Aaron Rowand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aaron Rowand |
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Rowand with the San Francisco Giants
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| Center fielder | |||
| Born: August 29, 1977 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| June 16, 2001, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 30, 2011, for the San Francisco Giants | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .273 | ||
| Home runs | 136 | ||
| Runs batted in | 536 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Aaron Ryan Rowand (born August 29, 1977) is an American former professional baseball player. He was a center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Aaron played for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants. He helped his teams win two World Series championships. During his career, Rowand was known for his exciting, all-out style of play.
Aaron was born in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in Glendora, California. He went to California State University, Fullerton, where he was a top college player. The White Sox picked him in the first round of the 1998 draft. He made his MLB debut in 2001. By 2004, he was the White Sox's main center fielder. In 2005, he helped the White Sox win their first World Series since 1917. After that season, he joined the Phillies.
In 2006, Rowand made a famous catch, crashing into the outfield wall. He had his best season in 2007, making the All-Star team and winning a Gold Glove Award. He then signed with the Giants. In 2010, he won his second World Series with the Giants. He retired from playing in 2011. After playing, he sometimes worked as a broadcaster and coach for the White Sox.
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Early Life and College Years
Aaron Ryan Rowand was born on August 29, 1977, in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Glendora, California. When he was about 10, he often played slow-pitch softball with his dad. He graduated from Glendora High School in 1995. Aaron was such a good hitter in high school that his number was retired.
He was drafted by the New York Mets in 1995 but chose to go to college instead. Aaron played baseball for the Titans at California State University, Fullerton. In 1998, he was named an All-American. He set a school record with 27 doubles that year. Over three years, he hit for a .345 average. He also had 23 home runs and 121 runs batted in (RBI).
Aaron's Professional Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
In 1998, the Chicago White Sox drafted Aaron in the first round. He started his professional career with the Hickory Crawdads. He hit .342 in 61 games. The next year, he played for the Winston-Salem Warthogs. He led the team in doubles, home runs, and RBI.
In 2000, Aaron played for the Birmingham Barons. He hit 20 home runs and had 98 RBI. By 2001, he was ready for the big leagues. He started the year with the Charlotte Knights. He had 16 home runs and 48 RBI in 62 games.
Playing for the Chicago White Sox (2001–2005)
First Steps in MLB (2001-2003)
Aaron joined the White Sox in June 2001. He made his MLB debut as a pinch hitter. He got his first hit on June 19, 2001. On July 7, he hit his first MLB home run. He started sharing time in center field. In 63 games, he hit .293.
In 2002, Aaron was on the White Sox's Opening Day roster. He became the everyday center fielder in late July. He improved his hitting as the season went on. In 126 games, he hit .258.
Aaron broke his shoulder and a rib in an accident before the 2003 season. He was ready for Opening Day but struggled early. He was sent to the minor leagues for a short time. After returning, he hit much better. In 93 games, he batted .287.
Becoming a Star (2004-2005)
In 2004, Aaron was the full-time center fielder. He had a great season. On May 23, he scored four runs and had four hits. He hit two home runs in a game for the first time on August 13. Five days later, he hit his first grand slam. In 140 games, he hit .310. He also had 24 home runs and 69 RBI. He stole 17 bases, a career high.
In 2005, Aaron made some amazing plays. On June 10, he made two run-saving plays against the Padres. Two days later, he hit a game-winning, three-run home run. He finished the season hitting .270. He had 13 home runs and 16 stolen bases.
The White Sox won their division and made the playoffs. Aaron hit well in the first round against the Red Sox. He helped the White Sox win the AL Championship Series. In the 2005 World Series, he hit .294. The White Sox swept the Astros to win their first World Series since 1917. Fans loved Aaron for his exciting, all-out style of play. He was always running hard and wasn't afraid to crash into walls.
Time with the Philadelphia Phillies (2006–2007)
Amazing Catches and Injuries (2006)
After the 2005 season, Aaron was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. On May 11, 2006, he made a spectacular catch. He ran full speed into the center field wall to catch a deep fly ball. This saved three runs for the Phillies. His manager called it "the best catch I've ever seen." Aaron broke his nose and cut his face in the crash. He needed surgery and missed some games.
Later that season, he broke his ankle in a collision. This ended his season early. In 109 games, he hit .262. He had 12 home runs and 47 RBI.
Best Season and Gold Glove (2007)
The 2007 season was Aaron's best. He was set to become a free agent, and he played great. On June 13, he hit a grand slam. For the first time, he was chosen for the All-Star Game. He had a season-high five hits on July 17.
Late in the season, he hit two home runs against the Cardinals. He also made another amazing catch, falling to the ground to rob a hit. He finished the season hitting .309. He had 27 home runs and 89 RBI. He also won his first Gold Glove Award for being the best defensive outfielder. He led the league in outfield assists.
The Phillies won their division in 2007. They played the Colorado Rockies in the playoffs. Aaron hit a home run in Game 1. However, the Phillies lost the series.
Playing for the San Francisco Giants (2008–2011)
Joining the Giants (2008-2009)
Aaron signed a five-year contract with the San Francisco Giants in December 2007. He was their biggest new player. He started 2008 well, hitting .342 through early June. He hit his 100th career home run on May 25. His hitting cooled off later in the season. In 152 games, he hit .271. He had 13 home runs and 70 RBI. He was still a great defensive outfielder.
In 2009, Aaron had a big moment on July 10. He made a leaping catch at the center field wall. This saved Jonathan Sánchez's no hitter. He got his 1,000th career hit on July 31. In 144 games, he hit .261. He had 15 home runs and 64 RBI.
Second World Series Win (2010-2011)
In 2010, Aaron was hit in the face by a pitch. He had a mild concussion and missed some time. He started losing his regular playing time to Andrés Torres. He played in 105 games, hitting .230. He had 11 home runs and 34 RBI.
The Giants won their division and made the playoffs. Aaron played a key role in the NL Championship Series. He helped the Giants win and reach the 2010 World Series. In Game 2 of the World Series, Aaron hit a two-RBI triple. The Giants won the series, their first since 1954. Aaron earned his second World Series championship ring.
In 2011, Aaron was mostly a reserve player. He got some starts when Torres was injured. He was released by the Giants in August 2011. He tried to sign with the Miami Marlins in 2012 but was released after spring training.
Life After Baseball
Aaron Rowand has two children, Tatum and McKay. His cousin, James Shields, also played in MLB.
Since retiring, Aaron has sometimes worked as a TV or radio broadcaster for the White Sox. In 2015, he was a guest instructor for the Phillies and White Sox. He was later hired by the White Sox to coach minor league outfielders and base runners.
Images for kids
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Aaron Rowand in center field on October 5, 2005
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Aaron Rowand at the White Sox parade celebrating their victory in the 2005 World Series
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Rowand on March 11, 2007
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Rowand at a 2007 Philadelphia Phillies rally
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Rowand waving from a cable car in the parade celebrating the Giants' 2010 World Series victory
