Career

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Bass in the second round of the 1977 MLB Draft. His MLB debut came on April 9, 1982. Bass was traded to the Houston Astros from Milwaukee with Frank DiPino and Mike Madden for Don Sutton on August 30, 1982. He played his final MLB game on October 1, 1995.

Bass had his best year in 1986 for an Astros team that narrowly missed a World Series appearance. Bass was named to the 1986 National League All-Star team, pacing the Astros with a .311 batting average, 20 home runs, 22 steals, and sterling defensive play. His career year did not have a storybook ending, however. In Game Six of the epic 1986 NLCS, he struck out swinging with men on first and second in the 16th inning, sealing a 7-6 victory for the Mets, allowing them to advance to the 1986 World Series.

On August 3, 1987 versus the San Francisco Giants, Bass became the 15th switch hitter in major league history to hit a home run from each side of the plate in the same game. In 1989, the Astros right fielder hit two grand slams in a season. The first stunned Cubs closer Mitch Williams, turning a 4-4 tie into an 8-4 Astros victory. The second, against Atlanta Braves reliever Mark Eichhorn on September 20, created a tie game that the Astros won in 14 innings.

Personal life

Bass lives in the Houston, Texas area and works in real estate. He is a cousin of former American football player James Lofton. Bass is also the nephew of the late Stan Johnson, a former professional baseball player, who played for the White Sox and the Athletics organizations.

Two of Kevin's sons were selected in the 2007 MLB Draft. Garrett (Jacksonville State University) was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 42nd round played a couple of seasons in their organization, followed by time in the independent minor leagues. Justin (Clements High School) was taken by the Los Angeles Angels in the 21st round and has spent several seasons in Rookie and A League baseball as of the 2011 season.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]