Melvin Emanuel "B. J." Upton Jr., known for his speed and defensive skills, played Major League Baseball primarily as a center fielder. Born on August 21, 1984, in Norfolk, Virginia, Upton was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the second overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft. His journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where he quickly demonstrated his potential.
Upton made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on August 2, 2004. Initially playing as a shortstop, he later transitioned to the outfield, where he found his niche. His early years with the Rays were marked by his athleticism and ability to cover ground in the outfield. In 2007, Upton had a breakout season, hitting .300 with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs, helping the Rays reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history.
The 2008 season was particularly memorable for Upton and the Rays. He played a crucial role in the team's journey to the World Series, hitting seven home runs in the postseason, including four in the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox. Although the Rays ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, Upton's performance was a highlight of their playoff run.
Throughout his tenure with the Rays, Upton was known for his speed on the bases, consistently ranking among the league leaders in stolen bases. He stole over 40 bases in three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010. His defensive prowess in center field was also a key asset for the Rays, as he made numerous highlight-reel catches.
In 2012, Upton became a free agent and signed a five-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. His time with the Braves, however, was marked by struggles at the plate. Despite his challenges offensively, Upton continued to contribute defensively and on the base paths. In 2015, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he played alongside his brother, Justin Upton.
B. J. Upton's stint with the Padres saw a slight resurgence in his performance. He provided veteran leadership and continued to be a threat on the bases. In 2016, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he finished the season. After the 2016 season, Upton became a free agent and did not return to the major leagues.
Over his career, Upton accumulated over 1,000 hits, 164 home runs, and 300 stolen bases.
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