He came from a high school in Kentucky that produced a number of well-known athletes, like Steve Finley, George Wilson and Kurt Barber. Terry Shumpert thought basketball at Paducah Tilghman High School would take him to the next level, but a knee injury turned his focus to the diamond. Shump could hit, was fast around the bases and had quite the glove on defense.
He took his baseball skills to the University of Kentucky where he was a 3-year starter, 2X First Team All-SEC and still ranks near the top of the records books for the Wildcats in stolen bases. He was named an SEC Legend in 2013.
Major League Baseball scouts noticed Terry at Kentucky and he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Kansas City Royals in 1987. It took a few years for his MLB debut, but it finally came in 1990 and from there he stayed in the Bigs until retirement in 2004. Five of his 14 seasons were spent the Rockies where he became the ultimate utility player. During his career, Terry played every position except pitcher and catcher. He was Mr. Reliable.
After baseball, Terry focused on his five children with his wife DeQuita and has tried to impart the knowledge he has learned throughout his career, while also giving his kids the space to make their own decisions.
Listen to Terry’s story and conversation with Susie Wargin on the Cut Traded Fired Retired Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.