DeWayne Wise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DeWayne Wise |
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Dewayne Wise with the Chicago White Sox
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: February 24, 1978 Chapin, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 6, 2000, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| May 29, 2013, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .228 | ||
| Home runs | 31 | ||
| Runs batted in | 115 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Larry DeWayne Wise, born on February 24, 1978, is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). DeWayne graduated from Chapin High School in 1997. The Cincinnati Reds chose him in the fifth round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft.
He played for several MLB teams during his career. These teams included the Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Florida Marlins, and New York Yankees. DeWayne Wise is most famous for a spectacular catch he made in 2009. This catch stopped Gabe Kapler from hitting a home run and helped Mark Buehrle complete a rare perfect game.
Contents
- DeWayne Wise's Baseball Journey
- Starting with the Toronto Blue Jays (2000–2002)
- Playing for the Atlanta Braves (2004)
- Time with the Detroit Tigers (2005)
- Return to the Cincinnati Reds (2006–2007)
- Joining the Chicago White Sox (2008–2009)
- Back to the Toronto Blue Jays (2010)
- Florida Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays (2011)
- Playing for the New York Yankees (2012)
- Final Stint with the Chicago White Sox (2012–2013)
DeWayne Wise's Baseball Journey
Starting with the Toronto Blue Jays (2000–2002)
The Toronto Blue Jays picked up DeWayne Wise on December 13, 1999. He had not yet played a game for the Reds. His first major league game was on April 6, 2000, against the Kansas City Royals. He came into the game as a defensive player.
In 2000, he played in only 28 games and struggled to hit well. He was then sent back to the minor leagues. After spending all of 2001 in the minor leagues, Wise returned to the Blue Jays in 2002. He played in 42 games and hit his first career home run on July 24. However, he was sent back to the minor leagues again because his batting average was low. He became a free agent after the 2003 season.
Playing for the Atlanta Braves (2004)
On October 25, 2003, Wise signed with the Atlanta Braves. He played very well in their minor league system. He hit a combined .309 across different teams. This strong performance earned him a chance to play in the major leagues again.
In 2004, Wise played in 77 games for the Braves. He hit .228 with six home runs and 17 RBI. After the season, the Braves let him go.
Time with the Detroit Tigers (2005)
On October 15, 2004, the Detroit Tigers claimed Wise. He spent the entire 2005 season with the Toledo Mud Hens. This was the Tigers' Triple-A team. He played in 108 games, hitting .234 with eight home runs and 34 RBI.
Return to the Cincinnati Reds (2006–2007)
Next, Wise signed with the Cincinnati Reds, the team that first drafted him. He spent most of the 2006 season in Triple-A. However, he did play in 31 MLB games, hitting .184 with one RBI. The Reds signed him again for the 2007 season. He mostly played in Triple-A again, appearing in only five major league games. He became a free agent on October 1, 2007.
Joining the Chicago White Sox (2008–2009)
After leaving the Reds, Wise considered playing in independent baseball leagues. But then, the Chicago White Sox called him. He signed a minor league deal with them on March 5, 2008. He played for their Triple-A team, the Charlotte Knights.
Wise was called up to the major leagues in May. He was used mostly as a reserve outfielder or defensive replacement. He impressed everyone by hitting .288 with two home runs in 35 games. Wise got a big chance when White Sox star Carlos Quentin got injured. Wise took over Quentin's position in left field.
The White Sox were in a close race for their division title. Wise helped them win the division. He hit his first career grand slam on September 14, 2008. This hit helped the White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 11–7. The White Sox made it to the postseason but lost to the Tampa Bay Rays. Wise hit .286 with a home run in the 2008 ALDS.
In December 2008, Wise signed a new deal with the White Sox. Manager Ozzie Guillén named him the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter for 2009. However, early in the season, Wise separated his shoulder while making a diving catch. This injury kept him out of the game until May 29.
The Famous Catch (2009)
On July 23, 2009, at U. S. Cellular Field, Wise made history. He came into the game in the ninth inning as a defensive substitute. He then made an amazing, juggling catch to rob the Rays' Gabe Kapler of a home run. This incredible play saved Mark Buehrle's perfect game. To thank Wise, Mark Buehrle gave him a special bottle of Crown Royal XR.
On July 30, 2009, the White Sox put up a sign that said "The Catch" on the left field wall. It marked the exact spot where Wise made his famous play.
Back to the Toronto Blue Jays (2010)
On October 9, 2009, Wise chose to become a free agent. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in November 2009. He was assigned to their Triple-A team. In June 2010, Wise became a free agent again. On June 5, the Toronto Blue Jays signed him to a minor league deal.
Florida Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays (2011)
On January 12, 2011, the Florida Marlins signed Wise. He was invited to their spring training. However, he did not make the team's Opening Day roster. The Marlins released him on March 30.
On April 11, the Blue Jays signed Wise again. He was called up to the Marlins on June 17. On August 26, the Blue Jays claimed Wise again. He made his 2011 Blue Jays debut on August 27. On October 6, he chose to become a free agent.
Playing for the New York Yankees (2012)
On January 4, 2012, Wise signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He played well in Triple-A, hitting .333 with four home runs. Because of his strong play, Wise was called up to the Yankees on May 4, 2012.
Wise had a great game against the Cleveland Indians on June 25. He hit a two-run home run and a triple, helping the Yankees win 7–1. On June 29, Wise even pitched for the Yankees. He was the first position player for the Yankees to pitch since Nick Swisher in 2009.
On July 23, 2012, Wise was removed from the Yankees' roster. He chose not to go back to the minor leagues and was released on July 30.
Final Stint with the Chicago White Sox (2012–2013)
On August 3, 2012, Wise signed a minor league contract with the White Sox again. He was called up on August 11. On November 21, 2012, Wise signed a one-year deal to stay with the White Sox. He was released on August 3, 2013, ending his professional baseball career.
