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{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1984)}} | |||
{{Infobox MLB player| | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}} | |||
bgcolor1=#0a2252| | |||
{{Infobox baseball biography | |||
bgcolor2=#b6922e| | |||
| name = Prince Fielder | |||
textcolor1=white| | |||
| image = Prince Fielder on July 13, 2012.jpg | |||
textcolor2=white| | |||
| caption = Fielder with the Detroit Tigers in 2012 | |||
name=Prince Fielder| | |||
position=First |
| position = ] | ||
| bats = Left | |||
team=Milwaukee Brewers| | |||
| throws = Right | |||
number=28| | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|5|9}} | |||
bats=Left| | |||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
throws=Right| | |||
| debutleague = MLB | |||
birthdate={{birth date and age|1984|5|9}}| | |||
debutdate=June 13 |
| debutdate = June 13 | ||
debutyear=2005 |
| debutyear = 2005 | ||
debutteam=Milwaukee Brewers |
| debutteam = Milwaukee Brewers | ||
| finalleague = MLB | |||
statyear=June 17, 2007| | |||
| finaldate = July 18 | |||
stat1label=]| | |||
| finalyear = 2016 | |||
stat1value=246| | |||
| finalteam = Texas Rangers | |||
stat2label=]| | |||
| statleague = MLB | |||
stat2value=55| | |||
| stat1label = ] | |||
| stat1value = .283 | |||
stat3value=.278| | |||
| stat2label = ]s | |||
teams=<nowiki></nowiki> | |||
| stat2value = 319 | |||
*] (]-present) | |||
| stat3label = ] | |||
| stat3value = 1,028 | |||
| teams = | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2005}}–{{mlby|2011}}) | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}}) | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2016}}) | |||
| awards = | |||
* 6× ] (], ], ]–], ]) | |||
* 3× ] (2007, 2011, 2012) | |||
* ] (2007) | |||
* ] (2015) | |||
* ] (2007) | |||
* ] (2009) | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Prince Semien Fielder''' (born |
'''Prince Semien Fielder''' (born May 9, 1984) is an American former ] ] and ], who played in ] (MLB) for the ], ], and ]. He was selected in the first round of the ] by the Brewers out of ] in ], and spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Brewers before signing with the Tigers, in January 2012. In November 2013, Fielder was traded to the Rangers, where he played the remainder of his career. | ||
Fielder is a six-time ]. He holds the Brewers' team record for ]s (HR) and ] (RBI) in a season and is the youngest player in ] (NL) history to hit 50 home runs in a season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3036841|title=Prince hits 50, but it's 52 he wants to 'shut up' his dad|date=September 26, 2007|location=Milwaukee WI|work=]|access-date=July 31, 2019|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110144846/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3036841|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the first Brewer to win the ], defeating ] in the final round of the ]. Fielder also won the 2012 derby, joining ] (and later ] and ]) as the only players to win more than one derby and becoming the first player to win the Derby as both an ] (AL) and NL All-Star.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/home-run-derby-history-c283844278|title=Derby history: Looking back at past slugfests|date=March 11, 2019|last=Thornburg|first=Chad|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=July 31, 2019|archive-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728011913/https://www.mlb.com/news/home-run-derby-history-c283844278|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story?id=8146204&src=desktop|title=Prince Fielder wins Home Run Derby for 2nd time|date=July 9, 2012|agency=Associated Press|location=Kansas City MO|work=]|access-date=July 31, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407184824/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story?id=8146204&src=desktop|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Fielder was once the spokesperson along with his father for the ] triple cheeseburger, and appeared with his father on ]'s ]. | |||
On August 10, 2016, Fielder announced that he would be unable to continue his playing career after undergoing a second neck surgery in three years. He was released by the Rangers on October 4, 2017. He ended his career with 319 home runs, the same number as his father, ]. Prince and Cecil Fielder are also the only father-son duo to each hit 50 MLB home runs in a season, and were the only father-son duo to hit 40 MLB home runs in a season until 2021, when ] joined ] in achieving the feat.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-hits-40th-home-run|title = With 40th HR, Vlad joins rare father-son club|website = ]|access-date = September 7, 2021|archive-date = September 7, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210907113510/https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-hits-40th-home-run|url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
After his father gambled away some of his major league signing bonus (His father has a history of gambling and domestic problems) the two have not been on full speaking terms . | |||
==Early life== | |||
When his father played for Detroit, Prince would sometimes come along for batting practice. Contrary to popular belief, he never did hit a home run into the upper deck of ].. Prince confirmed this is in a 2007 interview during a road trip to Detroit. "It just went over the fence," Fielder said. | |||
Fielder was initially right-handed, but at a very young age was converted to being a left-handed hitter by his father, baseball player ].<ref name="fielderjockbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Fielder/Fielder_bio.html|title=JockBio: Prince Fielder Biography|date=2012|publisher=JockBio|work=jockbio.com|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119160039/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Fielder/Fielder_bio.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fielder was a fixture around his father's teams' clubhouses growing up. He appeared with his father on '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.times-herald.com/sports/Celebrity-all-star-game-brings-back-MTV-memories-84658 |title=Celebrity all-star game brings back MTV memories |date=July 28, 2009 |publisher=Times-Herald.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416053418/http://www.times-herald.com/sports/Celebrity-all-star-game-brings-back-MTV-memories-84658 |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |df=mdy }}</ref> When his father played for Detroit, Prince would sometimes come along for batting practice. Fielder hit a home run off Tigers third base coach ] into the upper deck of ] as a 12-year-old in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/story/2012-01-26/prince-fielder-press-conference/52805636/1|title=Fielder: 'This is kind of a dream come true'|author=John Lowe and James Jahnke|work=]|date=January 26, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2014|archive-date=April 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415061455/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/story/2012-01-26/prince-fielder-press-conference/52805636/1|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Fielder attended ] in ], for two years, where he played ] baseball.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tcpalm.com/sports/no-headline-tc_spt_fielder_1c |title=Fielder's career path takes him from St. Edward's to the Tigers |publisher=] |last=Santucci |first=Jon |date=March 17, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002140/http://www.tcpalm.com/sports/no-headline-tc_spt_fielder_1c |url-status=live }}</ref> Fielder spent his first three years of high school playing at ] in ]. He then transferred to ], located in the ] neighborhood of Melbourne, to play baseball there his senior year (2002).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/05/16/a_new_power_prince/|title=A new power Prince Fielder has made a deep impression|access-date=October 21, 2008|work=]|date=May 16, 2008|first=Gordon|last=Edes|archive-date=July 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726023110/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/05/16/a_new_power_prince|url-status=live}}</ref> He hit .524 with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 47 runs in his senior year. He was named by '']'' as the All-] Player of the Year in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=48508|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070513171703/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=48508|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2007|title=Charmed by a Prince|access-date=October 21, 2008 |work=] }}</ref> Fielder committed to play ] for ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sun Devil Baseball Inks 26 During NCAA Early Signing Period|url=http://pac-12.com/article/2001/11/26/sun-devil-baseball-inks-26-during-ncaa-early-signing-period|access-date=1 January 2018|publisher=]|date=November 26, 2001|language=en|archive-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102075131/http://pac-12.com/article/2001/11/26/sun-devil-baseball-inks-26-during-ncaa-early-signing-period|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
==2005== | |||
] at ], 2005]] | |||
Fielder began the ] season with the minor-league ] and would later serve as a ] for the Brewers during ]. He earned his first call-up to the ] on ], 2005, but he was sent back down to the Sounds after the end of interleague play, since ] was already the regular first baseman for the team. Fielder was again called up to the Majors on ], 2005, and went on to finish the season with the Brewers, where he was used as a pinch-hitter. He finished the season with 17 hits, 2 home runs (include a walk-off game winner on ]), and a .288 batting average in 39 games with 59 at-bats. | |||
