Kevin Maas

[William Malone]

Kevin Christian Maas was born on January 20, 1965 in Castro Valley, California.

The New York Yankees drafted him in round 22 of the 1986 MLB Draft. He eventually blossomed into one of the game's best prospects, and even flashed this potential at the Major League level. Maas was the runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year in 1990, hitting 21 home runs in just 79 games. The award went to Cleveland Indians catcher Sandy Alomar, who had played a fuller season of 132 games. He followed this up with a strong sophomore campaign in 1991, but injuries an ineffectiveness started to get the best of him going forward.

Many had viewed him as the heir apparent to Don Mattingly at first base in the Bronx. It never worked out that way, but he came to the Minnesota Twins in 1995 hoping to be the heir apparent to the recently retired Kent Hrbek. Maas started at first base on Opening Day for the Twins that season, going 1-for-3 in a 9-0 loss against the Boston Red Sox. His hit was one of just two for Minnesota that afternoon. A hamstring injury put him on the disabled list just two weeks into the season, and Maas was highly ineffective once returning. His time with the Twins lasted just 22 games. He hit .193 with one home run and five RBI. This was also the final chapter of his Major League career.

Maas began to work as a financial consultant at Charles Schwab back in his hometown of Castro Valley after retiring. He frequently attends Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium. Maas nearly caught Aaron Boone's walk-off home run in game seven of the 2003 ALCS after buying a last minute ticket while in town on business. The home run landed just a few seats over from him.

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