Cody Ross, a right-handed outfielder known for his tenacity and clutch performances, began his Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1999 MLB Draft, Ross made his debut with the Tigers in 2003. However, his time in Detroit was brief, as he played only a handful of games before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004.
With the Dodgers, Ross saw limited action, spending much of his time in the minor leagues. In 2005, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he continued to struggle for playing time. It wasn't until 2006, after being claimed off waivers by the Florida Marlins, that Ross began to find his footing in the major leagues. During his tenure with the Marlins, he became known for his power-hitting ability, particularly against left-handed pitchers. In 2006, he hit 11 home runs in just 91 games, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset in the lineup.
Ross's career took a significant turn in 2010 when he was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants. This move proved to be a turning point, as he played a crucial role in the Giants' postseason success that year. During the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ross delivered several key hits, including three home runs, earning him the NLCS Most Valuable Player award. His performance helped propel the Giants to their first World Series title since 1954, cementing his place in the hearts of Giants fans.
Following his success with the Giants, Ross signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2012. In Boston, he continued to demonstrate his power at the plate, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 81 runs over the course of the season. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a valuable player for the Red Sox, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Fenway Park.
In 2013, Ross joined the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he played for two seasons. Although his time in Arizona was marred by injuries, he remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse. In 2015, Ross signed with the Oakland Athletics, but his stint with the team was short-lived, as he was released after just nine games. He briefly joined the Athletics' Triple-A affiliate before announcing his retirement from professional baseball later that year.
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