Derek Lee
BasebHih

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He has been very active in charitable work.  He is involved in Project 3000 which is to help eradicate Lebers congenital amaurosis, a rare genetic disease that results in loss of vision.  He also created the 1st Touch Foundation in 2005 with the emphasis on building the 1st Touch Academic Youth Center in Sacramento. 

 

 

High School:  Grant

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​* 19 Year professional career: 10 years NPB Japan: (Lotte Orions, Yokohama Taiyo Whales,      Yakult Swallows)     9 Years St. Louis Cardinals Minor League System

​* .308 Career Batting Average

​* 269 Career Home Runs
* 1,436 Career Hits​
* 884 Career RBI

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Leon is part of the legendary Lee family that is synonymous with Sacramento baseball. Along with his brother LeRon the Lee brothers formed the most powerful sibling combo in the history of baseball.  Born five years apart they actually played together in Japan with the Lotte Orions combining for over 500 home runs.  Leon played 10 seasons in the NPB hitting 269 HR’s while accumulating 1,436 hits and 884 RBI.

 

Leon was known as one of the most feared hitters the city of Sacramento has ever seen.  He was not only known for his power but he was one of the most versatile players to ever play the game. He played first base, third base and the outfield professionally.

 

After his playing career, Leon stayed in Japan and became the Manager of the Orix Blue Wave in 2003.  He was the first black manager in the history of the Japanese professional league.  The Lee family name has carried on into the new millennium.  Leon is the father of Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Derrek Lee who played 15 seasons in the majors. Leon has returned to his roots and currently lives in Sacramento.