Neifi Perez, a Dominican-born infielder, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field. Born on June 2, 1973, in Villa Mella, Dominican Republic, Perez began his professional career when he was signed by the Colorado Rockies as an amateur free agent in 1992. His journey to the major leagues was marked by steady progress through the Rockies' minor league system, where he honed his skills as a shortstop.
Perez made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on August 31, 1996. During his time with the Rockies, he became known for his defensive prowess, particularly his strong arm and range at shortstop. In 1998, he played his first full season in the majors, and by 1999, he had established himself as the Rockies' starting shortstop. That year, he won the National League Gold Glove Award, recognizing him as one of the best defensive players at his position.
Offensively, Perez was a switch-hitter, though his batting was often overshadowed by his defensive capabilities. He had a career-high batting average of .287 in 2000, a season in which he also hit 12 home runs and drove in 64 runs. Despite playing in the hitter-friendly Coors Field, Perez was more valued for his glove than his bat.
In July 2001, Perez was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to be a regular presence in the infield. His tenure with the Royals lasted until 2002, after which he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. With the Giants, Perez served as a utility infielder, providing depth and experience to the roster. His ability to play multiple infield positions made him a valuable asset for the team.
Perez's career took another turn in 2004 when he signed with the Chicago Cubs. During his time with the Cubs, he was often used as a backup infielder, filling in at shortstop, second base, and third base as needed. In 2005, he was traded mid-season to the Detroit Tigers, where he continued in a similar role. His time with the Tigers included a memorable moment in 2006 when he hit a walk-off grand slam against the Cleveland Indians.
Throughout his career, Perez was known for his reliability and consistency on defense. While his offensive numbers were modest, his ability to contribute in the field kept him in the major leagues for over a decade. His career concluded with the Detroit Tigers in 2007, after which he retired from professional baseball.
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