Jeff Keppinger, a professional baseball infielder, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams over nearly a decade. Born on April 21, 1980, in Miami, Florida, Keppinger attended the University of Georgia, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 4th round of the 2001 MLB Draft.
Keppinger made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2004. His time with the Mets was brief, but it marked the beginning of his career in the majors. Known for his contact hitting ability, Keppinger quickly became recognized for his knack for putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts. This skill set made him a valuable asset to any lineup, particularly in situations requiring a reliable bat.
In 2006, Keppinger was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to demonstrate his hitting prowess. However, it was with the Cincinnati Reds, starting in 2007, that he began to see more regular playing time. During his tenure with the Reds, Keppinger showcased his ability to play multiple infield positions, including second base, third base, and shortstop. His versatility in the infield was complemented by his consistent batting average, which often hovered around the .300 mark.
Keppinger's career took him to the Houston Astros in 2009, where he continued to be a reliable infielder and contact hitter. His time with the Astros further solidified his reputation as a player who could be counted on to deliver at the plate and provide steady defense. In 2011, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he contributed to the team's efforts with his dependable bat and fielding skills.
The following year, Keppinger joined the Tampa Bay Rays. His 2012 season with the Rays was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved a career-high batting average of .325. This performance underscored his ability to maintain a high level of play and adapt to different teams and leagues.
In 2013, Keppinger signed with the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately, his time with the White Sox was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness on the field. Despite these challenges, Keppinger's career remained a testament to his ability to consistently perform as a contact hitter and reliable infielder.
Throughout his MLB career, Jeff Keppinger was known for his exceptional contact hitting and versatility in the infield. His ability to adapt to various roles and teams made him a valuable player in the league. Keppinger's career statistics include a .282 batting average, 45 home runs, and 295 runs batted in, reflecting his steady contributions at the plate.
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