Danny Graves, a right-handed pitcher, became a familiar name in Major League Baseball during his career. Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, Graves was the first Vietnamese-born player to reach the major leagues. His journey to the big leagues began when he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the fourth round of the 1994 MLB Draft.
Graves made his MLB debut with the Indians in 1996. However, it was with the Cincinnati Reds that he spent the majority of his career and gained recognition. In 1997, Graves was traded to the Reds, where he would become an integral part of their bullpen. Initially serving as a setup man, he quickly transitioned into the role of closer, where he found his niche.
During his tenure with the Reds, Graves was known for his ability to close out games. He became the team's primary closer in 1999 and held that position for several seasons. Graves was selected to the All-Star team twice, in 2000 and 2004, a testament to his performance on the mound. In 2004, he achieved a career-high 41 saves, which was among the best in the National League that year.
Graves' pitching style was characterized by his sinker, which induced ground balls and helped him succeed in high-pressure situations. Despite his success as a closer, Graves faced challenges, including a transition to a starting pitcher role in 2003, which did not yield the desired results. He returned to the bullpen the following year, where he continued to excel.
In 2005, Graves' time with the Reds came to an end when he was released by the team. He briefly joined the New York Mets, but his stint there was short-lived. The following year, he signed with the Cleveland Indians, marking a return to the team that originally drafted him. However, his performance did not match his earlier years, and he was released mid-season.
After his major league career, Graves attempted comebacks with minor league contracts and independent league teams, but he did not return to the majors. Beyond his playing days, Graves remained involved in baseball, sharing his experiences and knowledge of the game.
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