==Professional career== | |||
Fielder was married, with teammate and best friend ] as best man, to his wife Chanel, with whom he has a son Jaden, during the Triple A All-Star Break in the summer of 2005. Jaden is currently 2 years old. | |||
] in 2005]] | |||
===Draft and minor leagues=== | |||
==2006== | |||
The ] drafted Fielder in the first round, with the seventh overall selection, of the ]. He signed with the Brewers and began his professional career in ] with the ] of the ] ]. In his first professional game, he hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie it up. Ogden would go on to win in the 10th inning. He was promoted to the ] of the ] ] that season. Fielder spent the 2003 season with Beloit and was promoted to the ] of the ] ] for the 2004 season. | |||
After ] was traded with minor-league pitcher ] to the ] for outfielder ] and pitchers ] and ], Fielder became the Brewers' starting first baseman in 2006 and was an early favorite for ] ]. | |||
Fielder began the 2005 season with the ] of the ] ]. | |||
During Spring Training, Chanel Fielder gave birth to their second child, a boy they named Haven Cole, on ]. | |||
===Milwaukee Brewers (2005–2011)=== | |||
Prince did not get off to a great start in the 2006 regular season, going 0-11 with seven strikeouts. In his 12th at-bat Fielder would finally make a big splash, delivering a game-winning hit that drove home ] for the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning against the ]. This hit not only won the game for the Brewers, but secured an opening series sweep. Even with his early season struggles, Prince was named the National League's Rookie of the Month for April, and has been hitting consistently since. With his 18th home run of the year, Fielder broke the Brewers' rookie home run record previously held by ]. He led all major league rookies with 28 homers in the 2006 season. | |||
====2005==== | |||
On ], ], ], Fielder was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished a ] to benefit the | |||
Fielder earned his first call-up to ] on June 13, 2005. He served as the ] for the Brewers during ]. On June 15, 2005, he collected his first major league hit, a double, off ], and drove in his first big league run with his second hit of the night at Tampa Bay. Prince also hit his first home run on June 25, 2005. | |||
However, with ] serving as the Brewers' regular first baseman, Fielder was sent back down to the Sounds shortly after the end of interleague play. Fielder was again called up to the Majors on August 17, 2005, and went on to finish the season with the Brewers, where he was used as a pinch-hitter. He was the sixth-youngest player in the league. | |||
==2007== | |||
====2006==== | |||
Fielder was named the National League's Player of the Week for April 30 - May 6. He batted .440 for the week with 4 home runs and 12 RBI. On May 21st, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Prince hit two home runs for a combined total of over 900 feet. Fielder currently leads the National League with 26 home runs. Fielder is on pace to hit more than 50 home runs. Fielder was named National League player of the month in the month of May hitting 13 home runs.<ref>http://www.turnto23.com/mlb005/13363203/detail.html</ref> As of June 17th, Fielder has hit 25 homeruns, scored 49 runs, and has 54 RBIs; ranking him 2nd, 13th, and 8th respectively throughout all of baseball. | |||
After the Brewers traded Overbay to the ], Fielder became the ] starting first baseman in 2006. He was an early favorite for ] ].{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} | |||
Fielder did not get off to a great start in the ], going 0–9 with seven strikeouts. In his 12th at-bat, Fielder delivered a game-winning hit that drove home ] for the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning against the ]. Fielder was named the National League's Rookie of the Month for April. With his 18th home run of the year, Fielder broke the Brewers' rookie home run record previously held by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260725108|title=Burnitz's two home runs lead Pirates past Brewers|date=July 26, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2023|work=ESPN.com|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026141635/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260725108|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Fielder led all major league rookies with 28 homers in the 2006 season. On defense, he had the lowest zone rating among NL first basemen, .804.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=8&sortColumn=zoneRating&sortOrder=true&split=79&qualified=null&season=2006&seasonType=2 |title=MLB Player Fielding Stats: 2006 |access-date=October 21, 2008 |work=] |archive-date=March 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331150053/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=8&sortColumn=zoneRating&sortOrder=true&split=79&qualified=null&season=2006&seasonType=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
====2007==== | |||
Fielder had a strong ] in 2007, earning a start at first base in the ] over the previous two MVP winners, ] (2006) and ] (2005). | |||
On August 13, 2007, Fielder was featured on a magazine cover for the first time when he was featured on the August 13, 2007, issue of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070801_TheNewIssueofESPNTheMagazineisonSaleNow.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326065523/http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070801_TheNewIssueofESPNTheMagazineisonSaleNow.htm |archive-date=March 26, 2010 |title=Prince Fielder on the cover of ESPN The Magazine|access-date=May 13, 2009 |publisher=ESPN|date=August 1, 2007}}</ref> | |||
On September 15, 2007, Fielder broke the Brewers franchise record for home runs in a season, hitting his 46th in a game against the ]. The record was previously jointly held by ] (twice) and ]. | |||
On September 25, Fielder became the youngest player ever to reach 50 home runs in a season, joining his estranged father in the exclusive club. Fielder stated that he hoped to surpass his father's total of 51 home runs in a season (1990) as a way of exorcising the demons that came with being the son of a prominent major-leaguer. "A lot of people said that's the only reason I got drafted... I don't mind people comparing me to him but I'm a completely different player. One day I want people to mention my name and not have to mention his," Fielder said. Earlier in the season, Cecil Fielder had told a magazine that it was his famous name that led to his son being such a highly-touted prospect. The younger Fielder also saw his contention in the 2007 NL MVP race as a way of proving his father wrong, but got little else from the rift but motivation saying, "You've got to look at who's saying it. Let's be honest. He's not really the brightest guy."<ref>{{cite web |last=Haudricourt|first=Tom|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HeMqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5848,4002022|title=Two shots, two back: Fielder hits 50th, Cubs fall closer|access-date=January 25, 2012 |work=] |date=September 26, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
Fielder ranked first in the National League in home runs (50) in his MVP-caliber 2007 season (and was, until the ], the last player in the National League to hit 50 or more home runs in a single season, when ] hit 59 home runs), was second in ] to teammate ] (.618), second in at-bats per home run (11.5) and OPS (1.013), third in RBIs (119) and extra-base hits (87), fourth in total bases (354) and hit by pitch (14), fifth in intentional walks (21) and sacrifice flies (8), seventh in runs (109) and times on base (269), and ninth in walks (90). | |||
In 2007, he led all major league first basemen in errors, with 14, and was last among eligible major league first basemen in ] (8.49). | |||
Fielder earned the Milwaukee Brewers Team MVP award, the ], 2007 Silver Slugger award, and was voted the National League's ] winner.<ref>. The Official Site of The Milwaukee Brewers. October 28, 2007</ref> | |||
====2008==== | |||
]]] | |||
Unable to come up with an agreement for a long-term contract with the Brewers, Fielder and his agent, ], signed a ], $670,000 deal with the Brewers. Fielder was quoted saying, "I'm not happy about it at all", showing his disappointment in not being able to reach an agreement with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080302&content_id=2400590&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|title=Fielder unhappy contract is renewed Brewers' deadline passes; slugger to earn $670,000 in 2008|access-date=October 21, 2008|work=]|archive-date=May 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508042529/http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080302&content_id=2400590&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On June 19, while playing against the ], Fielder hit the second inside-the-park home run of his career. | |||
On August 4, Fielder and teammate ] got into a scuffle in the dugout during a game against the ] in which Parra was the starting pitcher. They were having a brief conversation, which led to Parra throwing his jacket down and Fielder shoving him. Fielder had to be restrained by teammates ], ], ], ], and pitching coach ]. ] reported that night that the dispute was over Parra heading back to the clubhouse after being pulled from the game instead of staying in the dugout to watch the Brewers bat in the next inning. '']'' also reported that the exchange was started when Parra told Fielder to "get off his fat ass and play defense." ] ] said reporters asking questions about the incident was as rude as "going over to the neighbors' house after they've been fighting and asking about it." | |||
