Bobby Scales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bobby Scales |
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Scales with the Orix Buffaloes
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| Left fielder / Third baseman / Second baseman | |||
| Born: October 4, 1977 Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: May 5, 2009, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
| NPB: July 7, 2011, for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 3, 2010, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
| NPB: September 26, 2012, for the Orix Buffaloes | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .248 | ||
| Home runs | 3 | ||
| Runs batted in | 17 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .262 | ||
| Home runs | 14 | ||
| Runs batted in | 53 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Bobby Leon Scales, born on October 4, 1977, is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He mostly played as a second baseman. Bobby was a switch hitter, meaning he could bat from both sides of the plate. He threw the ball right-handed. Scales played college baseball at the University of Michigan. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1999. Bobby played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs. He also played in Japan for teams like the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the Orix Buffaloes.
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Bobby Scales' Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Bobby Scales was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1999. For a while, he didn't get to play much. He even thought about quitting baseball. But his coach, Tony Franklin, convinced him to keep playing. Soon after, another player got hurt, and Bobby finally got his chance to start.
Later, Bobby signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006. He played for their minor league team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. In 2007, he joined the Boston Red Sox organization. He even got to go to their Spring Training. In 2008, Scales played for the Chicago Cubs' minor league teams. He then re-signed with the Cubs in 2009.
Playing in Major League Baseball
Bobby Scales got called up to the Chicago Cubs' main team on May 4, 2009. He made his first Major League game start on May 5. He was 31 years old. In that game, he got his first Major League hit against a famous pitcher, Tim Lincecum. Bobby also scored his first Major League run that same inning.
A few days later, on May 8, 2009, Scales hit his first Major League triple. On May 12, he hit his first Major League home run. He kept playing well, hitting two doubles and bringing in four runs in another game. Bobby had a great start, getting a hit in his first six games. He even scored the winning run in a game against the Houston Astros.
Playing Baseball in Japan
After his time with the Cubs, Bobby Scales went to play baseball in Japan. He signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2011.
In 2012, he signed a minor league contract to return to the Chicago Cubs. However, he later signed with the New York Mets for a short time. After leaving the Mets, Bobby went back to Japan. He signed with the Orix Buffaloes to continue his career there.
After Playing Baseball
After his playing career, Bobby Scales stayed involved in baseball. On November 9, 2012, he was hired by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He became their director of player development. This job means he helped younger players grow their skills.
In 2019, Scales joined the Pittsburgh Pirates. He worked as an assistant fielding coordinator for their teams. More recently, in 2023, Bobby Scales started working as a part-time analyst. He helps broadcast road games for the Detroit Tigers Radio Network.
Personal Life
Bobby Scales is married to Monica, who has a special degree in health communication. In 2005, Bobby was recognized for his community work. He was named the Portland Beavers Community Player of the Year. This award showed how much he helped the people in the Portland area. During the off-season, Bobby also works as a substitute teacher at Milton High School in Milton, Georgia.
