Corey Patterson
Encyclopedia
Donald Corey Patterson is an American professional baseball
free agent
outfielder
in Major League Baseball
. He is the older brother of outfielder Eric Patterson
.
in Kennesaw, Georgia
, and helped Harrison win the Georgia state championship as a senior in 1998. That year, he had a batting average
of .528 with 81 runs
scored, 22 home run
s, 61 RBI
and 38 stolen base
s in 38 games. Patterson was named to the Baseball America
and USA Today
first-team All-America
teams, and was selected by USA Baseball
as its Amateur Player of the Year and as the Baseball Coaches Association's co-national high school Player of the Year. Patterson was also named a Baseball America second-team selection after his junior season.
as the third overall pick in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft
. He made his professional debut in 1999 with the Lansing Lugnuts
of the Class-A Midwest League
, and was selected as that league's "Prospect of the Year" after leading the league in slugging percentage (.592), extra base hit
s (72) and triples
(17). He also batted .320 with 20 homers and 79 RBI, and was named to the league's all-star team both at mid-season and postseason. Baseball America
named Patterson the league's top prospect. After the 1999 season, he played in the Arizona Fall League
and was that league's youngest player. He batted .368 with 4 home runs, 24 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in 35 games, and was named to the league's all-star team.
In 2000, Patterson was promoted to the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
of the Southern League
. He was named to the league's mid-season and postseason all-star team, and was named the league's top prospect by Baseball America. Patterson batted .268 with 22 home runs and 82 RBI, finishing second in the league in home runs.
After playing in the 2000 Southern League playoffs, Patterson was called up from the minors to play for the Cubs. He made his major league debut on September 18, 2000, against the Milwaukee Brewers
. The next day Patterson recorded his first major league hit
, a home run off Juan Acevedo
. He finished the 2000 season with seven hits in 42 at bat
s, and two home runs.
Patterson did not start playing a full season until 2002 when he finished with a .253 batting average. In 2003, he started to become the All-Star the Cubs were looking for, batting .298 with 55 RBI in only 83 games before injuring his knee while running to first on a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals
.
Patterson played 157 games in 2004, with a .266 batting average, 24 home runs, and 72 RBI in 631 at bats. His On base plus slugging of .771, while low, is his best of the six seasons in which he played more than 83 games. He had the lowest range factor
(2.18) among all starting major league center fielders in 2004.
In the 2005 season Patterson did not do well statistically. On July 7, he was sent down to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
. The demotion came after the Cubs had lost a season-high eight games in a row. Published reports indicated that center fielder Felix Pie
, the Cubs' top prospect, was slated to be called up from Double-A West Tenn in July when Patterson was sent down.
Patterson was back up with the major league team on August 9, after his one-month stint in Triple-A Iowa.
and Carlos Perez
. On February 10, 2007 Patterson signed a 1 Year 4.3 Million to avoid arbitration. In his first of two years with the Orioles
, he batted .276 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI. He also stole 45 bases, which ranked third in the American League
. Patterson's contract was not renewed after the 2007 season.
signed Patterson to a minor league contract. At the end of Spring Training, he was added to the 40-man roster. Dusty Baker
, manager
of the Reds and Patterson's manager in Chicago, was instrumental in signing Patterson. Baker often voiced his opinion on Patterson saying he thought Patterson is still a developing player.
Patterson was invited to the Reds' spring training camp, and he started the 2008 season in center field for Cincinnati. Platooning with utility man Ryan Freel
, Patterson began the season statistically well. Gradually his average deteriorated, culminating in an 0-8 performance during Cincinnati's 18-inning loss to San Diego on May 25. The following day top outfield prospect Jay Bruce was called up from the Triple-A Louisville Bats
to start in center field, demoting Patterson to the Reds' bench. On May 28, Patterson accepted a reassignment to Triple-A Louisville. The demotion lasted only one week, however, when Patterson was recalled to replace Ryan Freel, who went to the disabled list with a strained right hamstring on June 4. Patterson ended the season with a .205 batting average and .238 OBP.
