Back in July 2005, Palmeiro joined the ultra selective 500-3000 club.
He joined Aaron, Mays and Murray as the only 4 players who have 3000 hits and 500 homers.
It was a great achievement.
Where did he come from?
Palmeiro was the Cubs' first-round pick in 1985. He got his first hit on Sept. 8, 1986, against Philadelphia's Tom Hume. His first home run came the next day against Kevin Gross.
He was traded to the Texas Rangers after the '88 season so that the Cubs could make room for Mark Grace.
Palmeiro became a complete hitter in Texas. He had 203 hits in '91. He showed power in '93 when he hits 37 HRs. He became a model of consistency collecting at least 38 home runs and 110 RBIs for nine consecutive years. His best year was '99 when he hit 47 HRs and helped the Rangers to 95 wins and the AL West!
He got his 500th on Mothers Day 2003!
Congratulations Rafael Palmeiro.
P.S. Palmeiro was caught in the “substance abuse” scandals. He killed any chance of going to the HOF. It’s a shame because he’d reached 3,000 hits without substances.