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{{short description|American baseball player}} |
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1975)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} |
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{{Infobox baseball biography |
{{Infobox baseball biography |
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|name=J. D. Drew |
|name=J. D. Drew |
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|position=[[Right fielder]] |
|position=[[Right fielder]] |
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|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1975|11|20}} |
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1975|11|20}} |
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|birth_place=[[Valdosta, Georgia]] |
|birth_place=[[Valdosta, Georgia]], U.S. |
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|bats=Left |
|bats=Left |
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|throws=Right |
|throws=Right |
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* [[Dick Howser Trophy]] (1997) |
* [[Dick Howser Trophy]] (1997) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''David Jonathan "J. D." Drew''' (born November 20, 1975) is an American former [[Major League Baseball]] [[right field]]er. He |
'''David Jonathan "J. D." Drew''' (born November 20, 1975) is an American former [[Major League Baseball]] [[right field]]er. He began his major league career in {{Baseball year|1998}} with the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], and also played for the [[Atlanta Braves]], [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], and [[Boston Red Sox]]. He is the brother of two other major league players, [[Stephen Drew|Stephen]] and [[Tim Drew|Tim]]. |
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==College== |
==College== |
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| ⚫ | Drew graduated from [[Lowndes County High School]] in [[Valdosta, Georgia]] in 1994.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Christian|title=J.D. Drew represents Hahira in Fall Classic|url=https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/sports/j-d-drew-represents-hahira-in-fall-classic/article_401b8c12-09f9-5c45-bd38-60f8c92d59d3.html|access-date=12 August 2023|publisher=[[The Valdosta Daily Times]]|date=October 24, 2007|language=en}}</ref> He was drafted by the [[San Francisco Giants]] in the 20th round of the [[1994 Major League Baseball draft|1994 draft]] but did not sign.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.D. Drew Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/drewj.01.shtml |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He then attended [[Florida State University]], where he played under head coach [[Mike Martin (baseball coach)|Mike Martin]]. At Florida State, he was the winner of the {{Baseball year|1997}} [[Dick Howser Trophy]] and the 1997 [[Golden Spikes Award]], was named the 1997 Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, the 1997 [[Sporting News]] Player of the Year, and was a consensus All-American (1997). He also was named the 1997 [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] Player of the Year. He was a 1996 member of Team USA. Drew was First Team in {{Baseball year|1996}}, Freshman All-American in {{Baseball year|1995}} and was named to the [[College World Series]] All Tournament Team in 1995. He was the first player in college baseball history to hit 30 [[home run]]s and [[Stolen base|steal]] 30 bases in the same season. He set a Florida State record by [[Batting average (baseball)|batting]] .455 in 1997 while becoming one of only three players in college baseball history to have 100 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]], 100 [[Run (baseball)|runs]] and 100 [[Run batted in|RBIs]]. During his college career, Drew broke 17 school and conference records.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 17, 2014|title=J.D. Drew Bio|url=https://seminoles.com/j-d-drew-bio/|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[Florida State Seminoles]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=J.D. Drew|url=https://nolefan.org/baseball/drew_jd.html|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=Nole Fan}}</ref> |
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{{BLP unsourced section|date=December 2012}} |
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| ⚫ | Drew attended [[Florida State University]], where he played under head coach [[Mike Martin (baseball coach)|Mike Martin]]. At Florida State, he was the winner of the {{Baseball year|1997}} [[Dick Howser Trophy]] and the 1997 [[Golden Spikes Award]], was named the 1997 Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, the 1997 [[Sporting News]] Player of the Year, and was a consensus All-American (1997). He also was named the 1997 [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] Player of the Year. He was a 1996 member of Team USA. Drew was First Team in {{Baseball year|1996}}, Freshman All-American in {{Baseball year|1995}} and was named to the [[College World Series]] All Tournament Team in 1995. He was the first player in college baseball history to hit 30 [[home run]]s and [[Stolen base|steal]] 30 bases in the same season. He set a Florida State record by [[Batting average (baseball)|batting]] .455 in 1997 while becoming one of only three players in college baseball history to have 100 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]], 100 [[Run (baseball)|runs]] and 100 [[Run batted in|RBIs]]. During his college career, Drew broke 17 school and conference records. |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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===1997: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies=== |
