career with in the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
organization, playing for the rookie-level GCL Pirates of the Gulf Coast League
Gulf Coast League
The Gulf Coast League is a minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. It is a Rookie League, with a season running from mid-June to late August. The season is 60 games long and teams in the league are divided into three divisions, East, North and South...
in 1970. He batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.283 with 2 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
in 33 games. The next season, Sexton continued to play for the GCL Pirates. He batted .244 with 2 doubles, and 1 triple
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
in 35 games. In 1972, Sexton was promoted to the short-season Niagara Falls Pirates of the New York-Penn League. That season, Sexton batted .288 with 2 doubles, and 3 triples in 69 games. Sexton was promoted again to start the 1973 season, this time playing for the Class-A Salem Pirates of the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
. In 124 games, Sexton batted .269 with 17 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs with Salem. The next season, he was promoted to the Double-A Thetford Mines Pirates of the Eastern League. Sexton batted .249 with 14 doubles, 1 triples, 3 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Sexton was fifth in the Eastern League in stolen bases. Sexton stayed at the Double-A level in 1975, this time playing for the Shreveport Captains in the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
. He batted .274 with 23 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs, 28 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases. That season, Sexton led the Texas League in stolen bases. In 1976, Sexton split the season between the Double-A Shreveport Captains, and the Triple-A Charleston Charlies
Charleston Charlies
The Charleston Charlies was the name of the third and most recent Class AAA minor league baseball franchise that was located in Charleston, West Virginia, United States. The Charlies played in the International League from 1971 to 1976 as the relocated Columbus Jets franchise. In 1977 the franchise...
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
. In 59 games at he Double-A level, Sexton batted .324 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 207 at-bats. After his promotion to the Triple-A level that season, Sexton batted .273 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 12 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 49 games.
Seattle Mariners
On December 7, 1976, the Pirates traded Sexton along with shortstopShortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Craig Reynolds for left-handed pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Grant Jackson. Despite making the major league roster in the beginning of the season, Sexton was assigned to the Triple-A San Jose Missions
San Jose Missions
The San Jose Missions were a minor league baseball team which played in the Pacific Coast League in 1977 and 1978. The team had been known as the Sacramento Solons prior to 1977, and played its home games in a football stadium there...
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
on April 8, 1977. With the Missions, he batted .256 with 13 doubles, 5 triples, 2 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 52 stolen bases. Sexton was third in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases that season. As a member of the Mariners' inaugural season, Sexton batted .216 with 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and 1 stolen bases in 14 games. Sexton made his major league debut on September 2, against the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
and in 4 at-bats, Sexton went without a hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
. Sexton's first hit was a single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
to left field on September 4, against Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Jerry Garvin
Jerry Garvin
Theodore Jared Garvin , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977-1982. He was named by Topps as their left-handed rookie pitcher of the year in 1977.After his playing days, he has become involved in the real estate...
. Sexton also hit his first major league home run that game in the 7–2 Mariners' win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
.
Houston Astros
Sexton was traded to the Houston AstrosHouston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Leon Roberts
Leon Roberts
Leon Kauffman Roberts is a former major league outfielder who played for the Detroit Tigers , Houston Astros , Seattle Mariners , Texas Rangers , Toronto Blue Jays , and Kansas City Royals...
on December 6, 1977. In his first season with the Astros, 1978, Sexton batted .206 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. Sexton played shortstop, second base, and third base
Third Base
is a 1978 Japanese film directed by Yōichi Higashi.-External links:...
for the Astros that season. The next season, Sexton again spent the entire season on the major league roster. In 52 games with Houston, Sexton batted .209 with 8 runs, 1 RBIs, 1 stolen bases, and 7 walks in 43 at-bats. In 1980, Sexton was assigned to the Triple-A Tucson Toros
Tucson Toros
The Tucson Toros are a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. They are owned by Tucson Baseball, LLC with Jay Zucker as chairman of the board. Sean Smock is the team's general manager....
of the Pacific Coast League. During his stint with the Toros, Sexton batted .296 with 18 doubles, 6 triples, 1 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 55 stolen bases. He was third in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases that season, behind Marshall Edwards
Marshall Edwards
Marshall Lynn Edwards , is a former professional baseball outfielder. He played in three seasons in the major leagues from until , all for the Milwaukee Brewers...
who had 68 stolen bases, and Kim Allen
Kim Allen
----Kim Bryant Allen is a former Major League Baseball player. After attending University of California, Riverside and a nondescript minor league career, Allen briefly earned prospect status with the Seattle Mariners on the strength of his spectacular season for the Triple-A Spokane Indians...
who had 84 stolen bases.
Oakland Athletics
The Houston Astros traded Sexton to the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
on February 13, 1981, for a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...
or cash considerations. That season, Sexton played for both the Athletics at the major league level and the Triple-A Tacoma Tigers of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
. He began the season with the Tigers and batted .319 with 16 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. Sexton was tied with Rudy Law
Rudy Law
Rudy Karl Law , is a former professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1978-1986. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Royals. In 1983, he stole 77 bases, setting the White Sox single-season record.-External links:...
for second in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases, behind Alan Wiggins
Alan Wiggins
Alan Anthony Wiggins was a Major League Baseball second baseman and left fielder. He was the first baseball player known to die of AIDS.-Early career:Wiggins was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California...
who had 73 stolen bases. Sexton made his A's debut on September 8, in a game where he replaced Wayne Gross
Wayne Gross
Wayne Dale Gross , is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball primarily as a third baseman from 1976-1986. Gross was an All-Star as a rookie in 1977, belting 22 home runs that year...
as a pinch runner
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
, and scored a run. After 7 games with the Athletics in 1981, Sexton went hitless and stole 2 bases. In 1982, Sexton again split the season between the Triple-A Tacoma Tigers, and the major league Athletics. With the Tigers, Sexton batted .310 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases. Sexton played his first major league game of the season on April 8. With Oakland, Sexton batted .245 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 14 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. On June 6, 1983 Sexton was designated for assignment
Designated for assignment
Designated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster. This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another...
, and was later released by the Athletics.
Chicago White Sox
On June 23, 1983, Sexton was signed by the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. He played for the Denver Bears, the Triple-A affiliate of the White Sox. On August 10, Sexton was released by the White Sox.
St. Louis Cardinals
Sexton signed with the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
on August 15, 1983, and played for both the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds of the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
, and the major league Cardinals. Between the Redbirds and the Bears in 1983, Sexton batted .300 with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 home runs. With the Cardinals, Sexton batted .111 in 6 games. The next season, Sexton played with the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds, and batted .217 in 9 games. That season, 1984, would prove to be Sexton's last season in professional baseball.