Johnny David Damon (born November 5, 1973) is an American former professional baseball center fielder who spent 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Between 1995 and 2012, he played for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Indians. A two-time All-Star, Damon won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2004 and Yankees in 2009.
Early life edit
During his junior season at Dr. Phillips, Damon batted .372 with five home runs, 23 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases in 29 games. That summer, he was named the most valuable hitter at the Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series and the most valuable player at the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series.[1] A weaker batting stance, as well as attention from scouts and recruiters, caused Damon's offensive power to slip in his senior season, during which he hit .306 with five home runs and 27 RBI while going 23-for-23 on stolen base attempts.[2]
Playing career edit
Draft and minor leagues edit
The Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB) selected Damon 35th overall in the 1992 MLB Draft, using a compensation pick they had received when Kurt Stillwell signed with the San Diego Padres the previous winter.[3] At the time, Damon had committed to playing college baseball for the University of Florida, and he did not plan on joining the team unless he was offered at least a $300,000 signing bonus.[4] He ultimately signed with the Royals for a $250,000 bonus and compensation for his college education.[5]
- 1992 GCL Royals
- 1992 Baseball City Royals
- 1993 Rockford Royals
- 1994 Wilmington Blue Rocks
- 1995 Wichita Wranglers
Kansas City Royals (1995–2000) edit
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
Oakland Athletics (2001) edit
On January 8, 2001, the Royals traded Damon to the Oakland Athletics as part of a three-team deal also involving the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Damon and agent Scott Boras were not interested in signing a multi-year contract extension in Kansas City, and the Royals used Damon's expiring contract to acquire closer Roberto Hernandez from Tampa Bay.[6][7]
- 2001
Boston Red Sox (2002–2005) edit
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
New York Yankees (2006–2009) edit
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
Detroit Tigers (2010) edit
Despite drawing interest from the Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox in free agency, Damon signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on February 22, 2010.[8]
- 2010
Tampa Bay Rays (2011) edit
- 2011
Cleveland Indians (2012) edit
- 2012
Later years and retirement edit
Post-playing career edit
Appearances outside of baseball edit
Personal life edit
Marriages and family edit
Damon is of Irish, German, and Thai descent.[9]
Political involvement edit
Legal issues edit
Career highlights edit
Honors edit
Awards edit
Statistical highlights edit
See also edit
Notes edit
References edit
- ^ Babineau, Jeff (March 17, 1992). "Dr. Phillips phenom is top prospect". Orlando Sentinel. pp. D1, D5. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Fay, Bill (May 31, 1992). "Prospects get new perspective for draft day". The Tampa Tribune. p. 48. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Babineau, Jeff (June 2, 1992). "Damon receives a Royal calling". Orlando Sentinel. p. D4. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Babineau, Jeff (June 25, 1992). "Some dreams require time to materialize". Orlando Sentinel. p. I9. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Edes, Gordon (June 26, 1992). "In post-Lasorda era, look for Russell in L.A." South Florida Sun Sentinel. p. 4C. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Beacham, Greg (January 9, 2001). "A's acquire Damon, part with Grieve in three-team trade". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Associated Press. p. B1. Retrieved October 12, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Dutton, Bob (January 9, 2001). "Front office makes first big move". The Kansas City Star. p. C4. Retrieved October 12, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Johnny Damon, Tigers agree". ESPN. Associated Press. February 22, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ Romano, John (April 19, 1992). "Orlando's latest attraction". Tampa Bay Times. p. 1C, 5C. Retrieved October 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.