Slaught was born in Long Beach, California. He attended El Camino College and UCLA and is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1979, Slaught and UCLA pitcher Tim Leary were named to the College Sports Information Directors of America university all-star team. Slaught also was named an Academic All American in 1979. Slaught\'s 1979 batting average of .428 was a UCLA single-season record that stood until 2001. \n', '

He was a 20th-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 1979, but he returned to UCLA instead of signing with them. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the seventh round of the next year\'s draft. He spent about two years in the minor leagues before debuting with the Royals in 1982.\n', '

Slaught played with seven major-league teams, enjoying some of his best seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Between 1990 and 1992, he platooned at catcher with the left-handed-hitting Mike LaValliere for three pennant-winning Pirates teams. Slaught hit between .295 and .345 in those three seasons, playing in between 77 and 87 games each season. After Slaught hit .345 in 87 games in 1992, the Pirates released LaValliere in 1993. Slaught saw action in 116 games, the third-busiest season he spent in the major leagues; he hit .300 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI with the increased playing time. \n', '

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