Chris Widger's journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) began when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 1992 MLB Draft. A catcher by trade, Widger spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Mariners in 1995. His early years in the majors were marked by his solid defensive abilities and a developing presence at the plate.
Widger's tenure with the Mariners lasted until 1996, after which he was traded to the Montreal Expos. It was with the Expos that he found more regular playing time, serving as the team's primary catcher for several seasons. During his time in Montreal, Widger demonstrated his capability to handle a pitching staff and contributed offensively with occasional power, hitting a career-high 14 home runs in the 1999 season.
In 2001, Widger's career took him to the New York Yankees, where he served as a backup catcher. His role with the Yankees was more limited, but he provided depth and experience to the team's roster. After a brief stint with the Yankees, Widger signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003, although his time there was short-lived.
Widger's career saw a resurgence when he joined the Chicago White Sox in 2005. As a backup catcher, he played a part in the White Sox's successful season, which culminated in a World Series championship. Although not a regular starter, Widger's experience and presence in the clubhouse were valued by the team. He appeared in 44 games during the regular season and contributed to the team's overall success.
After his time with the White Sox, Widger played briefly for the Baltimore Orioles in 2006 before retiring from professional baseball. Over his MLB career, Widger played in 613 games, recording a batting average of .238 with 55 home runs and 222 RBIs. His career was characterized by his steady defensive skills and his ability to serve as a reliable backup catcher for several teams.
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