On September 23, Fielder hit his second walk-off home run against the ], helping the Brewers keep pace with the ] in the NL Wild Card race. | |||
Fielder was named the National League ] for the week of September 15–21 after he batted .462, with 27 total bases, six doubles, 11 RBIs, .533 on-base percentage, and a 1.038 slugging percentage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madison.com/tct/sports//index.php?ntid=306004|title=Brewers' Prince Fielder named NL Player of the Week|access-date=October 21, 2008|work=madison|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403043340/http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/index.php?ntid=306004|archive-date=April 3, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
Fielder ended the 2008 regular season with a .276 batting average, 34 home runs, 102 RBIs, 86 runs and 84 walks. The Brewers finished 90–72, earning the NL Wild Card on the final day of the regular season, their first postseason berth as a ] club and their first since losing to the ] in the ]. They faced the ] and were eliminated in four. Fielder hit the Brewers' only home run of the series, in Game 4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/topstories/2008-09-28-3428459828_x.htm|title=Mets help Brewers earn 1st playoff spot since 1982|access-date=October 21, 2008 |work=Associated press (via USA Today)|date=September 29, 2008|first=Chris|last=Jenkins}}</ref> | |||
====2009==== | |||
After the 2008 season, Fielder was seeking an $8 million salary in 2009, while the Brewers filed for $6 million. On January 23, the Brewers and Fielder avoided arbitration and finalized a two-year $18 million contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090123&content_id=3767748&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|title=Brewers ink Fielder to two-year deal Slugger reportedly set to earn $18 million through 2010|date=January 23, 2009|last=McCalvy|first=Adam|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=January 29, 2009|archive-date=February 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210052406/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090123&content_id=3767748&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On June 15, 2009, Fielder hit his first career ] at ] against ] of the ] .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/48108872.html|title=Fielder's slam in eighth caps comeback.|date=June 15, 2009|publisher=JSOnline|work=jsonline.com|access-date=July 12, 2012|archive-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618054047/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/48108872.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
], and President ] before the start of the ], July 14, 2009]] | |||
Fielder was one of four NL first basemen who made the ], joining starter ] and fellow reservists ] and ]. Fielder won the ] in ]. Fielder began the Derby with a ] bat, but quickly switched to one of ]'s because it was longer and gave him more plate coverage.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122031208/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/50809037.html |date=January 22, 2010 }} ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''</ref> He made the finals with 17 home runs after the first two rounds, eliminating local favorites Albert Pujols and ]. He then beat former Brewers teammate ] with six homers in the final round. His 23 long balls tied for the sixth-most in the Derby's history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/allstar/2009-07-13-hr-derby_N.htm|title=Prince of St. Louis: Fielder wins 2009 All-Star Home Run Derby|date=July 14, 2009|last=Ortiz|first=Jorge L.|publisher=]|work=usatoday.com|access-date=July 14, 2009|archive-date=July 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716213435/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/allstar/2009-07-13-hr-derby_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He also hit the longest home run of the Derby at {{convert|503|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar09/news/story?id=4325427|title=Fielder tops Cruz for Derby crown.|date=July 13, 2009|location=St Louis MO|work=]|agency=Associated Press|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=November 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129153142/http://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar09/news/story?id=4325427|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On August 4, Fielder was involved in an incident with ] relief pitcher ]. With two outs in the ninth inning, Mota hit Fielder with a pitch on the leg, apparently in retaliation for Mota's teammate ] being hit in the hand by Brewers pitcher ]. Mota was ejected. After the 17–4 Dodgers victory, Fielder went to the Dodgers clubhouse in an effort to confront Mota. The Dodgers security guards stopped Fielder from entering, though the incident was captured by a television crew. Both Mota and Fielder were fined by Major League Baseball for their roles in the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090806&content_id=6285454&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la|title=Fielder, Mota fined but not suspended|last=McCalvy|first=Adam|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=September 28, 2011|archive-date=June 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615141310/http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090806&content_id=6285454&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Fielder had a good September. While playing the ] on September 6, Fielder hit his third career ] in the 12th inning.<ref name="bbreffielderHR">{{cite web|title=Prince Fielder: Career Home Runs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.cgi?id=fieldpr01&t=b|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|date=2019|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205044340/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.cgi?t=b&id=fieldpr01|url-status=live}}</ref> The Brewers' subsequent home plate celebration sparked a minor controversy due to its unusual style.<ref name=2009HRvideo>{{cite web|title=Fielder's walk-off shot|url=http://m.mlb.com/video/v6511913/sfmil-fielder-blasts-a-walkoff-home-run-in-extras/?c_id=sf|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=May 24, 2014|format=Giants Video|date=September 6, 2009|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525213724/http://m.mlb.com/video/v6511913/sfmil-fielder-blasts-a-walkoff-home-run-in-extras/?c_id=sf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Spin>{{cite web|last=Craggs|first=Tommy|title=Baseball Pretends To Be Appalled By Prince Fielder's Home Run Celebration|url=http://deadspin.com/5354587/baseball-pretends-to-be-appalled-by-prince-fielders-home-run-celebration|work=Deadspin|access-date=May 24, 2014|date=September 8, 2009|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232719/http://deadspin.com/5354587/baseball-pretends-to-be-appalled-by-prince-fielders-home-run-celebration|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Plunked>{{cite web|title=Barry Zito makes Prince Fielder pay, kind of, for home-run celebration|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/03/barry-zito-makes-prince-fielder-pay-kind-of-for-home-run-celebration/1#.U4DZ7ShuCSq|date=March 4, 2010|last=Lacques|first=Gabe|publisher=]|work=usatoday.com|access-date=May 24, 2014|archive-date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305054743/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/03/barry-zito-makes-prince-fielder-pay-kind-of-for-home-run-celebration/1#.U4DZ7ShuCSq|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, on September 19, Fielder set the Brewers' single-season record for ]s at 127, beating ]'s 1983 record of 126.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290919108|title=Fielder gets 127th RBI as Brewers win fourth straight|date=September 19, 2009|location=Milwaukee WI|work=]|agency=Associated Press|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510181600/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290919108|url-status=dead}}</ref> He set this record during a game against the ] — the team Cooper was managing at the time. The record-breaking RBI was a sacrifice fly, scoring ]. He finished the season with 141 RBIs, which surpassed his father's career high of 133 in 1991. | |||
Fielder finished tied for first in the National League in RBIs with Ryan Howard, and second in home runs with 46. He is one of three players in Brewers franchise history to have 100 or more RBIs in three consecutive seasons, along with ] (2001–03) and Ryan Braun (2008–10).<ref name=2009NLMVP>{{cite web|title=2009 NL MVP|url=http://bbwaa.com/2009/11/2009-nl-mvp/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130307184650/http://bbwaa.com/2009/11/2009-nl-mvp/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2014|work=BBWAA.com|quote=First basemen Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies and Price (sic) Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, who tied for the league lead in RBI}}</ref> | |||
====2011==== | |||
