Kole Calhoun, an American professional baseball player, spent a considerable portion of his career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 14, 1987, in Buckeye, Arizona, Calhoun attended Arizona State University, where he played college baseball for the Sun Devils. His journey to the major leagues began when the Los Angeles Angels selected him in the eighth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
Calhoun made his MLB debut with the Angels on May 22, 2012. Over the next several years, he established himself as a reliable presence in the Angels' outfield. Known for his strong defensive skills and powerful throwing arm, Calhoun quickly became a fan favorite. His ability to make difficult catches and throw out runners from right field was a hallmark of his defensive play.
Offensively, Calhoun was recognized for his left-handed power at the plate. He consistently hit for power, reaching double-digit home run totals in multiple seasons. In 2015, he had a breakout year, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 83 runs, which earned him a Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence. This accolade highlighted his dual-threat capability on both offense and defense.
Throughout his tenure with the Angels, Calhoun was a steady contributor. He played alongside stars like Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, providing depth to the Angels' lineup. His work ethic and consistency were evident as he regularly appeared in over 150 games per season during his peak years with the team.
In 2019, Calhoun hit a career-high 33 home runs, showcasing his ability to deliver power from the middle of the lineup. However, following the 2019 season, the Angels declined his contract option, making him a free agent. This marked the end of his time with the team, and he subsequently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2019.
Joining the Diamondbacks allowed Calhoun to return to his home state of Arizona. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he continued to demonstrate his power-hitting capabilities, leading the team with 16 home runs in just 54 games. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Diamondbacks.
Calhoun's time with the Diamondbacks was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time in 2021. Despite these setbacks, he remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse, known for his leadership and experience. His contract with the Diamondbacks concluded after the 2021 season, and he entered free agency once again.
Throughout his career, Calhoun was known for his gritty style of play and his ability to perform in clutch situations.
⚾