Todd Pratt, known for his role as a reliable catcher, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, leaving a lasting memory for fans with his clutch performances and steady presence behind the plate. Born on February 9, 1967, in Bellevue, Nebraska, Pratt was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 1985 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Philadelphia Phillies that he made his major league debut on July 29, 1992.
Pratt's early years in the majors were marked by his role as a backup catcher, a position he would occupy for much of his career. After his debut with the Phillies, he spent parts of three seasons with the team, providing depth and occasional offensive contributions. In 1994, Pratt was traded to the Chicago Cubs, but his time there was brief, and he did not appear in any major league games for the team.
The New York Mets acquired Pratt in 1997, and it was with the Mets that he experienced some of the most memorable moments of his career. Serving as the backup to starting catcher Mike Piazza, Pratt was often called upon in crucial situations. One of his most iconic moments came during the 1999 National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In Game 4, with the Mets leading the series 2-1, Pratt hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning, securing the Mets' advancement to the National League Championship Series. This home run was particularly memorable as it was only the fifth postseason series-ending home run in MLB history at the time.
Pratt continued to play with the Mets until 2001, providing solid defense and occasional power at the plate. After his tenure with the Mets, he returned to the Phillies in 2001, where he played until 2005. During his second stint with Philadelphia, Pratt continued to serve as a backup catcher, offering veteran leadership and experience to the team's younger players.
In 2006, Pratt signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he played his final season in the majors. Throughout his career, Pratt was known for his ability to handle pitching staffs effectively and his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. His career batting average of .251, along with 49 home runs and 224 RBIs, reflects his role as a dependable backup who could contribute offensively when needed.
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