Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1982 MLB June Amateur Draft. He rapidly advanced through the minor leagues, setting another minor-league record with 145 stolen bases in 1983 with the Macon Redbirds and following up with 101 steals with the Louisville Redbirds in 1984. Coleman made his Major League Baseball debut on April 18, 1985, with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he immediately made an impact.
Despite facing various career challenges, Coleman concluded his illustrious playing career with a remarkable 752 stolen bases, which ranks him sixth all-time in Major League Baseball history. Transitioning his deep knowledge and experience from the field, Coleman moved into coaching roles. He served as a baserunning consultant for the Chicago White Sox in 2015, sharing his specialized expertise with professional athletes. In 2017, he took on a role as a minor-league baserunning and outfield coach for the San Francisco Giants, where he continues to influence and develop young players with his unique insights into speed and strategy.
His enduring legacy in baseball was further recognized through his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2018.