Ray Olmedo, a Venezuelan infielder, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey with the Cincinnati Reds. Born on May 31, 1981, in Maracay, Venezuela, Olmedo's professional career began when he signed with the Reds as an amateur free agent in 1999. His debut in the major leagues came on May 25, 2003, when he stepped onto the field as a member of the Reds.
During his time with Cincinnati, Olmedo primarily played as a shortstop and second baseman. Known for his defensive skills, he provided the team with reliable infield coverage. Although his batting average was modest, his ability to handle various infield positions made him a valuable asset to the Reds' roster. Over the course of his tenure with Cincinnati, Olmedo appeared in 171 games, recording a batting average of .228 with 1 home run and 27 RBIs.
In 2006, Olmedo's journey took him to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess. His stint with the Blue Jays was brief, as he played in only 27 games during the 2007 season. Despite limited opportunities at the plate, he maintained his reputation as a dependable infielder.
Following his time in Toronto, Olmedo spent several years in the minor leagues, playing for various teams within different organizations. In 2008, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates but did not make an appearance in the majors. He then joined the Washington Nationals organization, where he played for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, in 2009.
Olmedo's career saw a resurgence when he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010. Although he did not return to the major leagues with the Rays, he continued to play in their minor league system, contributing to the Durham Bulls, the team's Triple-A affiliate. His experience and leadership were valuable to the younger players on the team.
In 2012, Olmedo made a brief return to the majors with the Chicago White Sox. During his time with the White Sox, he appeared in 20 games, primarily as a backup infielder. His final MLB appearance came on October 3, 2012.
After his major league career, Olmedo continued to play professionally in various leagues, including stints in the Venezuelan Winter League. His career in baseball extended beyond the MLB, as he remained active in the sport he loved.
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