A former MLB outfielder who played for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, and was a one-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner.
Bernard Gilkey is a name synonymous with speed and agility on the baseball field. The former professional left fielder played for five teams in his 12-year MLB career, earning a reputation as a formidable base runner and defensive player.
Gilkey's athletic journey began at St. Louis' University City High School, where he excelled in basketball. He even signed a letter of intent to play college basketball for Drake University. However, doubts about his height led him to pursue a career in baseball instead. In 1984, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.
Gilkey's hard work and dedication paid off in 1989, when he led the league with 53 stolen bases and 109 runs while playing for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers. The following year, he led the league with 75 walks while playing with the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the Cardinals' MLB team.
In 1991, Gilkey became the first rookie to start for the Cardinals on opening day in left field since Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst in 1945. He continued to impress, hitting .302 in 131 games with the Cardinals in 1992. Gilkey's batting average would exceed .300 twice more during his career.
In January 1996, Gilkey was traded to the New York Mets, where he arguably had his strongest season. His .317 average was eighth in the National League, while his 44 doubles ranked fourth and set a Mets single-season record. He finished fourteenth in National League MVP voting that year.
Gilkey's speed and agility made him an exceptional defensive player. He led the league with 18 outfield assists in 1996, one of six double-digit assist years in his career. His career-high 19 outfield assists in 1993 tied for the league lead.
Gilkey's statistics dropped off substantially in 1997, and he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. He went on to play for the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves before retiring in 2001. Today, Gilkey serves as a coach for the Palm Beach Cardinals, imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of baseball players.
Bernard Gilkey's impressive baseball career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. His legacy continues to inspire young players, and his name remains synonymous with speed and agility on the baseball field.
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