===1997: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies=== |
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The [[Philadelphia Phillies]] made Drew the second overall pick after pitcher [[Matt Anderson (baseball)|Matt Anderson]] in the [[1997 Major League Baseball draft]]. Drew and his agent [[Scott Boras]] chose not to sign with the Phillies, insisting Drew would not sign for less than $10 million. The Phillies had no plan to pay an unproven player this amount of money, and despite Boras' warnings, drafted Drew nonetheless. They offered him $2.6 million.<ref name="rs1998">{{cite |
The [[Philadelphia Phillies]] made Drew the second overall pick, after pitcher [[Matt Anderson (baseball)|Matt Anderson]], in the [[1997 Major League Baseball draft|1997 MLB draft]]. Drew and his agent [[Scott Boras]] chose not to sign with the Phillies, insisting Drew would not sign for less than $10 million. The Phillies had no plan to pay an unproven player this amount of money, and despite Boras' warnings, drafted Drew nonetheless. They offered him $2.6 million.<ref name="rs1998">{{cite magazine|date=August 20, 1998|title=Hot Bonus Baby|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Straight Arrow Press|Straight Arrow]]|issue=793|page=74}}</ref> Consequently, Drew ended up playing for the [[St. Paul Saints]] of the independent [[Northern League (baseball, 1993–2010)|Northern League]]. Boras had Drew sign with an [[independent baseball league]] because of a [[loophole]] in the rules of the [[Major League Baseball draft|MLB draft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Spring 1998: The J. D. Drew Saga|url=http://roadsidephotos.sabr.org/baseball/jddrew.htm|access-date=December 21, 2012|website=Roadside Photos|publisher=}}</ref> |
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===1998–2003: St. Louis Cardinals=== |
===1998–2003: St. Louis Cardinals=== |
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After playing for St. Paul in the 1997 season, Drew was selected in the first round of the draft, fifth overall |
After playing for St. Paul in the 1997 season, Drew was selected in the first round of the [[1998 Major League Baseball draft|1998 MLB draft]], fifth overall, by the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. In June he signed a $7 million contract,<ref name="rs1998"/> then hit .316 through 26 games with the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Memphis Redbirds]]. He was recalled by the Cardinals and made his debut on September 8, 1998—the game in which teammate [[Mark McGwire]] broke the [[1998 Major League Baseball home run record chase|single-season home run record]] previously held by [[Roger Maris]]. Drew's first [[at bat]], in the sixth inning, resulted in a [[strikeout]], and he finished the night 0-for-2. He ended up going 15-for-36 (.417) during 1998, with five home runs. |
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On August 9, on what would have been Drew's first game in Philadelphia, he sat out, citing a bruised right hand. In an attempt to confuse the Philadelphia fans, he did not wear his own jersey that night, which instead was worn by bullpen catcher, Jeff Murphy. The attempt failed, however, and he was booed and heckled throughout batting practice. The only time he received cheers was when he booted three consecutive grounders in the outfield while his teammates were taking batting practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/081099/pro_LS0418.001.shtml |
On August 9, on what would have been Drew's first game in Philadelphia, he sat out, citing a bruised right hand. In an attempt to confuse the Philadelphia fans, he did not wear his own jersey that night, which instead was worn by bullpen catcher, Jeff Murphy. The attempt failed, however, and he was booed and heckled throughout [[batting practice]]. The only time he received cheers was when he booted three consecutive grounders in the outfield while his teammates were taking batting practice.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 10, 1999|title=J.D. Drew misses unwelcome debut at Veterans Stadium|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/081099/pro_LS0418.001.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109062515if_/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/081099/pro_LS0418.001.shtml#.VpCn0i2l0so|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=October 16, 2013|website=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]|via=[[Wayback Machine]]|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref> On August 10, 1999, in Drew's first game at [[Veterans Stadium]] in Philadelphia, he was booed loudly, and even had batteries thrown at him by two fans. The [[Phillie Phanatic]] got into the act, dropping two large trash bags marked with dollar signs in the outfield between innings.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 11, 1999|title=Phillies fans hurl insults, projectiles at J. D. Drew|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/news/1999/08/10/cardinals_phillies_ap/|url-status=dead|access-date=January 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630193120/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/news/1999/08/10/cardinals_phillies_ap/|archive-date=June 30, 2008}}</ref> Drew struggled to stay healthy, landing on the [[disabled list]] every season he played in St. Louis. |
