Curtis Granderson, known for his charismatic presence both on and off the field, enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Baseball as an outfielder. Born on March 16, 1981, in Blue Island, Illinois, Granderson's journey to the major leagues began at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he played college baseball for the UIC Flames. His performance there caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Detroit Tigers in the third round of the 2002 MLB Draft.
Granderson made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2004, quickly establishing himself as a talented center fielder. By 2006, he had become a regular starter, contributing significantly to the Tigers' run to the World Series that year. His combination of speed, defensive prowess, and power at the plate made him a valuable asset. In 2007, Granderson achieved a rare feat by joining the exclusive "20-20-20-20 club," hitting at least 20 doubles, triples, home runs, and stolen bases in a single season.
In 2009, Granderson was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a three-team deal. His tenure with the Yankees was marked by several standout moments, including a career-high 41 home runs in 2011. That same year, he was named an All-Star and finished fourth in the American League MVP voting. Granderson's ability to hit for power and cover ground in the outfield made him a fan favorite in New York.
After four seasons with the Yankees, Granderson signed with the New York Mets in 2014. He continued to be a productive player, helping the Mets reach the World Series in 2015. During his time with the Mets, Granderson was known for his leadership and positive influence in the clubhouse, as well as his charitable efforts off the field.
In the latter part of his career, Granderson played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Miami Marlins. Despite moving between teams, he remained a respected veteran presence and continued to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Throughout his career, Granderson was recognized for his sportsmanship and community involvement. He received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2016, honoring his commitment to philanthropy and positive impact on society. Granderson's Grand Kids Foundation, established in 2007, focused on improving educational opportunities for children and promoting youth development through sports.
Curtis Granderson retired from professional baseball in January 2020, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and community service.
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