On January 18, Fielder and the Brewers agreed on a one-year, $15.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110118&content_id=16452948&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Prince signs historic contract to avoid arbitration|date=January 18, 2011|last=McCalvy|first=Adam|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=July 23, 2011|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625114822/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110118|url-status=live}}</ref> Fielder was named ] of the ], in which he hit a 3-run home run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110712&content_id=21760022&vkey=allstar2011|title=Prince of power: Fielder's clout earns him MVP|first=Barry M.|last=Bloom|work=MLB.com|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714055616/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110712&content_id=21760022&vkey=allstar2011|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Along with Fielder, Braun also hit 30 home runs on the season, marking the 4th time the duo each hit at least 30 home runs in a season. Only 6 other duos have done this in major league history.<ref name=Duo>{{cite web|last=Jazayerli|author-link=Rany Jazayerli|first=Rany|title=Can Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder Carry the Brewers to the World Series? ''Examining Milwaukee's dynamic duo''|url=http://grantland.com/features/can-ryan-braun-prince-fielder-carry-brewers-world-series/|work=Grantland.com|access-date=May 24, 2014|date=October 18, 2011|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200628/http://grantland.com/features/can-ryan-braun-prince-fielder-carry-brewers-world-series/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Fielder became one of three Brewers who have had four 100-RBI seasons, along with Cecil Cooper and Braun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/130054343.html|title=Saturday game report: Brewers at Reds|date=September 17, 2011|last=Haudricourt|first=Tom|publisher=JSOnline|work=jsonline.com|access-date=September 28, 2011|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015183622/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/130054343.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On September 27 in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Fielder went 3-for-3 with three home runs and a walk, and 5 RBIs. It was his first career three-home run game.<ref name=ThreeHRGame>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/28/prince-fielders-3-home-runs-brewers-pirates_n_984723.html|title=Prince Fielder's 1st 3-Home Run Game: Brewers Top Pirates 6-4 (VIDEO)|date=September 28, 2011|last=Jenkins|first=Chris|publisher=]|work=huffingtonpost.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=May 24, 2014|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200716/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/28/prince-fielders-3-home-runs-brewers-pirates_n_984723.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2011, Fielder batted .299, led the National League in ]s (32, a Brewers record), was second in the league in home runs (38), and was third in slugging percentage (.566).<ref name="bbreffielderbatting">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/leaders_bat.shtml|title=Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Batting Leaders|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=]|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-date=October 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010003113/http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/leaders_bat.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On defense, he led the majors in errors committed by a first baseman (15) and had the lowest ] of all first basemen (.990).<ref name="bbreffieldermaj">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fieldpr01.shtml|title=Prince Fielder Stats|date=2019|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=June 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622014233/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fieldpr01.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/fielding/_/year/2011/order/false|title=2011 Regular Season MLB Baseball 1B Fielding Statistics|date=2019|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801104907/http://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/fielding/_/year/2011/order/false|url-status=live}}</ref> Through 2011, he had the second-highest career slugging percentage (.540) and OPS (.929) of any player in Brewers history, behind Braun, and was second in career home runs (230) to Robin Yount.<ref name="bbreffielderbatting"/> | |||
Fielder came in third in the voting for the 2011 ], behind winner and teammate ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/11/ryan-braun-wins-nl-mvp-award-matt-kemp-second.html|title=Ryan Braun wins NL MVP award; Matt Kemp second|date=November 22, 2011|last=Mitchell|first=Houston|work=]|access-date=November 22, 2011|archive-date=November 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125125226/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/11/ryan-braun-wins-nl-mvp-award-matt-kemp-second.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Detroit Tigers (2012–2013)=== | |||
====2012==== | |||
] (left) with the Tigers on July 13, 2012]] | |||
] | |||
Following the ], Fielder became a free agent. On January 26, 2012, Fielder agreed to a nine-year, $214 million contract with the ] to play first base and bat clean-up in the Tigers batting order.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/34555236|title=Prince Fielder signs with the Tigers|date=January 24, 2012|last=Snyder|first=Matt|publisher=]|work=cbssports.com|access-date=July 10, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809214235/http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/34555236|archive-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref> It was the largest contract in the history of the Tigers, surpassing ]'s contract of $185.3 million over eight years. The Tigers acquired Fielder to replace the bat of an injured ], the everyday ] in 2011. The acquisition of Fielder, who had only played ] in his career, required 2008–2011 first baseman Miguel Cabrera to move to third, which Cabrera was notably happy to do. | |||
On April 5, 2012, Fielder made his debut with the Tigers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2012/04/opening_day_lineup_prince_fiel.html|title=Opening Day lineup: Prince Fielder makes Detroit Tigers debut, Justin Verlander takes mound|date=April 5, 2012|last=Schmehl|first=James|publisher=]|work=mlive.com|access-date=April 5, 2012|archive-date=April 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408062244/http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2012/04/opening_day_lineup_prince_fiel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and singled in his first at bat. | |||
Fielder hit his first two home runs as a Tiger on April 7, 2012, in a 10–0 victory over the ]. In his first season in the American League, he was voted to the 2012 All-Star team as a starter. It is his fourth All-Star appearance overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/19457874/american-league-all-star-team-2012|title=All-Star rosters|date=2012|last=Snyder|first=Matt|publisher=]|work=cbssports.com|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=June 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617014118/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/19457874/american-league-all-star-team-2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Fielder was also selected by American League captain, ], to participate in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34294412&vkey=allstar2012|title=NL, AL Home Run Derby teams unveiled|date=July 1, 2012|publisher=]|work=MLB.com|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223659/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34294412&vkey=allstar2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On July 9, 2012, Fielder became the 2012 Home Run Derby champion, hitting 12 home runs in the third and final round over ] of the ]. This is Fielder's second win in the derby, his first coming in 2009. Fielder became the first participant to win for both the National and American League, and joined ] as the only two players to win multiple Derbies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar12/story/_/id/8146206/detroit-tigers-prince-fielder-wins-home-run-derby-second-time|title=Prince Fielder wins Home Run Derby|date=July 10, 2012|agency=Associated Press|location=Kansas City MO|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801102135/https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar12/story/_/id/8146206/detroit-tigers-prince-fielder-wins-home-run-derby-second-time|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Fielder finished the 2012 regular season with a career-best .313 batting average. He hit 30 home runs, giving him six straight seasons with at least 30 long balls, and drove in 108 runs for his fifth career 100-plus RBI season. He also had an on-base percentage of .412, his fourth straight season with an ] above .400. He played in all 162 games for Detroit, his third such season in his career, and he led the American League in being hit by pitches (17). Some in the sports media have given Fielder at least partial credit for teammate Cabrera winning the Triple Crown of batting in 2012. With Fielder hitting behind him in the Tiger order, Cabrera's walks declined from 108 the previous season to just 66, giving him more opportunities to hit home runs and drive in runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8529578/miguel-cabrera-prince-fielder-strong-bond-fueled-detroit-tigers-mlb|title=The Prince and Miggy Show|date=October 20, 2012|last=Crasnick|first=Jerry|location=Detroit MI|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801102134/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8529578/miguel-cabrera-prince-fielder-strong-bond-fueled-detroit-tigers-mlb|url-status=live}}</ref> Cabrera would later confirm in a June 2013 ''Sports Illustrated'' article: "You can see a difference. They pitch to me more...I see a lot of good pitches."<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014401/http://insidesportsillustrated.com/2013/06/12/bash-bros-miguel-cabrera-and-prince-fielder-featured-on-this-weeks-si-cover/ |date=December 3, 2013 }} insidesportsillustrated.com on June 12, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2013.</ref> | |||