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In his book ''Three Nights in August'', [[Buzz Bissinger]] mentions former manager [[Tony La Russa]]'s frustration with Drew's lack of passion. La Russa tells Bissinger that it seems Drew had decided to "settle for 75%" of his talent, in large part because of his enormous contract.<ref>{{cite book| last=Bissinger | first=Buzz | title= Three Nights in August | url=https://archive.org/details/threenightsinaug00biss | url-access=registration | publisher=Houghton Mifflin|year= 2005| page=[https://archive.org/details/threenightsinaug00biss/page/32 32]}}</ref> |
In his book ''Three Nights in August'', [[Buzz Bissinger]] mentions former manager [[Tony La Russa]]'s frustration with Drew's lack of passion. La Russa tells Bissinger that it seems Drew had decided to "settle for 75%" of his talent, in large part because of his enormous contract.<ref>{{cite book| last=Bissinger | first=Buzz | title= Three Nights in August | url=https://archive.org/details/threenightsinaug00biss | url-access=registration | publisher=Houghton Mifflin|year= 2005| page=[https://archive.org/details/threenightsinaug00biss/page/32 32]| isbn=9780618405442 }}</ref> |
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===2004: Atlanta Braves=== |
===2004: Atlanta Braves=== |
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On December 13, 2003, Drew was traded to the [[Atlanta Braves]] along with [[catcher]] [[Eli Marrero]] for starting pitcher [[Jason Marquis]], [[relief pitcher]] [[Ray King (baseball)|Ray King]], and rookie prospect [[Adam Wainwright]].<ref name=wag |
On December 13, 2003, Drew was traded to the [[Atlanta Braves]] along with [[catcher]] [[Eli Marrero]] for starting pitcher [[Jason Marquis]], [[relief pitcher]] [[Ray King (baseball)|Ray King]], and rookie prospect [[Adam Wainwright]].<ref name="wag">{{cite news|last=Waggoner|first=Jim|date=January 29, 2009|title=Marquis looking ahead to baseball season with Colorado Rockies|newspaper=[[Staten Island Advance]]|url=http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/01/marquis_looking_ahead_to_seaso.html|access-date=August 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 13, 2003|title=Braves get J.D. Drew|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1685436|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref> There, he had the best season of his career while finally managing to stay healthy. In {{Baseball year|2004}}, he displayed excellent power, patience, and defense, hitting .305 with 31 home runs, 118 [[Base on balls|walks]], and 93 RBI, finishing sixth in the MVP voting. |
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[[File:Drew cropped.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Drew in 2002]] |
[[File:Drew cropped.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Drew in 2002]] |
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===2005–2006: Los Angeles Dodgers=== |
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In December 2004, Drew signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]],<ref>{{cite web |url= |
In December 2004, Drew signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]],<ref>{{cite web|date=December 22, 2004|title=Dodgers move quickly after killing Unit deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1951346|access-date=August 28, 2008|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> which included an escape clause after the second year. Roughly halfway through the 2005 season, Drew's season was again cut short after being hit on the wrist by a pitch from [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]' pitcher [[Brad Halsey]]. |
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On September 18, |
On September 18, 2006, Drew was part of only the (then) fourth-ever set of back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs with fellow Dodgers [[Jeff Kent]], [[Russell Martin (baseball)|Russell Martin]], and [[Marlon Anderson]].<ref>{{cite news|date=September 18, 2006|title=Baseball-Reference.com Play by Play section, bottom of ninth inning|work=[[Baseball Reference]]|agency=[[Sports Reference]]|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200609180.shtml|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref> |
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In 2006, Drew exercised his contract opt-out clause, forgoing $33 million over the next |
In 2006, Drew exercised his contract opt-out clause, forgoing $33 million over the next three years to become a [[free agent]]. Dodgers general manager [[Ned Colletti]] said in a teleconference that he was "surprised how it came down. Everything we had heard, everything that had been written led us to believe the player loved being here."<ref>{{cite news|last=Nadel|first=John|date=November 9, 2006|title=Dodgers' J. D. Drew Opts for Free Agency|work=[[Forbes]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2006/11/09/ap3161812.html|access-date=November 10, 2006}}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 9, 2006|title=Dodgers OF Drew opts out of remainder of contract|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2655862|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref> This was especially a surprise because a few days before, Drew had told an ''[[LA Times]]'' columnist on how happy he was in LA and that he was looking forward to the upcoming 2007 season. Drew had a very good season, batting .284 with 20 home runs and 100 RBI. |
