Brad Ausmus, a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager, had a career that spanned over two decades. Born on April 14, 1969, in New Haven, Connecticut, Ausmus grew up with a strong interest in baseball, eventually leading him to Dartmouth College, where he played for the Dartmouth Big Green baseball team. His skills on the field caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 48th round of the 1987 MLB Draft.
Although initially drafted by the Yankees, Ausmus made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres on July 28, 1993. His tenure with the Padres was brief, and he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1996. It was with the Tigers that Ausmus began to establish himself as a reliable defensive catcher. Known for his strong arm and ability to manage a pitching staff, he quickly became a valuable asset behind the plate.
In 1997, Ausmus was traded to the Houston Astros, where he would spend a significant portion of his playing career. During his time with the Astros, he became known for his defensive prowess, earning three Gold Glove Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2006. His ability to handle pitchers and call games was highly regarded, and he played a crucial role in the Astros' success during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Ausmus returned to the Tigers in 1999 for a brief stint before being traded back to the Astros in 2001. He remained with Houston until 2008, becoming a fan favorite and a respected leader in the clubhouse. In 2009, Ausmus signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played for two seasons before retiring as a player in 2010.
After hanging up his cleats, Ausmus transitioned into a managerial role. In 2014, he was hired as the manager of the Detroit Tigers, taking over from Jim Leyland. Ausmus led the Tigers to an American League Central Division title in his first season, but the team was swept in the American League Division Series by the Baltimore Orioles. His tenure with the Tigers lasted until 2017, during which he experienced both successes and challenges as the team underwent a rebuilding phase.
In 2019, Ausmus was appointed as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. However, his time with the Angels was short-lived, as he was dismissed after just one season following a disappointing team performance.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a manager, Ausmus was known for his intelligence and understanding of the game. His ability to connect with players and his strategic approach to baseball were often highlighted by those who worked with him. While his managerial career did not reach the heights of his playing days, Ausmus remains a respected figure in the baseball community.
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