.
Due to Josh Willingham
being placed on the bereavement list, Patterson had his contract purchased from the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on June 13, 2009. He hit .302, with six home runs and 23 RBIs in a 39 games with the Chiefs, but hit only .133 with 2 stolen bases in 5 games for the Nationals. He was reassigned to Triple-A on June 20, 2009. He was released by the Nationals on July 29, 2009.
on August 1, 2009. Patterson hit well with the AAA affiliate Nashville Sound, batting .331 with a .963 OPS over 29 games and 124 at-bats. However he struggled with the parent club, where his BA, OBP, and SLG were all .071 over 11 games and 14 at-bats.
on December 9, 2009. However, he opted out of his contract on March 31, 2010 after being informed he had not made the major league team.
On July 9, 2010, Patterson hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers. It was a remarkable feat as Patterson faced the season's eventual saves leader and rookie of the year in the hard throwing Neftali Feliz, with a 2-2 count and two outs in the top of the 9th inning representing the tying run. Patterson drilled his pitch over the right field fence to tie the game at 6. Jake Fox
hit a solo homer in the top of the 10th for the game winner.
. He began the season on the major league roster, but on the disabled list because of a head injury.
Patterson made his regular season debut as a Blue Jay on April 11, 2011 against the Seattle Mariners
, hitting a home run and finishing the night 2-4 with 2 RBI
with Octavio Dotel
, Marc Rzepczynski
and Edwin Jackson
for Colby Rasmus
, P. J. Walters
, Trever Miller
and Brian Tallet
.
. His brother Eric
was drafted by the Cubs in the 8th round in 2004
, and made his major league debut for the Cubs on August 7, 2007. His father, Don Patterson, played in the NFL for two years.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. He is the older brother of outfielder Eric Patterson
Eric Patterson
Eric Scott Patterson is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. He has also played second base in the majors, which he predominantly played in the minor leagues...
.
Amateur career
Patterson attended Harrison High SchoolHarrison High School (Georgia)
For schools with a similar name, see Harrison High School.Carl Harrison High School is a grades 9-12 public high school in Kennesaw, Georgia...
in Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It had a population of 29,783 according to the 2010 census. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Founded in 1887, Kennesaw has a past surrounded with railroad history...
, and helped Harrison win the Georgia state championship as a senior in 1998. That year, he had a batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
of .528 with 81 runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
scored, 22 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, 61 RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
and 38 stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s in 38 games. Patterson was named to the Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
and USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
first-team All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
teams, and was selected by USA Baseball
USA Baseball
USA Baseball was founded in , and is the governing body for amateur baseball in the United States of America. It is a member of the United States Olympic Committee and organizes the United States national baseball team...
as its Amateur Player of the Year and as the Baseball Coaches Association's co-national high school Player of the Year. Patterson was also named a Baseball America second-team selection after his junior season.
Chicago Cubs
Patterson was selected by the Chicago CubsChicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
as the third overall pick in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft
1998 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1998...
. He made his professional debut in 1999 with the Lansing Lugnuts
Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays, that plays in the Midwest League.The Midwest League came to Lansing, Michigan in 1996. The franchise began in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1955; after two seasons it moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where it...
of the Class-A Midwest League
Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
, and was selected as that league's "Prospect of the Year" after leading the league in slugging percentage (.592), extra base hit
Extra base hit
In baseball, an extra base hit , also known as a long hit, is any base hit on which the batter is able to advance past first base without the benefit of a fielder either committing an error or opting to make a throw to retire another base runner...
s (72) and triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(17). He also batted .320 with 20 homers and 79 RBI, and was named to the league's all-star team both at mid-season and postseason. Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
named Patterson the league's top prospect. After the 1999 season, he played in the Arizona Fall League
Arizona Fall League
The Arizona Fall League is an off-season league owned and operated by Major League Baseball which operates during the fall in Arizona, United States at five spring training complexes...
and was that league's youngest player. He batted .368 with 4 home runs, 24 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in 35 games, and was named to the league's all-star team.
