Chris Singleton (baseball) facts for kids

Christopher "Chris" Verdell Singleton (born August 15, 1972) is an American sportscaster and former professional baseball outfielder. He played most of his career as a center fielder for six seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1999 to 2005. He played for teams like the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Chris was known for batting and throwing with his left hand. After his playing career, he became a well-known voice in baseball broadcasting.

Chris Singleton's Baseball Journey

Starting His Career

Chris Singleton began his baseball journey when the Houston Astros picked him in the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft. Instead of turning pro right away, he chose to go to the University of Nevada. His skills grew a lot there.

Three years later, the San Francisco Giants drafted him in 1993. This was a much higher pick! He later moved to the New York Yankees in a trade in 1997. Then, in 1998, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox.

Playing in the Major Leagues

Chris made it to the Major Leagues in 1999 with the White Sox. In his first year, he had a great season, hitting for a .300 batting average. He also hit 17 home runs and had 74 RBI (Runs Batted In).

A special moment in 1999 happened on July 6. Chris hit for the cycle, which means he hit a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in the same game! He was the first White Sox player to do this in 15 years.

After his time with the White Sox, Chris was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2002. He later played for the Oakland Athletics in 2003.

Later Career

In 2004, Chris had planned to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, his contract was canceled because of a health issue with his ear. It was more serious than a simple infection.

In 2005, he signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He played in 59 games before being released in July of that year. Throughout his career, Chris trained at EVO Ultrafit in Phoenix, Arizona.

Broadcasting Career

After his playing days, Chris Singleton became a successful sportscaster.

Radio and TV Analyst

From 2006 to 2007, Chris worked as a color commentator for Chicago White Sox radio broadcasts. He helped explain the game to listeners alongside play-by-play announcer Ed Farmer.

In 2008, he moved to ESPN to become an analyst for their TV show Baseball Tonight. This meant he would share his expert opinions on baseball games and news.

Chris also became the lead game analyst for ESPN Radio's baseball coverage. From 2011 to 2021, he called Sunday Night Baseball games, the All-Star Game, and postseason games for the network. He worked with play-by-play announcers like Dan Shulman and Jon Sciambi.

In 2021, Chris started working as a part-time analyst for Milwaukee Brewers telecasts on Bally Sports Wisconsin.

Personal Life

Chris Singleton is not related to another former MLB player named Ken Singleton. However, people often thought they were related during Chris's playing career. When Chris played for the Orioles, he chose to wear the number 29 jersey, which was the same number Ken Singleton wore when he played for the Orioles.

Chris Singleton is also an ordained minister.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle