Jeff Baker

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Jeff Baker
Jeff Baker on March 12, 2013.jpg
Baker playing for the Texas Rangers in 2013 spring training
Free agent
Utility player
Born: (1981-06-21) June 21, 1981 (age 43)
Bad Kissingen, West Germany
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 4, 2005, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
(through 2015 season)
Batting average .264
Home runs 54
Runs batted in 235
Teams
Baker during his tenure with the Colorado Rockies in 2008

Jeffrey "Jeff" Glen Baker (born June 21, 1981) is an American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins. Primarily a second baseman and first baseman, Baker also has experience in the outfield and at third base.

Baker was the 1999 Virginia Prep Player of the Year.[1] He then attended Clemson University, where he played college baseball, before playing professionally.

Baseball career

College

Baker enrolled at Clemson University, where he played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers from 2000-2002. He played as third baseman as well as shortstop. Baker set the school record for career home runs with 59 home runs, a feat he accomplished in three years.

Colorado Rockies

Baker made his Major League debut in 2005, as the Opening Day third baseman for the Colorado Rockies, playing a total of 12 games. He had been added to the Rockies lineup as a replacement for injured third baseman Garrett Atkins and on the return of Atkins, Baker was assigned to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Rockies Triple-A affiliate.

Baker was drafted by the Rockies in 2004 after playing college baseball at Clemson University. While at Clemson, Baker set the school record for career home runs with 59 home runs, a feat he accomplished in three years. He was a three-time Baseball America All-American and a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2002 (the award was won by Clemson teammate Khalil Greene).

In 2006, Baker played a full season for the Sky Sox hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 108 runs batted in (RBIs), playing primarily in right field. He was named to the Baseball America All-Minor League team. He was then called up to the Rockies in early September and was rewarded with significant playing time in right field.

Baker has served as a super-utility type player for the Rockies during the 2007–08 seasons. He is able to play all corner positions, and has developed skill at second base. During Spring Training 2008, Baker contended for the starting second baseman spot, but was eventually beaten out by Jayson Nix. After Nix failed to adapt to the major league level, Baker spent the remainder of the season platooning at second base with Clint Barmes and Omar Quintanilla.

Baker was assigned to the Modesto Nuts (Class A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies) as part of a rehab assignment for an injured wrist on June 19, 2009, according to modestonuts.com.

Chicago Cubs

On July 2, 2009, Baker was traded to the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Al Alburquerque.

Detroit Tigers

On August 5, 2012, Baker was traded to the Detroit Tigers for two players to be named later.[2] He was designated for assignment on August 31.

Baker appeared in 15 games for the Tigers this month after he was acquired from the Cubs. The veteran has played second base and all four corner positions this year, while posting a line of .254/.293/.408 in 181 total plate appearances.

Atlanta Braves

On August 31, 2012, Baker was traded to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later.[3]

Texas Rangers

In January 2013, Baker was signed by the Texas Rangers to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.[4] He was named to the 2013 Opening Day roster in March. His first hit as a Ranger came on April 13 against the Mariners, and his first home run as a Ranger came on April 19, also against the Mariners. On June 14, he injured his thumb giving a high-five, and missed about a month.[5][6] Used more often against left-handed pitchers, he hit .314/.407/.667 with 10 HR and 18 RBI against them. In 74 games (44 starts, mostly at first base and left field), he hit .279/.360/.545 with 11 HR and 21 RBI. On October 9, Baker was designated for assignment to make room for Matt West,[7][8] and elected free agency on October 14.

Miami Marlins

In February 2014, Baker agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract with the Miami Marlins.[9][10][11] He was released on July 31, 2015.

Personal

Baker is the son of a retired US Army colonel and is actively involved in the Wounded Warrior Project.[12] During the offseason, his home is in Virginia.[citation needed]

References

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External links

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