Miguel Tejada, a Dominican-born infielder, became a well-known figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. Born on May 25, 1974, in Baní, Dominican Republic, Tejada's journey to the major leagues began when he signed with the Oakland Athletics in 1993. His talent quickly became apparent, and he made his MLB debut with the Athletics on August 27, 1997.
Tejada's early years with the Athletics were marked by steady improvement. By 2000, he had established himself as a reliable shortstop, both offensively and defensively. His breakout season came in 2002 when he played a crucial role in leading the Athletics to the playoffs. That year, Tejada hit .308 with 34 home runs and 131 RBIs, earning him the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His performance was instrumental in the Athletics' 20-game winning streak, which set an American League record.
In 2004, Tejada signed a six-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, marking a new chapter in his career. He continued to excel, consistently hitting over .300 and driving in over 100 runs in his first four seasons with the Orioles. Tejada's tenure in Baltimore was highlighted by his selection to the All-Star team multiple times and his participation in the Home Run Derby.
Tejada's career took another turn when he was traded to the Houston Astros in December 2007. He played two seasons with the Astros, maintaining solid offensive numbers. In 2009, he led the National League in doubles, showcasing his ability to hit for extra bases. After his stint with the Astros, Tejada returned to the Orioles for a brief period in 2010 before being traded to the San Diego Padres later that year.
In 2011, Tejada signed with the San Francisco Giants. However, his performance began to decline, and he was released by the Giants later that season. Despite this setback, Tejada continued to pursue his baseball career. He signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals in 2012 and made the team's roster in 2013. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a suspension for violating MLB's drug policy.
Throughout his career, Tejada was known for his durability and consistency. He played in 1,152 consecutive games from 2000 to 2007, the fifth-longest streak in MLB history at the time. Tejada's offensive prowess was evident in his career statistics, which included over 2,400 hits, 307 home runs, and more than 1,300 RBIs.
Tejada's career was not without controversy. In addition to his suspension in 2013, he was also implicated in the Mitchell Report, which investigated the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Despite these challenges, Tejada's achievements on the field remain a testament to his skill and determination as a player.
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