Billy Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy Butler |
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Butler with the Oakland Athletics in 2015
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| Designated hitter / First baseman | |||
| Born: April 18, 1986 Orange Park, Florida |
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| debut | |||
| May 1, 2007, for the Kansas City Royals | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 2, 2016, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .290 | ||
| Home runs | 147 | ||
| Runs batted in | 728 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Billy Ray Butler (born April 18, 1986), also known by his nickname "Country Breakfast", is a former professional baseball player. He played as a designated hitter and first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). Billy played for the Kansas City Royals from 2007 to 2014, the Oakland Athletics from 2015 to 2016, and the New York Yankees in 2016. He was chosen as an MLB All-Star in 2012. That same year, he won the Silver Slugger Award and the Edgar Martínez Award.
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Becoming a Baseball Star
High School and Draft
Billy Butler went to Wolfson High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a talented player there. In the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, the Kansas City Royals picked him in the first round. He was the 14th player chosen overall. Billy decided to sign with the Royals and start his professional baseball journey. He turned down a scholarship to play for the University of Florida.
Playing in the Minor Leagues
Billy started his professional career in the minor leagues. He played for the Idaho Falls Chukars in 2004. He hit really well, with a .373 batting average. He also hit 10 home runs and had 68 RBIs. Because of his great play, he was named the Kansas City Royals Minor League Player of the Year.
In 2005, Billy continued to shine. He was named the California League Rookie of the Year. He also earned several other awards, showing he was one of the best young players. In 2006, he led the Texas League with a .331 batting average. He also played for the U.S. national baseball team. Billy was chosen for the 2006 All-Star Futures Game. He hit the winning home run in that game and was named its MVP.
Major League Baseball Journey
Starting with the Kansas City Royals (2007-2014)
Billy Butler made his first appearance in Major League Baseball on May 1, 2007. He got a hit in his very first at bat. In his first year, he batted .292 with 8 home runs and 52 RBIs.
In 2009, Billy really started to show his power. He batted .301 and had career highs in RBIs (92) and doubles (51). He also hit 21 home runs. He was named the American League Player of the Month for September. He also won the 2009 Royals Player of the Year award.
On January 23, 2011, Billy signed a four-year contract with the Royals. In 2012, he was chosen for his first All-Star Game. This was a big moment in his career. After the season, he won the 2012 American League Silver Slugger Award for designated hitters. He also received the 2012 Edgar Martínez Award, which goes to the best designated hitter.
In 2013, Billy got his 1,000th career hit. He played in all 162 games that season. He hit 15 home runs and drove in 82 runs. However, 2014 was a tougher year for Billy. His batting average and home run numbers were lower. After the season, the Royals decided not to offer him a new contract, making him a free agent.
Time with the Oakland Athletics (2015-2016)
On November 18, 2014, Billy signed a three-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. In 2015, he batted .251. In 2016, he played 85 games for the Athletics. On September 11, 2016, the Athletics released him from his contract.
Joining the New York Yankees (2016)
After leaving the Athletics, Billy signed with the New York Yankees on September 15, 2016. He played a few games for them before the end of the season.
Career Highlights
Over 10 seasons and 1414 games, Billy Butler had a career batting average of .290. He hit 147 home runs and had 728 RBIs. He was known for his strong hitting and ability to get on base.
Personal Life
Billy Butler is married to Katie Hansen Butler. They have a daughter named Kenley, who was born in 2008. They spend most of the year living in Scottsdale, Arizona and Idaho Falls, ID. His famous nickname, "Country Breakfast," was given to him by a sports editor because of his size.