The ] was Fielder's first career trip to the World Series. He compiled only a .071 batting average (1-for-14) during the World Series as the Tigers were swept in four games at the hands of the ]. | |||
In Game 2 of the series, Fielder was hit on the shoulder by a pitch from Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner. After Delmon Young hit a double down the left-field line, Prince attempted to score. However, a relay throw from Gregor Blanco to Marco Scutaro to Buster Posey tagged Fielder out as he was sliding home. This became the first-ever 7-4-2 putout in a World Series.<ref name="Fitzpatrick 2012">{{cite web | last=Fitzpatrick | first=Mike | title=Tigers-Giants scoreless in 4th inning of Game 2 | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2012-10-26 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-tigers-giants-scoreless-in-4th-inning-of-game-2-2012oct25-story.html | access-date=2022-03-19 | archive-date=March 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317211647/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-tigers-giants-scoreless-in-4th-inning-of-game-2-2012oct25-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
====2013==== | |||
Fielder was named AL Player of the Week for April 8–14. He hit .632 during the week (12-for-19) with 11 RBIs and 22 total bases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/16/4228546/prince-fielder-named-american-league-player-of-the-week |title=Prince Fielder named American League Player of the Week |date=April 16, 2013 |publisher=Blessyouboys.com |access-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231951/http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/16/4228546/prince-fielder-named-american-league-player-of-the-week |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the month of April with a .301 batting average, 7 home runs, and 27 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web |author=CBSSports.com wire reports |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20130430_MIN@DET |title=Verlander dominates Twins as Tigers win fifth straight |publisher=Cbssports.com |date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125223111/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20130430_MIN@DET |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 1, Fielder was voted in as a reserve infielder in the AL player balloting for the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710220908/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130706&content_id=52391804&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |date=July 10, 2013 }} mlb.mlb.com on July 14, 2013.</ref> It was his fifth career All-Star selection. During the All-Star Game, he hit a lead-off triple in the ninth inning off of ]. He did not score but the American League still won the game 3–0. | |||
Fielder hit .279 during the 2013 regular season, and his 25 home runs was the lowest total in any of his eight full major league seasons until he hit only 23 in 2015. He did, however, drive in 106 runs, marking the sixth time he topped 100 in his career. Fielder also played all 162 games for the third straight season, and played in his ] on September 24.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235013/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130923&content_id=61496710¬ebook_id=61496816&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |date=October 4, 2013 }} Beck, Jason at mlb.com on September 24, 2013.</ref> This followed a 327-game streak that was broken in September 2010, when he played for the Brewers. (He missed one game due to severe flu symptoms.) By the end of the 2013 season, he had played in 831 of his last 832 regular-season games. | |||
Fielder batted .278 in the ALDS against Oakland, registering 5 hits and no RBIs. In the 2013 ALCS he declined further, registering a .182 average with only 4 hits and no RBIs. | |||
] | |||
===Texas Rangers (2014–2017)=== | |||
====2014==== | |||
On November 20, 2013, Fielder was traded to the ] along with $30 million for second baseman ].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jon Heyman |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24250972/fielder-for-kinsler-bloickbuster-is-on-the-table |title=Detroit Tigers trade Prince Fielder to Texas Rangers for Ian Kinsler |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=November 21, 2013 |archive-date=November 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121023644/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24250972/fielder-for-kinsler-bloickbuster-is-on-the-table |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Gabe Lacques |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/11/20/tigers-trade-prince-fielder-to-rangers-for-ian-kinsler/3659179/ |title=Blockbuster: Tigers trade Prince Fielder to Rangers for Ian Kinsler |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=November 20, 2013 |access-date=November 21, 2013 |archive-date=November 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121043529/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/11/20/tigers-trade-prince-fielder-to-rangers-for-ian-kinsler/3659179/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2014 Fielder underwent season ending neck surgery.<ref>{{cite news | title=Back in the Swing | work=The Dallas Morning News | date=February 8, 2015 | author=Grant, Evan | location=Dallas, Texas(US) | pages=1C,10C}}</ref> At the time of his mid-season departure, he was batting .247 with 3 home runs and 16 RBI in 42 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/10970992/prince-fielder-texas-rangers-season-ending-neck-surgery|title=Neck surgery expected for Prince|last=Durrett|first=Richard|work=MLB.com|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=May 22, 2014|archive-date=May 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523013233/http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/10970992/prince-fielder-texas-rangers-season-ending-neck-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> Fielder's then league-leading streak of 547 consecutive games started was ended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-baseball-notes-20140518-story.html|title=Rangers' Prince Fielder's consecutive-games streak ends at 547|date=May 17, 2014|via=LA Times|access-date=July 28, 2014|archive-date=August 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813164727/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-baseball-notes-20140518-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
====2015==== | |||
Nearly halfway through the season Fielder led the AL in batting average and was selected as a reserve designated hitter for the ] in ]. It was Fielder's sixth appearance in the All-Star Game and his fourth selection in five seasons.<ref name="bbreffieldermaj"/> He finished the 2015 season with a .305 batting average, 23 home runs, and 98 RBIs, and was named the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/prince-fielder-is-comeback-player-of-the-year/c-156552676|title=Fielder wins AL Comeback Player of the Year Award|first=T. R.|last=Sullivan|publisher=MLB.com|date=November 5, 2015|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref> | |||
====2016==== | |||
On April 29, 2016, in a game against the ] in the bottom of the 6th inning, Fielder hit a sharp single through the shift to score ], making him and his father ] the 2nd father-son combo to both record 1,000 RBIs. On July 20, it was revealed that Fielder was diagnosed with ] in his neck, putting his career in jeopardy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fielder facing neck surgery again, Choo to DL.|url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/07/20/rangers-slugger-prince-fielder-facing-season-ending-neck-surgery-shin-soo-choo-headed-dl|newspaper=Dallas News|access-date=July 20, 2016|archive-date=July 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724000040/http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/07/20/rangers-slugger-prince-fielder-facing-season-ending-neck-surgery-shin-soo-choo-headed-dl|url-status=live}}</ref> In a press conference on August 10, Fielder announced that he would not be able to continue playing professional baseball due to his injuries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sullivan|first=T.R.|title=Fielder announces playing career over|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/194776282/prince-fielder-announces-playing-career-over/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 10, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811134603/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/194776282/prince-fielder-announces-playing-career-over/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 89 games of 2016, Fielder finished his injury-shortened season with a .212 batting average, 16 doubles, 8 home runs, and 44 RBIs. | |||
====2017==== | |||
On October 5, 2017, the Rangers released Fielder, citing financial considerations. Although Fielder was not completely retired at the point he was released, the Rangers decided to release him anyway.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Rangers release injury-plagued Prince Fielder|date=October 4, 2017|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/10/rangers-release-prince-fielder.html|publisher=MLB Trade Rumors|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004235530/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/10/rangers-release-prince-fielder.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Career statistics=== | |||
