Scott Podsednik
Encyclopedia
Scott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball
outfielder
who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies
organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen base
s in with 70.
by the Texas Rangers
. He began his professional career with the Gulf Coast Rangers in 1994. The Rangers traded him (along with Wilson Heredia
) to the Florida Marlins
for pitcher Bobby Witt
on October 8, 1995. He spent the next two seasons playing for the Marlins class-A affiliates.
On December 15, 1997 he returned to the Rangers in the minor league portion of the Rule V Draft. He was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers
in 1998. He remained with Tulsa through the 2000 season when he was granted free agency.
He signed with the Seattle Mariners
as a minor league free agent and was placed at the Triple-A level with the Tacoma Rainiers
.
, pinch-running
for Ichiro Suzuki
. In his first career major league at-bat, against the Arizona Diamondbacks
on July 15, he hit
a bases loaded triple
.
In , Podsednik played mostly at Triple-A Tacoma
, but was activated for 14 Major League games, hitting his first major-league home run during that time.
organization from Seattle for $20,000. After experiencing a brief cancer scare, Podsednik rebounded with a fine rookie season in Milwaukee, compiling a .314 batting average, 43 stolen bases, 100 runs scored, 175 hits, 29 doubles, eight triples, nine home runs, 58 runs batted in, 56 walks and a .379 on-base percentage for the Brewers. While only inserted permanently into the starting lineup in mid-May, Podsednik still finished second to the Florida Marlins
' Dontrelle Willis
in the official Rookie of the Year balloting.
The 2004 season saw Podsednik lead the league with 70 stolen bases.
(along with Travis Hinton and Luis Vizcaíno
) for Carlos Lee
. After leading all of the Major Leagues in steals the first half of 2005 he was selected to his first All-Star game
via the MLB's All-Star Final Vote
. He saw only defensive time in Detroit that year and did not get a chance to bat.
Podsednik ended 2005 with 59 steals (second in the American League
) and 23 times caught stealing (leading the major leagues) despite missing several games due to injury. In the post-season he started all 12 games and hit .286 while stealing 6 bases on 9 attempts. In Game 2 of the 2005 World Series
, while facing Brad Lidge
in the bottom of the 9th inning, with the White Sox and Astros
tied at 6, Podsednik hit a 2-1 fastball into the right field stands for a walk-off home run
, only the 14th in World Series history. The feat was all the more improbable because Podsednik did not hit any home runs during the regular season in 2005, and had only hit 1 in the ALDS
against the Red Sox
.
On November 20, 2007, Podsednik was designated for assignment and released on November 28, 2007.
with the Colorado Rockies
. He appeared in 93 games for the Rockies and hit .253. A free agent at the end of the season, he re-signed with the Rockies on January 14, 2009. But he was released before the 2009 season started.
. On April 30, the White Sox called Podsednik from Charlotte to play on White Sox 25-man roster. Podsednik was given plenty of playing time upon his recall, with injuries to Sox center fielders DeWayne Wise
and Brian Anderson
, as well as left fielder Carlos Quentin
. He impressed upon his return, batting .319 through his first 45 games back on the South Side.
. He hit .309 in 94 games with the Royals, including stealing 30 bases.
and pitcher Elisaul Pimentel. He appeared in 39 games for the Dodgers, with a .262 batting average and 5 stolen bases. He was shut down for the season in early September because of a foot injury. After the season, he declined his half of a mutual option and became a free agent.
in the Pacific Coast League
as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He was released on May 11.
on May 22, 2011. He was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, and was limited to playing in just 14 games due to injuries.
The Phillies signed Podsednik to another minor league deal on November 30, 2011.
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...
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...
who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in 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 with 70.
Minor leagues
Podsednik was drafted out of West High School in the 3rd round, 85th overall, in the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft1994 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1994 Major League Baseball draft.-Compensation picks:-Other notable players:*A.J. Pierzynski , Minnesota Twins, 3rd round*Bobby Howry , San Francisco Giants, 5th round...
by the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. He began his professional career with the Gulf Coast Rangers in 1994. The Rangers traded him (along with Wilson Heredia
Wilson Heredia
Wilson Heredia is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played two seasons with the Texas Rangers. He batted and threw right-handed.-Playing career:...
) to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
for pitcher Bobby Witt
Bobby Witt
Robert Andrew Witt was a pitcher for the Major League Baseball Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cleveland Indians, and Arizona Diamondbacks....
on October 8, 1995. He spent the next two seasons playing for the Marlins class-A affiliates.
On December 15, 1997 he returned to the Rangers in the minor league portion of the Rule V Draft. He was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies major-league club.-Stadium:...
in 1998. He remained with Tulsa through the 2000 season when he was granted free agency.
He signed with 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...
as a minor league free agent and was placed at the Triple-A level with the Tacoma Rainiers
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
.
