Brian Dayett

Infobox MLB retired
name=Brian Dayett
position=Outfielder
bats=Right
throws=Right
birthdate=birth date and age|1957|1|22
debutdate=September 11
debutyear=by|1983
debutteam=New York Yankees
finaldate=October 3
finalyear=by|1987
finalteam=Chicago Cubs
stat1label=Batting average
stat1value=.258
stat2label=Home runs
stat2value=14
stat3label=RBI
stat3value=68
teams=
*New York Yankees (1983-1984)
*Chicago Cubs (1985-1987)
*Nippon Ham Fighters (1988-1991)
highlights=
*Had two career grand slams

Brian Kelly Dayett (born January 22, 1957 in New London, Connecticut) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played five seasons between by|1983 and by|1987 for the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. He also spent some time in Japan, playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters from by|1988 until by|1991. Before being drafted, he attended Saint Leo University. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 16th round (416th overall) in the 1978 amateur entry draft.

Even though he was only 5'10", 180 pounds, this right-hander still displayed amazing power-in 1978, his first year in the minors, he hit 11 home runs in 68 games. Perhaps the best examples of his power were in 1982 and 1983-he hit 34 and 35 home runs respectively. In fact, he did so well that he was the 1982 Southern League MVP. With those types of numbers, a lot would be expected of him in the Majors-but, like so many, he could not transfer his minor league success to the big leagues. He made his debut on September 11, 1983 at the age of 26, appearing as a pinch hitter for Omar Moreno. He collected a hit in his first at-bat. He ended up hitting .207 in his rookie season.

Overall in his career, he was mostly used as a pinch hitter and defensive replacement. In 218 games, he hit only 14 home runs in 426 at-bats, although he did have a respectable .258 batting average. He did manage to hit 26 doubles. Incredibly slow, he only attempted to steal a base once in his career, and was caught. He was a good fielder, committing only one error in his career for a .995 fielding percentage. Dayett was actually slated to be the Cubs starting right fielder for the 1987 season, which was to be his big break, but Andre Dawson, signed by the Cubs as a prized free agent, filled that position and went on to win the 1987 NL MVP award. This left Dayett to fill his normal reserve role, and he was not resigned at the end of the season.Dayett played his final major league game on October 3, 1987.

In by|2002, he was a coach for the Michigan Battle Cats. In by|2006, he was a coach for the Clinton LumberKings.

He currently lives in Winchester, Tennessee with his wife and two sons. His parents and two sisters still reside in Connecticut.

Major transactions

*"December 4, 1984: Traded by the New York Yankees with Ray Fontenot to the Chicago Cubs for Porfi Altamirano, Rich Bordi, Henry Cotto, and Ron Hassey." [http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/dayetbr01.shtml]

Other information

*Grew up in Deep River, CT and has a Little League Award named for him.Fact|date=September 2008
*Earned $100,000 in 1987.
*His only home run of 1985 was a pinch hit grand slam.
*Hit another grand slam in a 22-7 rout against the Astros on June 3, 1987.
*Wore 62 for the Yankees and 24 for the Cubs.
*Was teammates with Buck Showalter, Ray Fontenot and Rex Hudler for 5 years-longer than any other teammate.

External links

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