Guide Note:Major League Baseball first baseman and center fielder Darin Erstad currently plays for the Houston Astros.

Erstad grew up in a small town in North Dakota, playing football, hockey and baseball during his high school years. He was named the AP North Dakota Athlete of the Year during his senior year in 1992. He was originally drafted on June 1, 1992 by the New York Mets in the MLB Draft, but chose to attend college instead. Erstad then attended the University of Nebraska, where he played both baseball and football. He helped the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football team win the National Championship in 1994.

Erstad was again drafted on June 1, 1995 with the first overall pick, this time signing with the California Angels. The following year he joined the Angels, making his MLB debut on June 15, 1996. He played a total of 57 games that season, and was sixth in voting for the Rookie of the Year award. He continued with the Angels for the next several years, earning a full roster spot starting in 1997.

During the 1998 season, Erstad was selected for his first of two All-Star Games. In 2000, he was selected for the Silver Slugger Award and his first of three Golden Glove Awards. Erstad made his first post season appearance in 2002, where the Angels won the World Series over the San Francisco Giants.

After being granted free agency in November 2006, Erstad signed as a free agent on January 25, 2007 with the Chicago White Sox. He played in only 87 games with the White Sox, missing time after two separate sprained left ankle injuries. In October 2007 he declined the club option for the 2008 season and entered free agency.

Erstad signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros on December 27, 2007. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Darin Charles Erstad
2. Born: June 4, 1974
3. Birthplace: Jamestown, North Dakota
4. Debuted with the California Angels
5. 2002 World Series Champion
6. Hit a homerun in his first at bat with the Chicago White Sox
7. Won a Gold Glove as an Outfielder, and at First Base

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