Willie Horton (53) BORN: 10/18/43 in Armo, VA BATS: Right; THROWS: Right; HEIGHT: 5' 10" WEIGHT: 210; POSITION: Outfield

ACQUIRED: Signed by the Mariners after going through re-entry process on January 27, 1979. Went through re-entry draft again in November of 1979 and signed a three year contract with Seattle.

PERSONAL: With wife Gloria, they have four sons - Darryl I, Al, Darryl II, Gil - and three daughters - Terri Lynn, April, and Pam.

CAREER: At the age of 17 Willie signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers after a great prep and sandlot "career". Called a "can't miss" prospect after homering into the upper deck in Tiger Stadium. He also played football and boxed.

Pregame workout

In 1975 he was voted A.L. DH of the Year while batting .275 with 25 home runs. Then in 1977 he was traded to the Texas Rangers. In 1979 he saw action with 3 American League teams - February 28 traded by Texas to Cleveland and released on July 3rd. Then signed by Oakland on July 5th who traded him to Toronto on August 15th. After the season he became a free agent and went through the re-entry draft.

Willie Horton Night

In 1979 Willie Horton enjoyed one of his most productive years, with career highs in games (162), runs(81), hits(180), RBI's(106), and at-bats (646). He also set Mariner records for RBI's (the first Mariner to get over 100), total bases(296) and home runs(29). On June 6, 1979, he hit his career 300th home run and was honored on June 9th with "Willie Horton Night" at the Kingdome. After the 1979 season he also awarded by the Seattle baseball writers as the Mariners MVP, and nationally as Comeback Player of the Year and DH of the Year.