Gary Antonian Sheffield (born November 18, 1968) is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played with eight teams in the major leagues from 1988 to 2009. He currently works as a sports agent.
Background
Gary Antonian Sheffield is the son of Betty Jones and stepdad Harold Jones. He was born in the Ponce de Leon housing project in the Belmont Heights section of Tampa, FL, and was raised by his mom and stepdad
Garry Sheffield got an explosive temper in his chilhood, which he was barely able to control. Once, when he was late to practice, his coach benched him. Gary picked up a bat and chased the man all over the field. Off the field, Gary walked a fine line during his early teens. His parents were strict about everything, including curfews, swearing and showing respect to elders. But when Gary was out of their sight he ran with the Alleycats, rising to the top of the gang’s hierarchy by beating and bludgeoning fellow members. Fortunately, the lure of baseball was just enough to keep him from becoming another statistic, and his interest in vandalism and petty theft waned. Not only didn’t Gary back down from challenges, he often provoked confrontations to prove how tough he was. The scary thing was that he was not satisfied when he won a fight. He seemed bent on inflicting serious, permanent damage. Gary later admitted that he was not happy unless a skirmish ended with a lot of blood.
Education
Sheffield was a first round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected him sixth overall in the 1986 amateur draft after a standout prep career at Hillsborough High School in Tampa
Career
Part of his success was under the tutoring and intimidation of his Uncle Dwight Gooden. Gooden, only four years older than Sheffield, was more like a big brother. He helped pave the way to baseball excellence for Sheffield. His Tampa team finished second in the 1980 Little League World Series
Professional baseball player, thirdbaseman for Milwaukee Brewers, 1988-91; outfielder for San Diego Padres, 1992-93; outfielder for Florida Marlins, 1993.Sheffield was a first round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected him sixth overall in the 1986 amateur draft after a standout prep career at Hillsborough High School in Tampa. He is a 9-time All-Star and led National League in batting average (.330) and total bases (323) in 1992. Sheffield was a member of the 1997 World Series Champions Florida Marlins and is the first player to represent five different teams in the All-Star Game. Sheffield is also known for having one of the fastest bat speeds in major league baseball.
Religion
Christian orthodox
Politics
I always played the game conservative in the outfield.
Views
He makes public appearances speaking on issues that concern today's youth, including the importance of a continued education, positive self-esteem, and the avoidance of drugs. One of his main concerns is to enhance the education systems and increase economic opportunities in the inner cities. "Contributing to the community is one of the ways that I can convey my gratitude to those who have made me who I am today."
Personality
Sheffield has often put himself in controversial situations with his confrontational attitude, which sometimes leads to remarks construed as offensive. While he was younger, Sheffield and his uncle, Dwight Gooden, were arrested after fighting with police and resisting arrest in Tampa.
Connections
His wife Deleon are raising his three children, Ebony, Carissa, and Gary Jr