Darren Daulton

Darren Daulton was born in Arkansas City in 1962.  At Arkansas City High School, he was a standout football player, wrestler and baseball player.  He was drafted by Philadelphia in the 25th round of the 1980 MLB Draft.

Daulton made his Phillies debut in 1983 but didn’t become their regular catcher until 1989.  Daulton hit .270 with 27 home runs and a league-leading 109 runs batted in in 1992.  He was a National League all-star in 1992, 1993 and 1995.

In 1993, Daulton helped lead the Phillies to the World Series where they lost to Toronto on Joe Carter’s walk-off home run.

Daulton began experiencing knee problems in 1994 and ended his 1995 seasons.  He briefly played with the Phillies injuries prevented Daulton from catching.  He played outfield and first base and was traded to Florida during the 1997 season.

Daulton appeared in 52 games for the Marlins and hit .389 with two home runs in their World Series championship against Cleveland.  He retired after the season and made his home in Florida.

For Daulton’s 14-year major league career, he hit .245 with 137 home runs.

After a two year battle with brain cancer, Daulton died in 2017 in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 55.  He is buried in Arkansas City.