Born on March 13, 1981, in New York City, Mike Aviles grew up with a love for baseball that eventually led him to a professional career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Aviles attended Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, where he honed his skills on the field, catching the attention of scouts with his athleticism and versatility. His journey to the majors began when the Kansas City Royals selected him in the seventh round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Aviles made his MLB debut with the Royals on May 29, 2008. During his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a reliable infielder, primarily playing shortstop and second base. Aviles impressed with his batting ability, finishing the season with a .325 batting average, which earned him a spot on the 2008 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team. His performance that year also placed him fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In the following seasons, Aviles continued to be a valuable player for the Royals, though his performance was hampered by injuries. In 2009, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which limited his playing time. Despite this setback, he returned to the field in 2010, demonstrating his resilience and ability to bounce back. Aviles played with the Royals until July 2011, when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
With the Red Sox, Aviles found opportunities to showcase his skills in various infield positions. In 2012, he became Boston's primary shortstop, appearing in 136 games and hitting 13 home runs with 60 RBIs. His time in Boston was marked by his adaptability and willingness to fill different roles as needed by the team.
In November 2012, Aviles was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, but his stay was brief. Just a few weeks later, he was traded again, this time to the Cleveland Indians. Aviles spent the next three seasons with the Indians, where he continued to be a reliable utility player. His ability to play multiple positions, including second base, third base, and outfield, made him a valuable asset to the team. During his tenure with the Indians, Aviles was known for his steady defense and occasional power at the plate.
Aviles' career took another turn in 2016 when he signed with the Detroit Tigers. However, his time with the Tigers was short-lived, as he was released mid-season. He then signed with the Miami Marlins, where he finished the season. Aviles' final MLB appearance came in 2017 with the Marlins, marking the end of a decade-long career in the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Aviles was known for his work ethic and team-first mentality.
⚾