Corey Patterson, an American professional baseball player, began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Chicago Cubs. Drafted as the third overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft, Patterson was highly regarded for his athleticism and potential. He made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2000, quickly becoming known for his speed and defensive skills in the outfield.
Patterson's early years with the Cubs showed promise. In 2003, he had a breakout season, batting .298 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs before a knee injury cut his season short. Despite the setback, he returned to the Cubs' lineup in 2004, hitting 24 home runs and stealing 32 bases. However, his inconsistency at the plate, particularly his high strikeout rate, became a concern for the team.
In 2005, Patterson's performance declined, leading to a trade to the Baltimore Orioles in January 2006. With the Orioles, he found some resurgence, hitting 16 home runs and stealing 45 bases in his first season. Patterson's speed continued to be an asset, and he provided solid defense in center field. However, his struggles with plate discipline persisted, affecting his overall batting average.
Patterson's tenure with the Orioles lasted until 2007, after which he signed with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2008 season. His time with the Reds was brief and marked by continued challenges at the plate. The following years saw Patterson moving between several teams, including the Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers, and a return to the Orioles.
In 2010, Patterson signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners but was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays before the season began. He played 90 games for the Blue Jays, hitting .252 with 6 home runs. Midway through the season, Patterson was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he finished the year.
Patterson's final MLB season came in 2011 with the Cardinals. Although his playing time was limited, he contributed as a veteran presence on the team. After his stint with the Cardinals, Patterson continued to play in the minor leagues and independent leagues before retiring from professional baseball.
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