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===2007–2011: Boston Red Sox=== |
===2007–2011: Boston Red Sox=== |
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On January 26, {{Baseball year|2007}}, Drew officially signed a five-year contract with the Red Sox worth $70 million. Drew's revised contract had a clause that allowed the Red Sox to opt out of Drew's five-year contract after three or four years if Drew has extensive injuries due to a previously existing problem in his right shoulder. |
On January 26, {{Baseball year|2007}}, Drew officially signed a five-year contract with the Red Sox worth $70 million. Drew's revised contract had a clause that allowed the Red Sox to opt out of Drew's five-year contract after three or four years if Drew has extensive injuries due to a previously existing problem in his right shoulder.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 26, 2007|title=Red Sox, Drew come to terms|url=https://archive.triblive.com/news/red-sox-drew-come-to-terms/|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]}}</ref> |
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Drew was again part of a set of four consecutive home runs on April 22, 2007, in a game against the [[New York Yankees]], this time joining with [[Manny Ramírez]], [[Mike Lowell]], and [[Jason Varitek]].<ref>{{ |
Drew was again part of a set of four consecutive home runs on April 22, 2007, in a game against the [[New York Yankees]], this time joining with [[Manny Ramírez]], [[Mike Lowell]], and [[Jason Varitek]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 22, 2007|title=Red Sox hit four consecutive HRs against Yankees|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2846039|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref> He is the only player to participate twice in a string of four straight home runs, and he was the second player to go deep in each instance. Drew finished the 2007 season with a .270 batting average, 11 home runs, and 64 RBI.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=J. D. Drew Stats, News, Photos – Boston Red Sox|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/3956/jd-drew|access-date=December 21, 2012|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=}}</ref> |
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[[File:J. D. Drew.jpg|175px|thumb|Drew celebrating a Red Sox 2008 playoff victory]] |
[[File:J. D. Drew.jpg|175px|thumb|Drew celebrating a Red Sox 2008 playoff victory]] |
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On October 20, 2007, Drew hit a [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] in Game 6 of the [[2007 American League Championship Series|2007 ALCS]] with the Red Sox facing elimination. The home run, along with brother [[Stephen Drew]]'s for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], marks the third time that two brothers have both hit home runs in the same postseason. |
On October 20, 2007, Drew hit a [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] in Game 6 of the [[2007 American League Championship Series|2007 ALCS]] with the Red Sox facing elimination.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=September 9, 2008|title=Red Sox's Drew returns from lower back strain; Carter, Kottaras recalled|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3576639|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref> The home run, along with brother [[Stephen Drew]]'s for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], marks the third time that two brothers have both hit home runs in the same postseason. |
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In 2008, Drew hit one of the longest home runs in Fenway Park history. According to the ESPN Home Run Tracker, it was measured at 460 feet. He finished with a .280 average, with an [[On-base percentage|OBP]] of .408 and a [[slugging percentage]] of .519.<ref |
In 2008, Drew hit one of the longest home runs in Fenway Park history. According to the ESPN Home Run Tracker, it was measured at 460 feet. He finished with a .280 average, with an [[On-base percentage|OBP]] of .408 and a [[slugging percentage]] of .519.<ref name=":0" /> At the end of June, Drew was named the AL Player of the Month after hitting .337 and hitting 12 home runs while taking over for [[David Ortiz]]'s three-spot in the lineup while he was on the disabled list.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Silva|first1=Steve|date=July 2, 2008|title=Drew named AL player of month for June|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/07/drew_named_al_p.html|access-date=July 2, 2008}}</ref> Drew was officially announced as an AL [[MLB All-Star|All-Star]] reserve on July 6. This was Drew's first All-Star game appearance. He hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat as an All-Star en route to winning the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVP Award|game's MVP award]]. In what was to become the longest All-Star Game time-wise in MLB history, the American League (and Drew's Red Sox) manager [[Terry Francona]], having almost run out of pitchers, contemplated putting Drew, a former high school hurler, on the mound to close the game. "I'd have been ready," Drew said. "I've had an opportunity to throw a lot in the outfield. I don't know if I would have gotten anyone out, but I'd have thrown something up there."