DeCinces had the impossible task of replacing Brooks Robinson at third base for the Orioles. Actually, his talents were similar to Robinson’s. Slow afoot, DeCinces gained a reputation for good hands and as a clutch hitter. Battling back problems throughout his career, he became expendable with the arrival of Cal Ripken, Jr., who started his career at third base. Dealt to the Angels for 1982, DeCinces responded with his best season, reaching career highs with 30 HR, 97 RBI, and a .301 average. He hit .316 in the LCS and won regard as the AL’s best all-around third baseman. He averaged over 21 HR a season during his California career, which ended in late September of 1987 when he was traded to the Cardinals to make room for Jack Howell. DeCinces played only four games for St. Louis, which won the NL pennant, and went to Japan after being released following the season.
