Lew Ford, an American professional baseball player, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on August 12, 1976, in Beaumont, Texas, Ford attended Dallas Baptist University, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 12th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. However, his path to the majors was not straightforward, as he was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2000.
Ford made his MLB debut with the Twins on April 29, 2003. During his rookie season, he played in 35 games, showcasing his potential as a reliable outfielder. The following year, 2004, proved to be his breakout season. Ford played in 154 games, posting a .299 batting average with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. His performance helped the Twins secure the American League Central Division title, and he finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2005, Ford continued to be a regular fixture in the Twins' lineup, appearing in 147 games. Although his batting average dipped to .264, he contributed 7 home runs and 53 RBIs. His speed on the base paths was also an asset, as he stole 13 bases that season. Ford's defensive skills were notable, as he was capable of playing all three outfield positions, providing the Twins with flexibility in their lineup.
The 2006 season saw a decline in Ford's offensive production. He played in 102 games, hitting .226 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs. Despite the dip in his batting performance, Ford remained a valuable player for the Twins, who once again captured the AL Central Division title. However, his playing time decreased in 2007, as he appeared in only 55 games and struggled at the plate with a .233 batting average.
After the 2007 season, Ford's time with the Twins came to an end. He spent the 2008 season in the minor leagues, playing for the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. In 2009, Ford took his talents overseas, signing with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. His stint in Japan was brief, and he returned to the United States to play in independent leagues.
Ford's career took an unexpected turn in 2012 when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He made a return to the major leagues, appearing in 25 games for the Orioles that season. Although his time with the Orioles was short, it marked a significant comeback for Ford, who had spent several years away from MLB.
Throughout his career, Lew Ford was known for his work ethic and determination.
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