In 2000, Patterson was promoted to the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
The Jackson Generals are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and plays their home games at Pringles Park; opened in 1998, the park currently holds 6,000 fans.From their inaugural season...
of the Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
. He was named to the league's mid-season and postseason all-star team, and was named the league's top prospect by Baseball America. Patterson batted .268 with 22 home runs and 82 RBI, finishing second in the league in home runs.
After playing in the 2000 Southern League playoffs, Patterson was called up from the minors to play for the Cubs. He made his major league debut on September 18, 2000, against the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. The next day Patterson recorded his first major league hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, a home run off Juan Acevedo
Juan Acevedo
Juan Carlos Acevedo is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He attended Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville, Illinois....
. He finished the 2000 season with seven hits in 42 at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
s, and two home runs.
Patterson did not start playing a full season until 2002 when he finished with a .253 batting average. In 2003, he started to become the All-Star the Cubs were looking for, batting .298 with 55 RBI in only 83 games before injuring his knee while running to first on a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
.
Patterson played 157 games in 2004, with a .266 batting average, 24 home runs, and 72 RBI in 631 at bats. His On base plus slugging of .771, while low, is his best of the six seasons in which he played more than 83 games. He had the lowest range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
(2.18) among all starting major league center fielders in 2004.
In the 2005 season Patterson did not do well statistically. On July 7, he was sent down to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, that plays in the Pacific Coast League. Their home games are played in Des Moines, Iowa, at Principal Park.-Franchise history:...
. The demotion came after the Cubs had lost a season-high eight games in a row. Published reports indicated that center fielder Felix Pie
Felix Pie
Félix Pie is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played for the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles.-Minor league career:...
, the Cubs' top prospect, was slated to be called up from Double-A West Tenn in July when Patterson was sent down.
Patterson was back up with the major league team on August 9, after his one-month stint in Triple-A Iowa.
Baltimore Orioles
Patterson was traded by the Cubs to the Orioles on January 9, 2006, for Class-A Minor league players Nate SpearsNate Spears
Nathaniel Joseph Spears is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft out of Port Charlotte High School...
and Carlos Perez
Carlos Pérez
Carlos Pérez or Carlos Perez is the name of:*Carlos Andrés Pérez , President of Venezuela*Carlos Pérez , retired MLB player*Carlos Pérez , Spanish flatwater canoer and former world champion...
. On February 10, 2007 Patterson signed a 1 Year 4.3 Million to avoid arbitration. In his first of two years with the Orioles
2006 Baltimore Orioles season
The 2006 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 4th in the American League East with a record of 70 wins and 92 losses.-Front office changes:...
, he batted .276 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI. He also stole 45 bases, which ranked third in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
. Patterson's contract was not renewed after the 2007 season.
Cincinnati Reds
On March 3, 2008, the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
signed Patterson to a minor league contract. At the end of Spring Training, he was added to the 40-man roster. Dusty Baker
Dusty Baker
Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the Reds and Patterson's manager in Chicago, was instrumental in signing Patterson. Baker often voiced his opinion on Patterson saying he thought Patterson is still a developing player.
Patterson was invited to the Reds' spring training camp, and he started the 2008 season in center field for Cincinnati. Platooning with utility man Ryan Freel
Ryan Freel
Ryan Paul Freel is a retired baseball utility player. He played second base, third base, and all three outfield positions.-MLB career:...