<ref>{{cite web|last=Edes|first=Gordon|date=July 16, 2008|title=The longest goodbye|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/07/16/the_longest_goodbye/|access-date=December 21, 2012|work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> Drew later visited the 15-day disabled list, spending from August 27 to September 8 on the DL with a strained lower back.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 26, 2008|title=BoSox put Drew on DL with lower back strain; Beckett to start Friday|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3554863|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> |
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On October 3, in Game 2 of the [[2008 American League Division Series]] against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], Drew hit a go-ahead two-run home run. On October 16, in Game 5 of the [[2008 ALCS|American League Championship Series]] against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]], Drew helped to bring the Red Sox back from a late-inning seven-run deficit with a two-run home run in the eighth inning and then delivered the walk-off hit in the ninth. The Game 5 comeback, sparked by Drew, is the second-biggest in postseason history and is the largest for a team on the brink of elimination. However, the Red Sox lost to the Rays in the seventh game. |
On October 3, in Game 2 of the [[2008 American League Division Series]] against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], Drew hit a go-ahead two-run home run.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=October 4, 2008|title=Drew delivers back-breaking blow|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20081003&content_id=3586948&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006005437/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20081003&content_id=3586948&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=October 6, 2008|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On October 16, in Game 5 of the [[2008 ALCS|American League Championship Series]] against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]], Drew helped to bring the Red Sox back from a late-inning seven-run deficit with a two-run home run in the eighth inning and then delivered the walk-off hit in the ninth. The Game 5 comeback, sparked by Drew, is the second-biggest in postseason history and is the largest for a team on the brink of elimination.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 17, 2008|title=Drew's game-winning single keeps Red Sox alive in ALCS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/281016102|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> However, the Red Sox lost to the Rays in the seventh game. |
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After the 2009 season, Drew's statistics began to decline. That year, he hit .279 with an .392 [[On-base percentage|OBP]] while hitting 24 home runs and 68 RBI. The following year, he hit .255 with 22 home runs with 68 RBI. However, he played in 139 games, his highest total since 2007 when he joined Boston. In |
After the 2009 season, Drew's statistics began to decline. That year, he hit .279 with an .392 [[On-base percentage|OBP]] while hitting 24 home runs and 68 RBI. The following year, he hit .255 with 22 home runs with 68 RBI. However, he played in 139 games, his highest total since 2007 when he joined Boston. In 2011, Drew hit .222 with four home runs and 22 RBI. He played in 81 games and had a .315 OBP. Drew retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2011 season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Leitch|first=Will|date=April 18, 2020|title=Better than you remember: J.D. Drew|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/looking-back-at-career-of-j-d-drew|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=[[MLB.com]]|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Drew's younger brother |
Drew's younger brother [[Tim Drew|Tim]] was also drafted in the first round in 1997, making them the first brothers drafted in the first round of the MLB draft in the same year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chass |first=Murray |date=1997-06-04 |title=In a First-Round First, Brothers Are Drafted |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/04/sports/in-a-first-round-first-brothers-are-drafted.html |access-date=2022-08-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> They were teammates while on the Atlanta Braves in [[2004 Atlanta Braves|2004]]. J.{{nbsp}}D., Tim, and their brother [[Stephen Drew|Stephen]] all played in Major League Baseball. J.{{nbsp}}D. and Stephen each won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox; J.{{nbsp}}D. in 2007 and Stephen in 2013. |
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Drew married his girlfriend Sheigh, on November 10, 2001, in [[Hahira, Georgia]]. Drew |
