Grady Sizemore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grady Sizemore
Sizemore with the Cleveland Indians in 2011
Chicago White Sox – No. 24
Center fielder / Coach / Manager
Born: (1982-08-02) August 2, 1982 (age 42) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Batted: Left Threw: Left
debut
July 21, 2004, for the Cleveland Indians
Last appearance
October 3, 2015, for the Tampa Bay Rays
MLB statistics (through September 29, 2024)
Batting average	.265
Home runs	150
Runs batted in	518
Managerial record	13–32
Winning %	.289
Teams
As player Cleveland Indians (2004–2011) Boston Red Sox (2014) Philadelphia Phillies (2014–2015) Tampa Bay Rays (2015) As manager Chicago White Sox (2024) As coach Chicago White Sox (2024–present)
Career highlights and awards
3× All-Star (2006–2008) 2× Gold Glove Award (2007, 2008) Silver Slugger Award (2008)

Grady Sizemore (born August 2, 1982) is a former American professional baseball player. He was a talented center fielder and later became a coach. He even served as the interim manager for the Chicago White Sox.

Sizemore played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians from 2004 to 2011. After some injuries, he returned in 2014 with the Boston Red Sox. He also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015.

He was a three-time MLB All-Star. He also won two Gold Glove Awards for his amazing defense. Plus, he earned a Silver Slugger Award for his hitting. In 2024, he joined the Chicago White Sox coaching staff. He became their interim manager in August of that year.

Early Life and High School Sports

Grady Sizemore was born in Seattle, Washington, on August 2, 1982. He grew up loving sports. He went to Cascade High School in Everett, Washington, and graduated in 2000.

In high school, Grady was a star athlete. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He was so good at football that he became Cascade's all-time leader in rushing yards. He had 3,081 rushing yards! Grady also did well in school, graduating with a 3.85 GPA. He planned to play both football and baseball at the University of Washington.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting in the Minors

The Montreal Expos picked Grady Sizemore in the third round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. They offered him a lot of money to play professional baseball instead of going to college. Grady decided to sign with the Expos.

In 2002, the Expos traded Sizemore to the Cleveland Indians. This trade also involved other future star players like Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips.

Time with the Cleveland Indians

Making His MLB Debut (2004–2007)

Sizemore signing autographs in 2006 with the Indians

Grady Sizemore first joined the major leagues on July 21, 2004. He played his first game that day against the Chicago White Sox. He finished his first season with a .246 batting average. He also hit four home runs and had 24 RBI in 43 games.

In 2005, Sizemore played his first full season. He quickly became known as a rising star. He was a great center fielder and a strong hitter. He was one of only two players in Cleveland history to have 20 doubles, 10 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in one season.

Before the 2006 season, Sizemore signed a long-term contract with the Indians. In 2006, he was chosen for his first All-Star Game. He played in all 162 games that year. He hit .290 with 28 home runs and 76 RBI. He also led the major leagues with 53 doubles and 134 runs scored.

In 2007, Sizemore continued his strong play. He was named to his second All-Star team. He batted .277 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI. He also stole 33 bases. He played in his first postseason games in 2007. On November 6, he won his first Gold Glove Award. This award recognized his excellent defense in center field.

Joining the 30–30 Club (2008)

In 2008, Grady Sizemore kept up his impressive performance. He hit his 20th home run and stole his 20th base, making it his fourth straight "20–20" season. He was the only player in the American League to do this from 2005 to 2008.

Sizemore was chosen for the American League All-Star Team for the third year in a row. He also took part in the Home Run Derby. On August 25, he hit his 30th and 31st home runs of the season. This made him the 32nd player to join the 30–30 club, meaning he had at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in one season.

He finished the 2008 season with a .268 batting average, 33 home runs, 90 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. For his great year, he won his second straight Gold Glove. He also received his first Silver Slugger Award for his hitting.

Battling Injuries (2009–2013)

In 2009, Sizemore had to deal with injuries. He had surgery on his left elbow and then on his lower abdomen. These injuries cut his season short. In 106 games, he hit .248 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI.

His injury struggles continued in 2010. He played in only 33 games before needing knee surgery. In 2011, he tried to come back but kept getting injured. He had more knee problems and another hernia surgery. The Indians decided not to offer him a contract for 2012.

Sizemore re-signed with Cleveland for 2012, but more injuries kept him from playing any games that season. He had more knee surgery in September. He remained a free agent through 2013, focusing on getting healthy again.

Playing for Other Teams

Boston Red Sox (2014)

On January 22, 2014, Sizemore signed with the Boston Red Sox. He earned a starting spot in center field. On Opening Day, he hit a home run. He played in 52 games for the Red Sox, hitting .216 with two home runs. The Red Sox released him in June 2014.

Philadelphia Phillies (2014–2015)

Sizemore then signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in June 2014. He was called up to the Phillies in July. On July 25, he got his 1,000th career hit! He signed a new contract with the Phillies for the 2015 season. However, he was released by the Phillies in May 2015.

Tampa Bay Rays (2015)

Sizemore with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015

On June 15, 2015, Sizemore signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. He played in 57 games for the Rays, hitting .257 with six home runs. After the 2015 season, he became a free agent and did not play baseball in 2016.

After Playing Baseball

In 2017, the Cleveland Indians hired Sizemore as a special advisor. He helped with player development. Later, he stepped away from this role to spend time with his young children.

In 2023, Sizemore took an internship with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He wanted to learn more about how baseball teams are run. After that, he joined the Chicago White Sox coaching staff for the 2024 season.

On August 8, 2024, the White Sox named Sizemore their interim manager. This happened after the team's previous manager was let go. The team had a tough season, but they finished strong under Sizemore, winning 5 of their last 6 games. He was later named the White Sox Offensive Coordinator for the 2025 season.

Managerial Record

Personal Life

Grady Sizemore is married to Brittany, and they have three children. They live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

See also

• Cleveland Guardians award winners and league leaders
• List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
• List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders
• List of people from Everett, Washington