, Patterson began the season statistically well. Gradually his average deteriorated, culminating in an 0-8 performance during Cincinnati's 18-inning loss to San Diego on May 25. The following day top outfield prospect Jay Bruce was called up from the Triple-A Louisville Bats
Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League...
to start in center field, demoting Patterson to the Reds' bench. On May 28, Patterson accepted a reassignment to Triple-A Louisville. The demotion lasted only one week, however, when Patterson was recalled to replace Ryan Freel, who went to the disabled list with a strained right hamstring on June 4. Patterson ended the season with a .205 batting average and .238 OBP.
Washington Nationals
On December 18, 2008, Patterson signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
.
Due to Josh Willingham
Josh Willingham
Joshua David Willingham is an American Major League Baseball left fielder. He has played for the Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics.-Early years:...
being placed on the bereavement list, Patterson had his contract purchased from the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on June 13, 2009. He hit .302, with six home runs and 23 RBIs in a 39 games with the Chiefs, but hit only .133 with 2 stolen bases in 5 games for the Nationals. He was reassigned to Triple-A on June 20, 2009. He was released by the Nationals on July 29, 2009.
Milwaukee Brewers
Patterson signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
on August 1, 2009. Patterson hit well with the AAA affiliate Nashville Sound, batting .331 with a .963 OPS over 29 games and 124 at-bats. However he struggled with the parent club, where his BA, OBP, and SLG were all .071 over 11 games and 14 at-bats.
Seattle Mariners
Patterson signed a minor league contract with the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
on December 9, 2009. However, he opted out of his contract on March 31, 2010 after being informed he had not made the major league team.
Return to Baltimore
On April 21, 2010, Corey agreed to re-join the Orioles on a 1 year minor league deal. He was promoted to the Orioles on May 12, 2010On July 9, 2010, Patterson hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers. It was a remarkable feat as Patterson faced the season's eventual saves leader and rookie of the year in the hard throwing Neftali Feliz, with a 2-2 count and two outs in the top of the 9th inning representing the tying run. Patterson drilled his pitch over the right field fence to tie the game at 6. Jake Fox
Jake Fox
Jacob Quirin Fox is an American professional baseball catcher and outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball.-Early years:...
hit a solo homer in the top of the 10th for the game winner.
Toronto Blue Jays
On December 21, 2010, Patterson signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. He began the season on the major league roster, but on the disabled list because of a head injury.
Patterson made his regular season debut as a Blue Jay on April 11, 2011 against the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, hitting a home run and finishing the night 2-4 with 2 RBI
St. Louis Cardinals
On July 27, 2011, Patterson was traded to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
with Octavio Dotel
Octavio Dotel
Octavio Eduardo Dotel is a Domincan professional baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent....
, Marc Rzepczynski
Marc Rzepczynski
Marc Walter Rzepczynski is an American professional baseball left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.The Toronto Blue Jays blogosphere gave Rzepczynski the nickname "Scrabble".-Amateur career:...
and Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Early life:Jackson's father, Edwin Jackson, Sr., a military cook, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth. Jackson is one of 27 major league players who were born in Germany...
for Colby Rasmus
Colby Rasmus
Colby Ryan Rasmus is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.-Early years:...
, P. J. Walters
P. J. Walters
Phillip DeWayne "P. J." Walters is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Personal life:Walters was born March 12, 1985, in Dothan, Alabama. He is married to Brittney....
, Trever Miller
Trever Miller
Trever Douglas Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-High school:...
and Brian Tallet
Brian Tallet
Brian Curtis Tallet is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He stands 6' 6" in height. Brian Tallet pitched for the LSU Tigers and won a national championship in 2000....
.
Personal life
He throws right-handed and bats left-handedLeft-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
. His brother Eric
Eric Patterson
Eric Scott Patterson is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. He has also played second base in the majors, which he predominantly played in the minor leagues...
was drafted by the Cubs in the 8th round in 2004
2004 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 7 and 8. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams...
, and made his major league debut for the Cubs on August 7, 2007. His father, Don Patterson, played in the NFL for two years.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
- List of Baltimore Orioles Opening Day Starting Lineups