Rickie Weeks, a second baseman known for his power and speed, played the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Milwaukee Brewers. Born on September 13, 1982, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Weeks attended Southern University, where he excelled in college baseball. His outstanding performance in college earned him the Golden Spikes Award in 2003, an honor given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States.
Weeks was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers as the second overall pick in the 2003 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut with the Brewers on September 15, 2003. Over the next few years, Weeks established himself as a regular in the Brewers' lineup, known for his ability to hit for power and his speed on the base paths.
Throughout his career with the Brewers, Weeks was a consistent offensive threat. In 2010, he had one of his best seasons, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 83 runs, while also scoring 112 runs himself. His performance that year earned him a spot in the MLB All-Star Game, highlighting his status as one of the top second basemen in the league at the time.
Defensively, Weeks faced challenges, often struggling with errors and fielding consistency. Despite these issues, his offensive capabilities kept him as a mainstay in the Brewers' lineup. Injuries also played a role in his career, with various ailments affecting his playing time and performance in several seasons.
In 2014, Weeks' tenure with the Brewers came to an end, and he became a free agent. He signed with the Seattle Mariners for the 2015 season, where he transitioned to a utility role, playing both infield and outfield positions. His time with the Mariners was short-lived, and he was released mid-season.
Weeks continued his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016, where he played primarily as a backup and pinch hitter. The following year, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he again served in a utility role. His stint with the Rays marked the end of his MLB playing days, as he did not play in the majors after the 2017 season.
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