Drew married his girlfriend Sheigh, on November 10, 2001, in [[Hahira, Georgia]]. Drew is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pearlman|first=Jeff|date=March 22, 2004|title=The Passion of J. D. Drew|url=http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1031447/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731163930/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1031447/index.htm|archive-date=July 31, 2009|access-date=July 31, 2009|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> |
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==Career statistics== |
==Career statistics== |
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|.983 |
|.983 |
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In 55 postseason games, Drew hit .261 (48-for-184) with 19 runs, |
In 55 postseason games, Drew hit .261 (48-for-184) with 19 runs, six doubles, seven home runs, 25 RBI and 18 walks. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category}} |
{{commons category}} |
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{{Baseballstats |mlb=136770 |espn=3956 |br=d/drewj.01 |fangraphs=1152 |brm=drew--001dav}} |
{{Baseballstats |mlb=136770 |espn=3956 |br=d/drewj.01 |fangraphs=1152 |brm=drew--001dav |retro=D/Pdrewj001}} |
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Revision as of 18:41, 25 August 2024
| J. D. Drew | |
|---|---|
 Drew with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 | |
| Right fielder | |
| Born: November 20, 1975 Valdosta, Georgia, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 8, 1998, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 28, 2011, for the Boston Red Sox | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .278 |
| Home runs | 242 |
| Runs batted in | 795 |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
David Jonathan "J. D." Drew (born November 20, 1975) is an American former Major League Baseball right fielder. He began his major league career in 1998 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and also played for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. He is the brother of two other major league players, Stephen and Tim.
College
Drew graduated from Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Georgia in 1994.[1] He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 20th round of the 1994 draft but did not sign.[2] He then attended Florida State University, where he played under head coach Mike Martin. At Florida State, he was the winner of the 1997 Dick Howser Trophy and the 1997 Golden Spikes Award, was named the 1997 Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, the 1997 Sporting News Player of the Year, and was a consensus All-American (1997). He also was named the 1997 ACC Player of the Year. He was a 1996 member of Team USA. Drew was First Team in 1996, Freshman All-American in 1995 and was named to the College World Series All Tournament Team in 1995. He was the first player in college baseball history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. He set a Florida State record by batting .455 in 1997 while becoming one of only three players in college baseball history to have 100 hits, 100 runs and 100 RBIs. During his college career, Drew broke 17 school and conference records.[3][4]
Professional career
1997: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies made Drew the second overall pick, after pitcher Matt Anderson, in the 1997 MLB draft. Drew and his agent Scott Boras chose not to sign with the Phillies, insisting Drew would not sign for less than $10 million. The Phillies had no plan to pay an unproven player this amount of money, and despite Boras' warnings, drafted Drew nonetheless. They offered him $2.6 million.[5] Consequently, Drew ended up playing for the St. Paul Saints of the independent Northern League. Boras had Drew sign with an independent baseball league because of a loophole in the rules of the MLB draft.[6]
1998–2003: St. Louis Cardinals
After playing for St. Paul in the 1997 season, Drew was selected in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft, fifth overall, by the St. Louis Cardinals. In June he signed a $7 million contract,[5] then hit .316 through 26 games with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. He was recalled by the Cardinals and made his debut on September 8, 1998—the game in which teammate Mark McGwire broke the single-season home run record previously held by Roger Maris. Drew's first at bat, in the sixth inning, resulted in a strikeout, and he finished the night 0-for-2. He ended up going 15-for-36 (.417) during 1998, with five home runs.
On August 9, on what would have been Drew's first game in Philadelphia, he sat out, citing a bruised right hand. In an attempt to confuse the Philadelphia fans, he did not wear his own jersey that night, which instead was worn by bullpen catcher, Jeff Murphy. The attempt failed, however, and he was booed and heckled throughout batting practice. The only time he received cheers was when he booted three consecutive grounders in the outfield while his teammates were taking batting practice.[7] On August 10, 1999, in Drew's first game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, he was booed loudly, and even had batteries thrown at him by two fans. The Phillie Phanatic got into the act, dropping two large trash bags marked with dollar signs in the outfield between innings.[8] Drew struggled to stay healthy, landing on the disabled list every season he played in St. Louis.
