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Brett Butler

Brett Morgan Butler (born June 15, 1957) is a former American center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) and a coach. He played from 1981 to 1997 for five teams, mainly as a leadoff hitter, and was a National League All-Star in 1991. Butler led the league in triples and runs scored twice and made a successful return to the field after battling cancer in 1996. He posted a career batting average of .290 with 2,375 hits and 558 stolen bases.

Butler grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1979. He debuted on August 20, 1981, contributing to the Braves’ division title in 1982. He had standout seasons with the Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants, leading the NL in runs scored and walks in 1991 while with the Dodgers.

After retiring, Butler began coaching, notably managing the Reno Aces from 2008 to 2013, where he led the team to the Pacific Coast League Championship in 2012. He also served as a third base and outfield coach for the Miami Marlins in 2013.

Butler is a Christian, married to Eveline, and has four children. He faced health challenges in 2006 and 2007, including a mild stroke but continued his coaching career.