Christian Bethancourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christian Bethancourt |
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Bethancourt with the San Diego Padres in 2016
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| Toronto Blue Jays | |||
| Catcher / First baseman | |||
| Born: September 2, 1991 Panama City, Panama |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: September 29, 2013, for the Atlanta Braves | |||
| KBO: March 23, 2019, for the NC Dinos | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) |
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| Batting average | .229 | ||
| Home runs | 35 | ||
| Runs batted in | 135 | ||
| KBO statistics (through 2019 season) |
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| Batting average | .246 | ||
| Home runs | 8 | ||
| Runs batted in | 29 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Christian Gabriel Bethancourt Ruiz (born September 2, 1991) is a professional baseball player from Panama. He plays as a catcher and first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Christian has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), including the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and Chicago Cubs. He also played in the KBO League for the NC Dinos. The Braves signed him in 2008, and he made his first MLB appearance in 2013.
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Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Christian Bethancourt was born and grew up in Panama City, Panama. He started playing baseball when he was five years old. At first, he played as a third baseman. However, he often left his position to chase the ball wherever it went. His parents suggested he try playing behind home plate as a catcher. They told him that if he left his catcher's spot, his team would likely lose. This helped him learn to stay in position.
Christian's Professional Baseball Journey
Starting with the Atlanta Braves
Minor League Years
Christian Bethancourt began his professional baseball career in 2008 when he was just 16. He was signed as a free agent, meaning no team had drafted him. Before the 2012 season, MLB.com recognized him as one of the top seven catching prospects in baseball.
In 2012, Bethancourt played for the Mississippi Braves, a Double-A team. He was chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game, which features rising stars. On August 9, 2012, he broke his left hand after being hit by a pitch. After the 2012 season, the Braves added him to their 40-man roster, which meant he was closer to playing in the major leagues.
Christian played for the Mississippi Braves again in 2013 and was selected for his second All-Star Futures Game. After the minor league season ended, he was called up to the Atlanta Braves on September 9, 2013. He made his first Major League Baseball appearance on September 29, 2013, against the Philadelphia Phillies. He struck out in his only turn at bat.
Playing in Major League Baseball
In 2014, Bethancourt started the year with the Gwinnett Braves, a Triple-A team. He made his third All-Star Futures Game appearance on June 24. He was promoted to the major leagues on June 28 when another player, Evan Gattis, was injured. On July 1, he got his first major league RBI against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Christian played in 13 games for the Braves, hitting for a .240 batting average. He was sent back to the minor leagues on July 21 but was called back up on September 2.
During spring training in 2015, the Braves wanted to see how Bethancourt would perform before making him their main catcher. On June 6, he hit his first career home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. This home run, hit off Vance Worley, gave the Braves a 5–4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Christian played in 29 games for the Braves early in 2015. He was sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 15 after making some defensive errors and not hitting well. On October 5, Bethancourt had knee surgery for a meniscus tear.
Moving to the San Diego Padres
On December 10, 2015, Bethancourt was traded to the San Diego Padres. After spring training in April 2016, he became the backup catcher. On May 31, he made his first appearance as a pitcher in a game against the Seattle Mariners. He pitched again on June 14, getting his first strikeout as a pitcher. At the end of the season, Bethancourt played in the Panamanian Professional Baseball League as both a pitcher and a position player.
On April 1, 2017, the Padres announced that Bethancourt would mainly work as a relief pitcher. He would also play as a catcher, outfielder, and pinch hitter. He struggled as a pitcher, and the Padres sent him to their Triple-A team, the El Paso Chihuahuas, where he continued to pitch. He became a free agent on November 6, 2017.
Other Teams and Return to MLB
Christian Bethancourt signed minor league deals with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 and 2021. He played for the NC Dinos in the KBO League in 2019. In 2020, he did not play due to the minor league season being canceled.
On May 1, 2021, Bethancourt signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He played well for their Triple-A team, the Indianapolis Indians.
Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays
On December 3, 2021, Bethancourt signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics. On April 15, 2022, he was added to the Athletics' main roster. This was his first time playing in a Major League Baseball game since 2017. He played 56 games for Oakland.
On July 9, 2022, the Athletics traded Bethancourt to the Tampa Bay Rays. On August 23, he had a great game, driving in three runs, including a home run. He also pitched a scoreless inning, throwing pitches up to 95 miles per hour. In 2023, Bethancourt played in 104 games for Tampa Bay, which was a career high for him.
Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs
On November 6, 2023, Bethancourt was claimed by the Cleveland Guardians. On December 10, he was traded to the Miami Marlins. He played 38 games for the Marlins. On June 21, 2024, he was removed from the team's main roster and later released.
On July 5, 2024, Bethancourt signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. After playing seven games for their Triple-A team, he was called up to the major league roster on July 26. On August 28, Bethancourt had an amazing game, getting 7 or more RBIs, a rare achievement for a Cubs catcher. He played 24 games for Chicago. On November 4, he chose to become a free agent.
Toronto Blue Jays
On January 22, 2025, Christian Bethancourt signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
See also
In Spanish: Christian Bethancourt para niños