In 1611 games over 12 seasons, Fielder posted a .283 ] (1645-for-5821) with 862 ], 321 ], 10 ], 319 ], 1028 ], 18 ], 847 ], .382 ] and .506 ]. Defensively, he recorded a .992 ] playing every inning at first base. In 44 postseason games, he batted only .189 (31-for-164) with 13 runs, 5 doubles, 5 home runs, 12 RBI and 15 walks.<ref name="bbreffieldermaj" /> | |||
Fielder was included on the ballot for the ] class of {{bhofy|2022}} when it was announced on November 22, 2021,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |title=Every player making HOF ballot debut in '22 |first=Manny |last=Randhawa |website=MLB.com |date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122182012/https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |url-status=live }}</ref> but after ballots were counted, he became ineligible for future balloting, due to receiving less than 5% of the total.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCalvy |first1=Adam |title=Fielder's HOF ballot exit is another 'What if?' |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/prince-fielder-falls-off-hall-of-fame-ballot |website=MLB.com |language=en |access-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127025710/https://www.mlb.com/news/prince-fielder-falls-off-hall-of-fame-ballot |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Post-playing career== | |||
Fielder served as the hitting coach for the American League team in the 2024 ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Futures Game coaching staffs full of Rangers legends|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-mlb-all-star-futures-game-coaching-staffs-announced|access-date=July 18, 2024|website=mlb.com|language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | |||
Fielder was named after his grandfather. He married his wife Chanel in 2005 during the Triple-A All-Star break while playing for the ]. They have two sons.<ref name="MLB bio">{{cite web | title=Prince Fielder Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425902 | work=] | access-date=June 3, 2009 | archive-date=May 22, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522112908/http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425902 | url-status=live }}</ref> Fielder filed for divorce in May 2013, but by March 2014, he and his wife had reconciled.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20140314-prince-fielder-needs-to-get-off-ground-find-more-lift.ece |date=March 14, 2014 |last=Fraley |first=Gerry |authorlink=Gerry Fraley|title=Prince Fielder needs to get off ground, find more lift |newspaper=] |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-date=March 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312185417/http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20140314-prince-fielder-needs-to-get-off-ground-find-more-lift.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> They reside in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theathletic.com/1170403/2019/08/29/qa-prince-fielder-on-his-playing-days-fatherhood-and-forever-offseason/ | title=Q&A: Prince Fielder on his playing days, fatherhood and 'forever offseason' | access-date=February 28, 2022 | archive-date=February 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228041732/https://theathletic.com/1170403/2019/08/29/qa-prince-fielder-on-his-playing-days-fatherhood-and-forever-offseason/ | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Fielder has a tattoo on the left side of his neck that reads, "왕자", Korean for "Prince".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.freep.com/article/20120127/SPORTS02/201270458/Overheard-during-Prince-Fielder-news-conference | title=Overheard during Prince Fielder news conference | date=January 27, 2012 | newspaper=] | access-date=July 10, 2012 | archive-date=January 31, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131214228/http://www.freep.com/article/20120127/SPORTS02/201270458/Overheard-during-Prince-Fielder-news-conference | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://archive.freep.com/article/20120127/SPORTS02/201270456/New-Tiger-Prince-Fielder-talks-childhood-memories-but-not-dad-Cecil | title=New Tiger Prince Fielder talks childhood memories, but not dad Cecil | date=January 27, 2012 | work=]| access-date=August 21, 2015}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 16:52, 6 November 2024
American baseball player (born 1984)Baseball player
Prince Fielder | |
---|---|
Fielder with the Detroit Tigers in 2012 | |
First baseman | |
Born: (1984-05-09) May 9, 1984 (age 40) Ontario, California, U.S. | |
Batted: LeftThrew: Right | |
MLB debut | |
June 13, 2005, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |
Last MLB appearance | |
July 18, 2016, for the Texas Rangers | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .283 |
Home runs | 319 |
Runs batted in | 1,028 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Prince Semien Fielder (born May 9, 1984) is an American former professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. He was selected in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Brewers out of Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, Florida, and spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Brewers before signing with the Tigers, in January 2012. In November 2013, Fielder was traded to the Rangers, where he played the remainder of his career.
Fielder is a six-time All-Star. He holds the Brewers' team record for home runs (HR) and runs batted in (RBI) in a season and is the youngest player in National League (NL) history to hit 50 home runs in a season. He became the first Brewer to win the Home Run Derby, defeating Nelson Cruz in the final round of the 2009 derby. Fielder also won the 2012 derby, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (and later Yoenis Céspedes and Pete Alonso) as the only players to win more than one derby and becoming the first player to win the Derby as both an American League (AL) and NL All-Star.
On August 10, 2016, Fielder announced that he would be unable to continue his playing career after undergoing a second neck surgery in three years. He was released by the Rangers on October 4, 2017. He ended his career with 319 home runs, the same number as his father, Cecil Fielder. Prince and Cecil Fielder are also the only father-son duo to each hit 50 MLB home runs in a season, and were the only father-son duo to hit 40 MLB home runs in a season until 2021, when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his own father in achieving the feat.
Early life
Fielder was initially right-handed, but at a very young age was converted to being a left-handed hitter by his father, baseball player Cecil Fielder. Fielder was a fixture around his father's teams' clubhouses growing up. He appeared with his father on MTV Rock N' Jock Softball. When his father played for Detroit, Prince would sometimes come along for batting practice. Fielder hit a home run off Tigers third base coach Terry Francona into the upper deck of Tiger Stadium as a 12-year-old in 1996.
Fielder attended Saint Edward's School in Vero Beach, Florida, for two years, where he played junior varsity baseball. Fielder spent his first three years of high school playing at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, Florida. He then transferred to Eau Gallie High School, located in the Eau Gallie neighborhood of Melbourne, to play baseball there his senior year (2002). He hit .524 with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 47 runs in his senior year. He was named by Florida Today as the All-Space Coast Player of the Year in 2002. Fielder committed to play college baseball for Arizona State.
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Fielder in the first round, with the seventh overall selection, of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Brewers and began his professional career in minor league baseball with the Ogden Raptors of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. In his first professional game, he hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie it up. Ogden would go on to win in the 10th inning. He was promoted to the Beloit Snappers of the Single–A Midwest League that season. Fielder spent the 2003 season with Beloit and was promoted to the Huntsville Stars of the Double–A Southern League for the 2004 season.
Fielder began the 2005 season with the Nashville Sounds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League.
Milwaukee Brewers (2005–2011)
2005
Fielder earned his first call-up to Major League Baseball on June 13, 2005. He served as the designated hitter for the Brewers during interleague play. On June 15, 2005, he collected his first major league hit, a double, off Hideo Nomo, and drove in his first big league run with his second hit of the night at Tampa Bay. Prince also hit his first home run on June 25, 2005.
However, with Lyle Overbay serving as the Brewers' regular first baseman, Fielder was sent back down to the Sounds shortly after the end of interleague play. Fielder was again called up to the Majors on August 17, 2005, and went on to finish the season with the Brewers, where he was used as a pinch-hitter. He was the sixth-youngest player in the league.
2006
After the Brewers traded Overbay to the Toronto Blue Jays, Fielder became the Brewers' starting first baseman in 2006. He was an early favorite for National League Rookie of the Year.
Fielder did not get off to a great start in the 2006 regular season, going 0–9 with seven strikeouts. In his 12th at-bat, Fielder delivered a game-winning hit that drove home Geoff Jenkins for the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fielder was named the National League's Rookie of the Month for April. With his 18th home run of the year, Fielder broke the Brewers' rookie home run record previously held by Danny Walton and Greg Vaughn.
