Iván de Jesús, a Puerto Rican shortstop, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on January 9, 1953, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, de Jesús began his professional journey when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1969. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 1, 1974.
De Jesús spent his early years with the Dodgers, where he was primarily used as a backup infielder. His time with the team was marked by limited playing opportunities, but he gained valuable experience and honed his skills. In 1976, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, a move that provided him with the chance to become a regular starter.
With the Cubs, de Jesús found his stride as a reliable shortstop. From 1977 to 1981, he was a fixture in the Cubs' infield, known for his defensive abilities and consistent presence. During the 1978 season, he led the National League in games played, appearing in all 162 contests. His performance at the plate was steady, and he often contributed as a leadoff hitter, utilizing his speed to steal bases and score runs.
In 1982, de Jesús was involved in a significant trade that sent him to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Larry Bowa and a young infielder named Ryne Sandberg. This trade would later be viewed as one of the most lopsided in baseball history, as Sandberg went on to have a Hall of Fame career. Nevertheless, de Jesús continued to perform well with the Phillies, providing solid defense and veteran leadership.
De Jesús played for the Phillies until 1984, after which he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His tenure with the Cardinals was brief, and he was subsequently traded to the New York Yankees in 1985. With the Yankees, de Jesús served as a utility infielder, offering depth and experience to the roster.
In 1986, de Jesús signed with the San Francisco Giants, where he played for two seasons. His role with the Giants was similar to his time with the Yankees, as he provided infield support and mentorship to younger players. De Jesús concluded his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers in 1988, retiring after a 15-year career in the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Iván de Jesús was known for his defensive prowess and ability to play multiple infield positions.
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