Major League Baseball outfielder Gary Sheffield plays for the New York Mets. In 2008, he was an outfielder and designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers.

On April 17, 2009, Sheffield recorded his 500th career homerun during a 5-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He become only the 25th MLB player to reach the 500-homerun milestone.ESPN.com: Sheffield Becomes 25th Major Leaguer to Hit 500 Homers

Sheffield was originally drafted in 1986 by the Milwaukee Brewers. After nearly three seasons with their minor leagues affiliates, he made his MLB debut with the Brewers in September 1988. Four years later, after a few injuries and disagreements with the Brewers' management, Sheffield was traded to the San Diego Padres on March 26, 1992, where he earned his first All-Star selection the same year. Following what was considered a break-out start to the season, he was traded to the Florida Marlins on June 24, 1993. He scored 112 home runs during his tenure with the Marlins, including winning the 1997 World Series.

With no money to extend his contract, the Marlins traded Sheffield to the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 14, 1998. He was selected to another three All-Star games while with the Dodgers, however after publicly criticizing the team, he was granted a trade to the Atlanta Braves on January 15, 2002. Sheffield played for the Braves for two seasons before entering free agency in October 2003. On December 3, 2003 he signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he earned his two most recent All-Star selections in 2004 and 2005. Sheffield was then traded to the Detroit Tigers on November 10, 2006, signing a two year contract extension worth a reported $28 million. In December 2007, Sheffield was one of many players named in the Mitchell Report, accusing him of using steroids.

On March 31, 2009, Sheffield was released by the Tigers. The move was seen as a surprise since Sheffield is guaranteed $14 million for this season and is only one home run away from 500 for his career.MLB.com: Tigers release Sheffield (March 31, 2009) On April 3, 2009, the New York Mets signed Gary Sheffield for the league minimum of $400,000 dollars. The Detroit Tigers owe Sheffield $13.6 million to play for this season.