Fielder led all major league rookies with 28 homers in the 2006 season. On defense, he had the lowest zone rating among NL first basemen, .804.
2007
Fielder had a strong first half in 2007, earning a start at first base in the 2007 All-Star game over the previous two MVP winners, Ryan Howard (2006) and Albert Pujols (2005).
On August 13, 2007, Fielder was featured on a magazine cover for the first time when he was featured on the August 13, 2007, issue of ESPN The Magazine.
On September 15, 2007, Fielder broke the Brewers franchise record for home runs in a season, hitting his 46th in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The record was previously jointly held by Richie Sexson (twice) and Gorman Thomas.
On September 25, Fielder became the youngest player ever to reach 50 home runs in a season, joining his estranged father in the exclusive club. Fielder stated that he hoped to surpass his father's total of 51 home runs in a season (1990) as a way of exorcising the demons that came with being the son of a prominent major-leaguer. "A lot of people said that's the only reason I got drafted... I don't mind people comparing me to him but I'm a completely different player. One day I want people to mention my name and not have to mention his," Fielder said. Earlier in the season, Cecil Fielder had told a magazine that it was his famous name that led to his son being such a highly-touted prospect. The younger Fielder also saw his contention in the 2007 NL MVP race as a way of proving his father wrong, but got little else from the rift but motivation saying, "You've got to look at who's saying it. Let's be honest. He's not really the brightest guy."
Fielder ranked first in the National League in home runs (50) in his MVP-caliber 2007 season (and was, until the 2017 MLB season, the last player in the National League to hit 50 or more home runs in a single season, when Giancarlo Stanton hit 59 home runs), was second in slugging percentage to teammate Ryan Braun (.618), second in at-bats per home run (11.5) and OPS (1.013), third in RBIs (119) and extra-base hits (87), fourth in total bases (354) and hit by pitch (14), fifth in intentional walks (21) and sacrifice flies (8), seventh in runs (109) and times on base (269), and ninth in walks (90).
In 2007, he led all major league first basemen in errors, with 14, and was last among eligible major league first basemen in range factor (8.49).
Fielder earned the Milwaukee Brewers Team MVP award, the Player's Choice NL Outstanding Player award, 2007 Silver Slugger award, and was voted the National League's Hank Aaron Award winner.
2008
Unable to come up with an agreement for a long-term contract with the Brewers, Fielder and his agent, Scott Boras, signed a one-year, $670,000 deal with the Brewers. Fielder was quoted saying, "I'm not happy about it at all", showing his disappointment in not being able to reach an agreement with the club.
On June 19, while playing against the Toronto Blue Jays, Fielder hit the second inside-the-park home run of his career.
On August 4, Fielder and teammate Manny Parra got into a scuffle in the dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds in which Parra was the starting pitcher. They were having a brief conversation, which led to Parra throwing his jacket down and Fielder shoving him. Fielder had to be restrained by teammates Ray Durham, Dave Bush, J. J. Hardy, Ryan Braun, and pitching coach Mike Maddux. ESPN reported that night that the dispute was over Parra heading back to the clubhouse after being pulled from the game instead of staying in the dugout to watch the Brewers bat in the next inning. Baseball Tonight also reported that the exchange was started when Parra told Fielder to "get off his fat ass and play defense." Manager Ned Yost said reporters asking questions about the incident was as rude as "going over to the neighbors' house after they've been fighting and asking about it."
On September 23, Fielder hit his second walk-off home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates, helping the Brewers keep pace with the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card race.
Fielder was named the National League Player of the Week for the week of September 15–21 after he batted .462, with 27 total bases, six doubles, 11 RBIs, .533 on-base percentage, and a 1.038 slugging percentage.
Fielder ended the 2008 regular season with a .276 batting average, 34 home runs, 102 RBIs, 86 runs and 84 walks. The Brewers finished 90–72, earning the NL Wild Card on the final day of the regular season, their first postseason berth as a National League club and their first since losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1982 World Series. They faced the Philadelphia Phillies and were eliminated in four. Fielder hit the Brewers' only home run of the series, in Game 4.
2009
After the 2008 season, Fielder was seeking an $8 million salary in 2009, while the Brewers filed for $6 million. On January 23, the Brewers and Fielder avoided arbitration and finalized a two-year $18 million contract.
On June 15, 2009, Fielder hit his first career grand slam at Progressive Field against Rafael Perez of the Cleveland Indians .
Fielder was one of four NL first basemen who made the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, joining starter Albert Pujols and fellow reservists Adrián González and Ryan Howard. Fielder won the 2009 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby in St Louis. Fielder began the Derby with a Rickie Weeks bat, but quickly switched to one of Ryan Braun's because it was longer and gave him more plate coverage. He made the finals with 17 home runs after the first two rounds, eliminating local favorites Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard. He then beat former Brewers teammate Nelson Cruz with six homers in the final round. His 23 long balls tied for the sixth-most in the Derby's history. He also hit the longest home run of the Derby at 503 feet (153 m).
On August 4, Fielder was involved in an incident with Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Guillermo Mota. With two outs in the ninth inning, Mota hit Fielder with a pitch on the leg, apparently in retaliation for Mota's teammate Manny Ramirez being hit in the hand by Brewers pitcher Chris Smith. Mota was ejected. After the 17–4 Dodgers victory, Fielder went to the Dodgers clubhouse in an effort to confront Mota. The Dodgers security guards stopped Fielder from entering, though the incident was captured by a television crew. Both Mota and Fielder were fined by Major League Baseball for their roles in the incident.
Fielder had a good September. While playing the San Francisco Giants on September 6, Fielder hit his third career walk-off home run in the 12th inning. The Brewers' subsequent home plate celebration sparked a minor controversy due to its unusual style. Then, on September 19, Fielder set the Brewers' single-season record for RBIs at 127, beating Cecil Cooper's 1983 record of 126. He set this record during a game against the Houston Astros — the team Cooper was managing at the time. The record-breaking RBI was a sacrifice fly, scoring Mike Cameron. He finished the season with 141 RBIs, which surpassed his father's career high of 133 in 1991.
Fielder finished tied for first in the National League in RBIs with Ryan Howard, and second in home runs with 46. He is one of three players in Brewers franchise history to have 100 or more RBIs in three consecutive seasons, along with Richie Sexson (2001–03) and Ryan Braun (2008–10).
2011
On January 18, Fielder and the Brewers agreed on a one-year, $15.5 million contract. Fielder was named MVP of the 82nd All Star Game, in which he hit a 3-run home run.
Along with Fielder, Braun also hit 30 home runs on the season, marking the 4th time the duo each hit at least 30 home runs in a season. Only 6 other duos have done this in major league history.
Fielder became one of three Brewers who have had four 100-RBI seasons, along with Cecil Cooper and Braun.
On September 27 in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Fielder went 3-for-3 with three home runs and a walk, and 5 RBIs. It was his first career three-home run game.
In 2011, Fielder batted .299, led the National League in intentional walks (32, a Brewers record), was second in the league in home runs (38), and was third in slugging percentage (.566). On defense, he led the majors in errors committed by a first baseman (15) and had the lowest fielding percentage of all first basemen (.990). Through 2011, he had the second-highest career slugging percentage (.540) and OPS (.929) of any player in Brewers history, behind Braun, and was second in career home runs (230) to Robin Yount.
Fielder came in third in the voting for the 2011 National League Most Valuable Player Award, behind winner and teammate Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp.
