Ross Gload's journey through Major League Baseball is characterized by his role as a reliable first baseman and outfielder. Born on April 5, 1976, in Brooklyn, New York, Gload attended East Hampton High School and later played college baseball at the University of South Florida. His professional career began when he was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 13th round of the 1997 MLB Draft.
Gload made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2000, though his time with the team was brief. He spent the next few years moving between teams, including the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets, primarily playing in their minor league systems. It wasn't until he joined the Chicago White Sox in 2004 that he began to see more consistent playing time in the majors.
During his tenure with the White Sox, Gload was known for his left-handed batting and ability to come off the bench as a pinch hitter. In 2005, he was part of the White Sox team that won the World Series, although he did not play in the postseason due to an injury. His contributions during the regular season, however, were valued by the team.
In 2006, Gload was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he saw more regular playing time. Over two seasons with the Royals, he demonstrated his skills as a contact hitter and a dependable defensive player. His performance with Kansas City led to a trade back to the Florida Marlins in 2008, where he continued to serve as a valuable bench player and occasional starter.
Gload's career took another turn when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010. With the Phillies, he continued to be utilized primarily as a pinch hitter, a role in which he excelled. His ability to deliver hits in crucial situations made him a valuable asset to the team. Gload played two seasons with the Phillies before retiring from professional baseball after the 2011 season.
Throughout his career, Gload was recognized for his professionalism and work ethic.
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