Dave Hollins

David Michael Hollins

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 207 lb.
• School University of South Carolina
• High School Orchard Park High School
• Debut April 12, 1990
• Final Game September 25, 2002
• Born May 25, 1966 in Buffalo, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Dave Hollins hit .272/~.341/.430 as a Team USA third baseman in 1986, splitting time with Boi Rodriguez in the 1986 Amateur World Series. He was signed as a 6th round pick in the 1987 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres and scout John Kosciak.

Hollins is a diabetic and was considered one of the most intense - if not the most intense - players of his day; Curt Schilling even had this to say about him: "Intense? He's pretty intense when he sleeps. He chews bricks."

On August 29, 1996, the Seattle Mariners were searching for a reliable third baseman for the pennant race after Russ Davis shattered his ankle in Kauffman Stadium. After trying out reserves Andy Sheets and Doug Strange and acquiring Jeff Manto, they acquired Hollins from the Minnesota Twins for a minor league player to be named later. While Hollins hit .351 and drove in 25 runs in 28 games, he left for the Anaheim Angels during the offseason. The player to be named was David Ortiz, who went on to a fabulous major league career, especially after joining the Boston Red Sox. Hollins' first game with the M's was quite bizarre. Not 30 minutes after arriving at the Kingdome, he was sent to pinch hit for Doug Strange against pitcher Mike Milchin. In his first at bat, he tried to bunt his way aboard and the ball ricocheted in an odd direction and hit his face. The game ended with a walk-off grand slam from fellow rent-a-player Mark Whiten.

He missed a lot of time in 2002, his final big league season, after being bit by a poisonous spider in Spring Training.

Hollins was hitting coach of the Capital City Bombers in 2004 and Binghamton Mets in 2005. His son, Bubba Hollins, began his pro career in 2017.

Notable Achievements

• NL All-Star (1993)
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1992)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 3 (1992, 1993 & 1997)