Scott Podsednik, known for his speed and agility on the baseball field, began his Major League Baseball career with the Seattle Mariners. Although his time with the Mariners was brief, it marked the start of a journey that would see him become a valuable asset to several teams over the years. Podsednik's career truly began to take shape when he joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 2003. It was with the Brewers that he showcased his skills as a leadoff hitter and base-stealing threat. In 2004, he led the National League in stolen bases with 70, earning him a spot in the spotlight and solidifying his reputation as one of the fastest players in the league.
His performance with the Brewers caught the attention of the Chicago White Sox, who acquired him in a trade before the 2005 season. Podsednik's time with the White Sox would prove to be a highlight of his career. In 2005, he played a crucial role in the team's success, helping them secure their first World Series title in 88 years. His most memorable moment came during Game 2 of the World Series against the Houston Astros, where he hit a walk-off home run, a rare feat for a player not known for his power hitting. This home run was only the second of his entire season, underscoring its unexpected and dramatic nature.
Podsednik continued to play for the White Sox until 2007, after which he had brief stints with the Colorado Rockies and the Kansas City Royals. In 2009, while with the Royals, he experienced a resurgence, batting .304 and stealing 30 bases. This performance led to a return to the White Sox in 2009, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities as a reliable leadoff hitter.
In 2010, Podsednik signed with the Kansas City Royals once again, before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers mid-season. His time with the Dodgers was short-lived, and he became a free agent at the end of the season. Podsednik spent the 2011 season bouncing between minor league contracts and brief appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies, struggling to find a permanent spot on a major league roster.
In 2012, Podsednik signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He was called up to the majors in May and provided a veteran presence and speed off the bench. During his time with the Red Sox, he batted .302 over 63 games, proving that he still had the ability to contribute at the major league level.
Throughout his career, Podsednik was known for his speed on the bases and his ability to get on base as a leadoff hitter. He finished his career with 309 stolen bases and a .281 batting average.
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