Herndon was TSN NL Rookie Player of the Year as the Giants ‘ centerfielder in 1976, hitting .288 in 337 at-bats. His batting average fell as his playing time increased in San Francisco, and he was traded to the Tigers after the 1981 season. In cozy Tiger Stadium Herndon found his home run stroke, belting a career-high 23 (including three in one game May 18) in 1982 and 20 more in 1983. In 1987, platooning against lefthanded pitchers, he hit a career-high .324.
