Jason Kendall, a catcher known for his durability and grit, spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball. Born on June 26, 1974, in San Diego, California, Kendall grew up in a baseball family. His father, Fred Kendall, was also a major league catcher, which undoubtedly influenced Jason's path in the sport.
Kendall's professional journey began when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on April 1, 1996, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence behind the plate. In his rookie season, Kendall impressed with a .300 batting average, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team and finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Throughout his time with the Pirates, Kendall was known for his exceptional ability to get on base and his speed, a rare trait for a catcher. He consistently posted high batting averages and on-base percentages, making him a valuable asset to the team's lineup. Kendall's tenure with the Pirates was marked by three All-Star selections (1996, 1998, and 2000) and a Silver Slugger Award in 1999, recognizing him as one of the best offensive catchers in the league.
In 2004, Kendall was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a contact hitter and a steady defensive catcher. His time with the Athletics was followed by stints with the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Kansas City Royals. While his offensive numbers declined in the latter part of his career, Kendall remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse and on the field.
Kendall's career was characterized by his ability to endure the physical demands of catching. He caught over 2,000 games, a testament to his toughness and work ethic. Despite suffering several injuries throughout his career, including a gruesome ankle injury in 1999, Kendall consistently returned to the field, showcasing his resilience and determination.
In 2010, Kendall's playing days came to an end after a shoulder injury required surgery. He retired with a career batting average of .288, 2,195 hits, and 189 stolen bases, ranking him among the top catchers in stolen bases in MLB history. His ability to combine offensive production with defensive reliability made him a valuable player throughout his career.
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