Anthony Alford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anthony Alford |
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Alford with the Columbus Clippers in 2022
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| Free agent | |||
| Outfielder | |||
| Born: July 20, 1994 Columbia, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: May 19, 2017, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |||
| KBO: June 14, 2022, for the KT Wiz | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2022 season) |
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| Batting average | .209 | ||
| Home runs | 8 | ||
| Runs batted in | 20 | ||
| KBO statistics (through 2023 season) |
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| Batting average | .288 | ||
| Home runs | 29 | ||
| Runs batted in | 120 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Anthony Joseph Alford, born on July 20, 1994, is a talented American baseball player. He plays as an outfielder. He has played for teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). He also played for the KT Wiz in the KBO League in South Korea. Currently, he is a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team.
Contents
Anthony Alford's Baseball Journey
Early Life and Sports
Anthony Alford grew up in Columbia, Mississippi. He went to Petal High School. There, he was a star in both football and baseball. In football, he played quarterback. He threw for over 2,000 yards and ran for over 1,700 yards in his senior year. He scored many touchdowns. He even played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
In baseball, he was just as good. He hit very well, with a .483 average. He also hit four home runs. He was very fast, stealing 14 bases without getting caught.
College Sports
Alford first went to the University of Southern Mississippi to play college football. He was a "dual-threat" quarterback, meaning he could both pass and run. He started in five games during his first season. He later transferred to the University of Mississippi.
Starting Professional Baseball
Even though he loved football, baseball teams were very interested in Alford. Many thought he would be picked early in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. However, he wanted to keep playing football. This made some teams hesitate.
The Toronto Blue Jays still drafted him in the third round. They offered him a special deal. He could sign with them and get a bonus. He could also still go to university to play football. Then, he would play baseball in the summer.
Early Minor League Years
Alford started his professional baseball career in 2012. He played for the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays. He played a few games and showed his speed by stealing bases. After the baseball season, he went to college to play football.
He continued to play baseball in the summers. In 2014, he played for the Bluefield Blue Jays and then the Lansing Lugnuts. He hit two home runs and stole five bases that year. He decided to focus on baseball full-time in late 2014. He even played in the Australian Baseball League for the Canberra Cavalry.
In 2015, Alford played for the Lansing Lugnuts again. He was named an All-Star. He was promoted to the Dunedin Blue Jays. That year, he played 107 games. He had a .298 batting average, four home runs, and 27 stolen bases. He was showing great potential.
In 2016, he faced some challenges. He got a concussion after colliding with a teammate. He worked hard to improve his hitting. After the season, he played in the Arizona Fall League. He was named an All-Star there. The Blue Jays added him to their main roster to protect him.
Reaching the Major Leagues
In 2017, Alford impressed his coaches during spring training. He started the season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He played very well, hitting .325 with three home runs and nine stolen bases. Because of his strong performance, he was called up to the major leagues.
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On May 19, 2017, Alford made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. He got his first major league hit, a double, a few days later. However, he soon fractured his wrist and had to take time off. After recovering, he played in the minor leagues again. He finished 2017 with a .299 average in the minors.
In 2018, he was called up to the Blue Jays again for a short time. On September 23, 2019, Alford hit his first major league home run. It was a big moment, as it gave Toronto an 11–10 victory. In August 2020, he left the Blue Jays.
Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates
On August 27, 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Alford. He hit a home run in his very first game with the Pirates. However, he got injured again. He fractured his right elbow crashing into an outfield wall. This injury ended his season early.
He returned in 2021 but struggled at the start. He was sent to the minor leagues. He was called back up later that season. In April 2022, he was designated for assignment. He then became a free agent.
Time with the Cleveland Guardians
On May 3, 2022, Alford signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians. This was a short time for him with the team.
Playing in South Korea
Later in May 2022, Alford signed a contract with the KT Wiz in the KBO League in South Korea. He played well there. In 80 games, he hit .286 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI.
He re-signed with the KT Wiz for 2023. He continued to perform strongly. In 133 games, he hit .289 with 15 home runs, 70 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. After the 2023 season, he became a free agent again.
Recent Career Moves
In February 2024, Alford signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He played 12 games for their Double-A team. He hit one home run and had five RBI. He was released by the Reds in May.
Soon after, in May 2024, Alford signed with the Piratas de Campeche in the Mexican League. He played 39 games there. He hit eight home runs and had 25 RBI. He was released by the Piratas in January 2025.
Images for kids
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Alford with the Columbus Clippers in 2022
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Alford with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017
