Desi Relaford, a professional baseball player, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a reliable infielder. Born on September 16, 1973, in Valdosta, Georgia, Relaford was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 1991 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Mariners on May 17, 1996, marking the beginning of his journey in the major leagues.
Relaford's early years in the league were spent with the Mariners, where he played primarily as a shortstop. His time in Seattle was characterized by his defensive skills and ability to play multiple infield positions. In 1998, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he would spend the next few seasons. During his tenure with the Phillies, Relaford continued to demonstrate his defensive capabilities and contributed to the team's infield depth.
In 2001, Relaford was traded to the San Diego Padres, but his stay there was brief. Later that year, he was traded to the New York Mets, where he played until the end of the 2002 season. With the Mets, Relaford saw increased playing time and showcased his ability to handle various infield roles, including second base, shortstop, and third base.
The 2003 season saw Relaford joining the Kansas City Royals. His performance with the Royals was marked by a career-high in home runs and RBIs, as he took on a more prominent role within the team's lineup. Relaford's versatility in the infield continued to be an asset for the Royals, and he remained with the team through the 2004 season.
In 2005, Relaford signed with the Colorado Rockies. His time with the Rockies was notable for his steady presence in the infield and his contributions to the team's overall performance. After a season in Colorado, Relaford moved on to the Texas Rangers in 2006. With the Rangers, he continued to provide infield depth and experience, although his playing time began to diminish.
Relaford's final season in the MLB came in 2007 with the Kansas City Royals, marking the end of his professional playing career. Over the course of his career, Relaford played in over 1,000 games, accumulating a batting average of .243, with 40 home runs and 308 RBIs. His ability to adapt to various infield positions made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for throughout his career.
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