Delmon Young, a right-handed outfielder and designated hitter, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Born on September 14, 1985, in Montgomery, Alabama, Young was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2003 MLB Draft. His entry into the major leagues was highly anticipated, given his impressive performance in the minor leagues.
Young's MLB debut came on August 29, 2006, with the Devil Rays. In his rookie season, he quickly demonstrated his potential by hitting .317 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in just 30 games. His performance earned him a regular spot in the lineup for the following season. In 2007, Young played his first full season in the majors, appearing in all 162 games. He batted .288 with 13 home runs and 93 RBIs, finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Following the 2007 season, Young was traded to the Minnesota Twins in a multi-player deal. With the Twins, he continued to develop as a hitter. In 2010, Young had his best season statistically, hitting .298 with 21 home runs and 112 RBIs. His performance helped the Twins secure a division title, and he finished tenth in the American League MVP voting that year.
In 2011, Young was traded mid-season to the Detroit Tigers. He played a crucial role in the Tigers' postseason run, earning the American League Championship Series MVP award in 2012. During the series against the New York Yankees, Young hit .353 with two home runs and six RBIs, helping the Tigers advance to the World Series.
Young's tenure with the Tigers ended after the 2012 season, and he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013. His time with the Phillies was short-lived, and he was released mid-season. Young then returned to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he finished the 2013 season.
In 2014, Young signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He made the team's Opening Day roster and contributed as a part-time player. Young's most memorable moment with the Orioles came during the 2014 American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers. In Game 2, he delivered a pinch-hit, three-run double in the eighth inning, leading the Orioles to a comeback victory.
Young re-signed with the Orioles for the 2015 season but was released in July after struggling to maintain consistent performance. His career in Major League Baseball concluded after the 2015 season, with a career batting average of .283, 109 home runs, and 566 RBIs.
Throughout his career, Young was known for his strong arm in the outfield and his ability to hit for power and average. However, his career was also marked by controversies, including a suspension in 2006 for throwing a bat at an umpire during a minor league game and an arrest in 2012 for an altercation in New York City.
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