Detroit Tigers (2012–2013)
2012
Following the 2011 World Series, Fielder became a free agent. On January 26, 2012, Fielder agreed to a nine-year, $214 million contract with the Detroit Tigers to play first base and bat clean-up in the Tigers batting order. It was the largest contract in the history of the Tigers, surpassing Miguel Cabrera's contract of $185.3 million over eight years. The Tigers acquired Fielder to replace the bat of an injured Víctor Martínez, the everyday designated hitter in 2011. The acquisition of Fielder, who had only played first base in his career, required 2008–2011 first baseman Miguel Cabrera to move to third, which Cabrera was notably happy to do.
On April 5, 2012, Fielder made his debut with the Tigers and singled in his first at bat.
Fielder hit his first two home runs as a Tiger on April 7, 2012, in a 10–0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. In his first season in the American League, he was voted to the 2012 All-Star team as a starter. It is his fourth All-Star appearance overall. Fielder was also selected by American League captain, Robinson Canó, to participate in the 2012 Home Run Derby.
On July 9, 2012, Fielder became the 2012 Home Run Derby champion, hitting 12 home runs in the third and final round over José Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. This is Fielder's second win in the derby, his first coming in 2009. Fielder became the first participant to win for both the National and American League, and joined Ken Griffey Jr. as the only two players to win multiple Derbies.
Fielder finished the 2012 regular season with a career-best .313 batting average. He hit 30 home runs, giving him six straight seasons with at least 30 long balls, and drove in 108 runs for his fifth career 100-plus RBI season. He also had an on-base percentage of .412, his fourth straight season with an on-base percentage above .400. He played in all 162 games for Detroit, his third such season in his career, and he led the American League in being hit by pitches (17). Some in the sports media have given Fielder at least partial credit for teammate Cabrera winning the Triple Crown of batting in 2012. With Fielder hitting behind him in the Tiger order, Cabrera's walks declined from 108 the previous season to just 66, giving him more opportunities to hit home runs and drive in runs. Cabrera would later confirm in a June 2013 Sports Illustrated article: "You can see a difference. They pitch to me more...I see a lot of good pitches."
The 2012 World Series was Fielder's first career trip to the World Series. He compiled only a .071 batting average (1-for-14) during the World Series as the Tigers were swept in four games at the hands of the San Francisco Giants. In Game 2 of the series, Fielder was hit on the shoulder by a pitch from Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner. After Delmon Young hit a double down the left-field line, Prince attempted to score. However, a relay throw from Gregor Blanco to Marco Scutaro to Buster Posey tagged Fielder out as he was sliding home. This became the first-ever 7-4-2 putout in a World Series.
2013
Fielder was named AL Player of the Week for April 8–14. He hit .632 during the week (12-for-19) with 11 RBIs and 22 total bases. He finished the month of April with a .301 batting average, 7 home runs, and 27 RBIs. On July 1, Fielder was voted in as a reserve infielder in the AL player balloting for the 2013 Major League All-Star Game. It was his fifth career All-Star selection. During the All-Star Game, he hit a lead-off triple in the ninth inning off of Jason Grilli. He did not score but the American League still won the game 3–0.
Fielder hit .279 during the 2013 regular season, and his 25 home runs was the lowest total in any of his eight full major league seasons until he hit only 23 in 2015. He did, however, drive in 106 runs, marking the sixth time he topped 100 in his career. Fielder also played all 162 games for the third straight season, and played in his 500th consecutive game on September 24. This followed a 327-game streak that was broken in September 2010, when he played for the Brewers. (He missed one game due to severe flu symptoms.) By the end of the 2013 season, he had played in 831 of his last 832 regular-season games.
Fielder batted .278 in the ALDS against Oakland, registering 5 hits and no RBIs. In the 2013 ALCS he declined further, registering a .182 average with only 4 hits and no RBIs.
Texas Rangers (2014–2017)
2014
On November 20, 2013, Fielder was traded to the Texas Rangers along with $30 million for second baseman Ian Kinsler. In June 2014 Fielder underwent season ending neck surgery. At the time of his mid-season departure, he was batting .247 with 3 home runs and 16 RBI in 42 games. Fielder's then league-leading streak of 547 consecutive games started was ended.
2015
Nearly halfway through the season Fielder led the AL in batting average and was selected as a reserve designated hitter for the MLB All Star Game in Cincinnati. It was Fielder's sixth appearance in the All-Star Game and his fourth selection in five seasons. He finished the 2015 season with a .305 batting average, 23 home runs, and 98 RBIs, and was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year.
2016
On April 29, 2016, in a game against the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the 6th inning, Fielder hit a sharp single through the shift to score Rougned Odor, making him and his father Cecil Fielder the 2nd father-son combo to both record 1,000 RBIs. On July 20, it was revealed that Fielder was diagnosed with C4-C5 herniations in his neck, putting his career in jeopardy. In a press conference on August 10, Fielder announced that he would not be able to continue playing professional baseball due to his injuries. In 89 games of 2016, Fielder finished his injury-shortened season with a .212 batting average, 16 doubles, 8 home runs, and 44 RBIs.
2017
On October 5, 2017, the Rangers released Fielder, citing financial considerations. Although Fielder was not completely retired at the point he was released, the Rangers decided to release him anyway.
Career statistics
In 1611 games over 12 seasons, Fielder posted a .283 batting average (1645-for-5821) with 862 runs, 321 doubles, 10 triples, 319 home runs, 1028 RBI, 18 stolen bases, 847 bases on balls, .382 on-base percentage and .506 slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .992 fielding percentage playing every inning at first base. In 44 postseason games, he batted only .189 (31-for-164) with 13 runs, 5 doubles, 5 home runs, 12 RBI and 15 walks.
Fielder was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022 when it was announced on November 22, 2021, but after ballots were counted, he became ineligible for future balloting, due to receiving less than 5% of the total.
Post-playing career
Fielder served as the hitting coach for the American League team in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game.
Personal life
Fielder was named after his grandfather. He married his wife Chanel in 2005 during the Triple-A All-Star break while playing for the Nashville Sounds. They have two sons. Fielder filed for divorce in May 2013, but by March 2014, he and his wife had reconciled. They reside in Windermere, Florida.
Fielder has a tattoo on the left side of his neck that reads, "왕자", Korean for "Prince".
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
References
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First basemen Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies and Price (sic) Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, who tied for the league lead in RBI
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- "Q&A: Prince Fielder on his playing days, fatherhood and 'forever offseason'". Archived from the original on February 28, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
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External links
- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
Awards and achievements | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded byJosé Reyes | National League Player of the Month May 2007 |
Succeeded byAlfonso Soriano |
Preceded byRyan Howard | Players Choice NL Outstanding Player 2007 |
Succeeded byAlbert Pujols |
- 1984 births
- African-American baseball players
- American expatriates in Japan
- American League All-Stars
- Beloit Snappers players
- Detroit Tigers players
- Huntsville Stars players
- Living people
- Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs
- Major League Baseball first basemen
- Milwaukee Brewers players
- Nashville Sounds players
- National League All-Stars
- National League home run champions
- National League RBI champions
- Ogden Raptors players
- Sportspeople from Melbourne, Florida
- Baseball players from Ontario, California
- Peoria Javelinas players
- Silver Slugger Award winners
- Texas Rangers players
- 21st-century African-American sportsmen
- People from Vero Beach, Florida
- 20th-century African-American sportsmen
- Saint Edward's School alumni