J.D. Drew, born on November 20, 1975, in Valdosta, Georgia, became a well-known figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. He first gained attention as a standout player at Florida State University, where his impressive performance earned him the Golden Spikes Award in 1997, an honor given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. This accolade set the stage for his entry into professional baseball.
Drew was initially drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, but he did not sign with the team due to contract disagreements. Instead, he re-entered the draft the following year and was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals as the fifth overall pick in 1998. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals later that year, quickly establishing himself as a talented outfielder with a strong arm and a keen eye at the plate.
During his tenure with the Cardinals, Drew showcased his skills as a reliable hitter and a solid defensive player. His time in St. Louis was marked by consistent performance, although injuries occasionally hampered his ability to play a full season. In 2004, Drew was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. That year, he achieved career highs in several offensive categories, including home runs and runs batted in (RBIs), and finished sixth in the National League MVP voting.
Following his successful stint with the Braves, Drew signed a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2004. His time with the Dodgers was marked by both high points and challenges. While he continued to be a productive player, injuries again limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, Drew delivered memorable performances, including a grand slam in the 2006 National League Division Series that helped the Dodgers advance in the playoffs.
In 2007, Drew opted out of his contract with the Dodgers and signed with the Boston Red Sox. His tenure with the Red Sox proved to be a significant chapter in his career. Drew played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to their World Series championship in 2007. One of his most memorable moments came during the American League Championship Series that year, when he hit a grand slam in Game 6, helping the Red Sox overcome a series deficit and eventually win the pennant.
Drew remained with the Red Sox until 2011, providing steady performance both offensively and defensively. His ability to get on base and his disciplined approach at the plate were valuable assets to the team. However, injuries continued to be a recurring theme, affecting his playing time and performance in his later years with the Red Sox.
After the 2011 season, Drew became a free agent but did not sign with another team, effectively bringing his professional baseball career to a close. Over the course of his career, he was selected to the All-Star Game in 2008 and finished with a respectable batting average, home run total, and on-base percentage.
J.D. Drew's career in Major League Baseball was characterized by moments of brilliance and challenges, particularly with injuries.
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