In his book Three Nights in August, Buzz Bissinger mentions former manager Tony La Russa's frustration with Drew's lack of passion. La Russa tells Bissinger that it seems Drew had decided to "settle for 75%" of his talent, in large part because of his enormous contract.[9]
2004: Atlanta Braves
On December 13, 2003, Drew was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with catcher Eli Marrero for starting pitcher Jason Marquis, relief pitcher Ray King, and rookie prospect Adam Wainwright.[10][11] There, he had the best season of his career while finally managing to stay healthy. In 2004, he displayed excellent power, patience, and defense, hitting .305 with 31 home runs, 118 walks, and 93 RBI, finishing sixth in the MVP voting.
2005–2006: Los Angeles Dodgers
In December 2004, Drew signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers,[12] which included an escape clause after the second year. Roughly halfway through the 2005 season, Drew's season was again cut short after being hit on the wrist by a pitch from Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Brad Halsey.
On September 18, 2006, Drew was part of only the (then) fourth-ever set of back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs with fellow Dodgers Jeff Kent, Russell Martin, and Marlon Anderson.[13]
In 2006, Drew exercised his contract opt-out clause, forgoing $33 million over the next three years to become a free agent. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a teleconference that he was "surprised how it came down. Everything we had heard, everything that had been written led us to believe the player loved being here."[14][15] This was especially a surprise because a few days before, Drew had told an LA Times columnist on how happy he was in LA and that he was looking forward to the upcoming 2007 season. Drew had a very good season, batting .284 with 20 home runs and 100 RBI.
2007–2011: Boston Red Sox
On January 26, 2007, Drew officially signed a five-year contract with the Red Sox worth $70 million. Drew's revised contract had a clause that allowed the Red Sox to opt out of Drew's five-year contract after three or four years if Drew has extensive injuries due to a previously existing problem in his right shoulder.[16]
Drew was again part of a set of four consecutive home runs on April 22, 2007, in a game against the New York Yankees, this time joining with Manny Ramírez, Mike Lowell, and Jason Varitek.[17] He is the only player to participate twice in a string of four straight home runs, and he was the second player to go deep in each instance. Drew finished the 2007 season with a .270 batting average, 11 home runs, and 64 RBI.[18]
On October 20, 2007, Drew hit a grand slam in Game 6 of the 2007 ALCS with the Red Sox facing elimination.[19] The home run, along with brother Stephen Drew's for the Arizona Diamondbacks, marks the third time that two brothers have both hit home runs in the same postseason.
In 2008, Drew hit one of the longest home runs in Fenway Park history. According to the ESPN Home Run Tracker, it was measured at 460 feet. He finished with a .280 average, with an OBP of .408 and a slugging percentage of .519.[18] At the end of June, Drew was named the AL Player of the Month after hitting .337 and hitting 12 home runs while taking over for David Ortiz's three-spot in the lineup while he was on the disabled list.[20] Drew was officially announced as an AL All-Star reserve on July 6. This was Drew's first All-Star game appearance. He hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat as an All-Star en route to winning the game's MVP award. In what was to become the longest All-Star Game time-wise in MLB history, the American League (and Drew's Red Sox) manager Terry Francona, having almost run out of pitchers, contemplated putting Drew, a former high school hurler, on the mound to close the game. "I'd have been ready," Drew said. "I've had an opportunity to throw a lot in the outfield. I don't know if I would have gotten anyone out, but I'd have thrown something up there."[21] Drew later visited the 15-day disabled list, spending from August 27 to September 8 on the DL with a strained lower back.[22][19]
On October 3, in Game 2 of the 2008 American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Drew hit a go-ahead two-run home run.[23] On October 16, in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Drew helped to bring the Red Sox back from a late-inning seven-run deficit with a two-run home run in the eighth inning and then delivered the walk-off hit in the ninth. The Game 5 comeback, sparked by Drew, is the second-biggest in postseason history and is the largest for a team on the brink of elimination.[24] However, the Red Sox lost to the Rays in the seventh game.
After the 2009 season, Drew's statistics began to decline. That year, he hit .279 with an .392 OBP while hitting 24 home runs and 68 RBI. The following year, he hit .255 with 22 home runs with 68 RBI. However, he played in 139 games, his highest total since 2007 when he joined Boston. In 2011, Drew hit .222 with four home runs and 22 RBI. He played in 81 games and had a .315 OBP. Drew retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2011 season.[25]
Personal life
Drew's younger brother Tim was also drafted in the first round in 1997, making them the first brothers drafted in the first round of the MLB draft in the same year.[26] They were teammates while on the Atlanta Braves in 2004. J. D., Tim, and their brother Stephen all played in Major League Baseball. J. D. and Stephen each won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox; J. D. in 2007 and Stephen in 2013.
