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Cincinnati Reds: Top 5 all-time one-and-done players in team history

CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 01: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim watches the action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 1, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 01: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim watches the action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 1, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Reds
14 Sep 1999: Jose Nieves #11 of the Cincinnati Reds jumps on the base as Mike Cameron #44 of the Chicago Cubs moves at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cubs defeated the Reds 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark Lyons /Allsport /

4.  Mike Cameron (1999)

Mike Cameron was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds in a November trade in 1998 with the Chicago White Sox for first baseman Paul Konerko.  Yes, that Paul Konerko.  At the time of the deal,  Cameron was a speedy, all glove and no bat center fielder.  This description is a familiar refrain to Reds fans.  However, the 26-year-old La Grange, GA native would have a breakout season in the Queen City.

To say that Mike Cameron had a poor 1998 season would be kind.  Hitting a paltry .210 combined with an embarrassing .285 OBP and an abysmal 63 OPS+, Cameron was one of the worst offensive players in the game.  However, something clicked once he landed in Cincinnati.

Becoming a key component of a team that would go onto win 96 games in 1999, Cammy slashed .256/.357/.469 with 21 home runs and 38 stolen bases.  All this while playing Gold Glove caliber defense in center field.  Unfortunately, those 96 wins would only allow the Reds season to be extended by one game.  Facing the New York Mets in Game 163, Al Leiter would shut down the Reds and send them home for the season.

In February of 2000, Mike Cameron was the center piece of the one the biggest trades in Cincinnati Reds history.  He along with right-handed pitcher Brett Tomko and prospects Jake Meyer and Antonio Perez were sent to Seattle for Ken Griffey Jr.

Cameron would spend four years in the Emerald City and would play a total of 17 years in the majors before retiring following the 2011 season.  Throughout those 17 years, he smacked 278 homers, swiped 297 bases and collected 3 Gold Glove Awards.

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