Stephen Drew, a talented infielder, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Born on March 16, 1983, in Hahira, Georgia, Drew was part of a baseball family, with his brothers J.D. and Tim also playing in the majors. He attended Florida State University, where he honed his skills before being selected by the Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2004 MLB Draft.
Drew's entry into the major leagues came in 2006, and he quickly established himself as a reliable shortstop. In his rookie season, he played in 59 games, hitting .316 with 5 home runs and 23 RBIs. His performance helped solidify his position as a regular starter for the Diamondbacks. Over the next few years, Drew became known for his defensive abilities and solid batting, contributing to the team's infield stability.
One of Drew's standout seasons came in 2008 when he played 152 games and achieved a .291 batting average, along with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. His offensive output was complemented by his defensive skills, making him a valuable asset to the Diamondbacks. That year, he also hit for the cycle on September 1, becoming the first player in the franchise's history to do so.
In 2011, Drew's career faced a setback when he suffered a severe ankle injury, which significantly impacted his playing time and performance. Despite this challenge, he worked diligently to return to the field. In 2012, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he played a crucial role in their playoff push, appearing in 39 games and hitting .250.
The following year, Drew signed with the Boston Red Sox. His time in Boston was marked by a World Series victory in 2013, where he played a key role in the team's success. Although his batting average during the series was not high, his defensive contributions were vital, and he even hit a home run in the decisive Game 6.
After his stint with the Red Sox, Drew joined the New York Yankees in 2014. He spent parts of two seasons with the Yankees, providing infield depth and experience. In 2015, he hit 17 home runs, showcasing his power-hitting ability despite a lower batting average.
Drew's final MLB seasons were with the Washington Nationals, where he played from 2016 to 2017. During his time with the Nationals, he served as a utility infielder, offering veteran leadership and versatility. In 2016, he posted a .266 batting average with 8 home runs in 70 games, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute offensively.
Throughout his career, Stephen Drew was known for his defensive prowess and occasional power at the plate.
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