Omar Infante, a Venezuelan-born infielder, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Detroit Tigers. Signed as an amateur free agent in 1999, Infante made his MLB debut on September 7, 2002. Initially, he played a supporting role, but his versatility in the infield soon became apparent. Infante's early years with the Tigers saw him filling in various positions, primarily at second base and shortstop.
In 2004, Infante enjoyed a breakout season, hitting .264 with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs. His performance that year demonstrated his potential as a reliable hitter and a solid defensive player. However, his subsequent seasons with the Tigers were marked by fluctuations in performance and playing time, partly due to injuries and the team's evolving roster needs.
Infante's tenure with the Tigers ended in 2007 when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, although he never played a game for them. Instead, he was quickly dealt to the Atlanta Braves. With the Braves, Infante found a more consistent role, contributing both offensively and defensively. His time in Atlanta was highlighted by his 2010 season, during which he was selected as an All-Star. That year, he posted a .321 batting average, showcasing his ability to hit for average and providing a steady presence in the Braves' lineup.
In 2011, Infante was traded to the Florida Marlins, where he continued to be a dependable infielder. His stint with the Marlins lasted until mid-2012, when he was traded back to the Detroit Tigers. This return to Detroit saw Infante playing a crucial role in the Tigers' infield, helping the team reach the World Series in 2012. Although the Tigers were ultimately defeated by the San Francisco Giants, Infante's contributions were valuable throughout the postseason.
Following the 2013 season, Infante signed a four-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. His experience and steady play were assets to the Royals, who were building a competitive team. In 2014, Infante played a part in the Royals' journey to the World Series, where they fell to the San Francisco Giants in a hard-fought seven-game series. The following year, Infante and the Royals returned to the World Series, this time emerging victorious against the New York Mets, earning Infante his first World Series ring.
Infante's later years with the Royals were marred by injuries and a decline in performance. In 2016, he was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Royals. He briefly returned to the Braves organization on a minor league contract but did not make it back to the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Infante was known for his adaptability on the field, playing multiple infield positions and occasionally in the outfield. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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