Drew married his girlfriend Sheigh, on November 10, 2001, in Hahira, Georgia. Drew is a Christian.[27]
Career statistics
| Years | Games | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | FLD% |
| 14 | 1566 | 6153 | 5173 | 944 | 1437 | 273 | 48 | 242 | 795 | 87 | 862 | 1137 | .278 | .384 | .489 | .983 |
In 55 postseason games, Drew hit .261 (48-for-184) with 19 runs, six doubles, seven home runs, 25 RBI and 18 walks.
See also
References
- ^ Malone, Christian (October 24, 2007). "J.D. Drew represents Hahira in Fall Classic". The Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ "J.D. Drew Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ "J.D. Drew Bio". Florida State Seminoles. June 17, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "J.D. Drew". Nole Fan. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ a b "Hot Bonus Baby". Rolling Stone. No. 793. Straight Arrow. August 20, 1998. p. 74.
- ^ "Spring 1998: The J. D. Drew Saga". Roadside Photos. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ "J.D. Drew misses unwelcome debut at Veterans Stadium". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. AP. August 10, 1999. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2013 – via Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Phillies fans hurl insults, projectiles at J. D. Drew". Sports Illustrated. CNN. August 11, 1999. Archived from the original on June 30, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Bissinger, Buzz (2005). Three Nights in August. Houghton Mifflin. p. 32. ISBN 9780618405442.
- ^ Waggoner, Jim (January 29, 2009). "Marquis looking ahead to baseball season with Colorado Rockies". Staten Island Advance. Retrieved August 19, 2009.
- ^ "Braves get J.D. Drew". ESPN. December 13, 2003. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "Dodgers move quickly after killing Unit deal". ESPN. December 22, 2004. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ "Baseball-Reference.com Play by Play section, bottom of ninth inning". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. September 18, 2006. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
- ^ Nadel, John (November 9, 2006). "Dodgers' J. D. Drew Opts for Free Agency". Forbes. Associated Press. Retrieved November 10, 2006.[dead link]
- ^ "Dodgers OF Drew opts out of remainder of contract". ESPN. November 9, 2006. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "Red Sox, Drew come to terms". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. January 26, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "Red Sox hit four consecutive HRs against Yankees". ESPN. April 22, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
- ^ a b "J. D. Drew Stats, News, Photos – Boston Red Sox". ESPN. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ a b "Red Sox's Drew returns from lower back strain; Carter, Kottaras recalled". ESPN. September 9, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ Silva, Steve (July 2, 2008). "Drew named AL player of month for June". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ^ Edes, Gordon (July 16, 2008). "The longest goodbye". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ "BoSox put Drew on DL with lower back strain; Beckett to start Friday". ESPN. August 26, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ Browne, Ian (October 4, 2008). "Drew delivers back-breaking blow". Boston Red Sox. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ "Drew's game-winning single keeps Red Sox alive in ALCS". ESPN. October 17, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2021.[dead link]
- ^ Leitch, Will (April 18, 2020). "Better than you remember: J.D. Drew". MLB.com. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ Chass, Murray (June 4, 1997). "In a First-Round First, Brothers Are Drafted". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ^ Pearlman, Jeff (March 22, 2004). "The Passion of J. D. Drew". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on July 31, 2009. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to J. D. Drew.
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
Categories:
- Major League Baseball center fielders
- Major League Baseball right fielders
- St. Louis Cardinals players
- Atlanta Braves players
- Los Angeles Dodgers players
- Boston Red Sox players
- St. Paul Saints players
- Arkansas Travelers players
- Memphis Redbirds players
- Peoria Chiefs players
- Palm Beach Cardinals players
- American League All-Stars
- Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs
- Golden Spikes Award winners
- Florida State Seminoles baseball players
- Baseball players from Valdosta, Georgia
- People from Hahira, Georgia
- 1975 births
- Living people
- All-American college baseball players
- National College Baseball Hall of Fame inductees
- Peninsula Oilers players