Seattle Mariners
He made his Major League debut on July 6, 2001 against the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, pinch-running
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
for Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki
, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
. In his first career major league at-bat, against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
on July 15, he 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 bases loaded triple
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....
.
In , Podsednik played mostly at Triple-A Tacoma
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
, but was activated for 14 Major League games, hitting his first major-league home run during that time.
Milwaukee Brewers
After the 2002 season, Podsednik was acquired by 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...
organization from Seattle for $20,000. After experiencing a brief cancer scare, Podsednik rebounded with a fine rookie season in Milwaukee, compiling a .314 batting average, 43 stolen bases, 100 runs scored, 175 hits, 29 doubles, eight triples, nine home runs, 58 runs batted in, 56 walks and a .379 on-base percentage for the Brewers. While only inserted permanently into the starting lineup in mid-May, Podsednik still finished second to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
' Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis , nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American professional baseball pitcher. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter...
in the official Rookie of the Year balloting.
The 2004 season saw Podsednik lead the league with 70 stolen bases.
Chicago White Sox
In December 2004 Posednik was dealt to the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
(along with Travis Hinton and Luis Vizcaíno
Luis Vizcaíno
Luis Vizcaíno Arias is a Dominican Republic professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians in his career.-Career:Vizcaíno...
) for Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee
Carlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
. After leading all of the Major Leagues in steals the first half of 2005 he was selected to his first All-Star game
2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 76th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 12, 2005 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan,...
via the MLB's All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...
. He saw only defensive time in Detroit that year and did not get a chance to bat.
Podsednik ended 2005 with 59 steals (second 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...
) and 23 times caught stealing (leading the major leagues) despite missing several games due to injury. In the post-season he started all 12 games and hit .286 while stealing 6 bases on 9 attempts. In Game 2 of the 2005 World Series
2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
, while facing Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge
Bradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
in the bottom of the 9th inning, with the White Sox and Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
tied at 6, Podsednik hit a 2-1 fastball into the right field stands for a walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
, only the 14th in World Series history. The feat was all the more improbable because Podsednik did not hit any home runs during the regular season in 2005, and had only hit 1 in the ALDS
2005 American League Division Series
-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees:†: Game was postponed due to rain on October 8-Game 1, October 4:U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois...
against the Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
.
On November 20, 2007, Podsednik was designated for assignment and released on November 28, 2007.
Colorado Rockies
On February 5, , he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
. He appeared in 93 games for the Rockies and hit .253. A free agent at the end of the season, he re-signed with the Rockies on January 14, 2009. But he was released before the 2009 season started.
Return to Chicago White Sox
On April 14, 2009, Podsednik agreed to return to the White Sox on a minor-league deal, assigning him to the AAA Charlotte KnightsCharlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team representing Charlotte, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox of the American League...
. On April 30, the White Sox called Podsednik from Charlotte to play on White Sox 25-man roster. Podsednik was given plenty of playing time upon his recall, with injuries to Sox center fielders DeWayne Wise
Dewayne Wise
Larry DeWayne Wise is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He graduated from Chapin High School in 1997 and was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 5th round of the 1997 amateur draft...
and Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson (outfielder)
Brian Nikola Anderson is an American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. He has played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox as an outfielder, a position he played professionally until before the 2010 season...
, as well as left fielder Carlos Quentin
Carlos Quentin
Carlos Josè Quentin is an American outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. In 2008 and in 2011, Quentin was selected as an All-Star.-Early career:...
. He impressed upon his return, batting .319 through his first 45 games back on the South Side.
Kansas City Royals
On January 8, 2010, Podsednik signed a contract with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. He hit .309 in 94 games with the Royals, including stealing 30 bases.
Los Angeles Dodgers
On July 28, 2010, the Royals traded Podsednik to the Los Angeles Dodgers in return for two minor league players, catcher Lucas MayLucas May
Lucas James May is an American professional baseball catcher.May graduated from Parkway West High School in Ballwin, Missouri. From there, he skipped college and entered the Major League Baseball draft in 2003...
and pitcher Elisaul Pimentel. He appeared in 39 games for the Dodgers, with a .262 batting average and 5 stolen bases. He was shut down for the season in early September because of a foot injury. After the season, he declined his half of a mutual option and became a free agent.
Toronto Blue Jays
On February 16, 2011, Podsednik signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He played for the Las Vegas 51sLas Vegas 51s
The Las Vegas 51s, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, are a minor league baseball team. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League...
in the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He was released on May 11.
Philadelphia Phillies
Podsednik signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
on May 22, 2011. He was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, and was limited to playing in just 14 games due to injuries.
The Phillies signed Podsednik to another minor league deal on November 30, 2011.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
- List of Major League Baseball stolen base champions