Jacoby Ellsbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jacoby Ellsbury |
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Ellsbury with the New York Yankees in 2015
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| Center fielder | |||
| Born: September 11, 1983 Madras, Oregon, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| June 30, 2007, for the Boston Red Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 30, 2017, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .284 | ||
| Home runs | 104 | ||
| Runs batted in | 512 | ||
| Stolen bases | 343 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury (born September 11, 1983) is a former professional baseball player from America. He was a speedy center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Jacoby played for the Boston Red Sox from 2007 to 2013. Later, he joined the New York Yankees from 2014 to 2017.
Jacoby Ellsbury is special because he is an enrolled member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. He is the first Native American of Navajo descent to play in Major League Baseball. He was known for his incredible speed, great hitting, and excellent defense.
Contents
Jacoby Ellsbury: A Fast-Paced Baseball Career
Growing Up and Discovering Baseball
Jacoby Ellsbury was born in Oregon on September 11, 1983. He grew up with his parents, Jim and Margie, and three younger siblings. His family lived on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation before moving to Madras, Oregon.
Jacoby's mother, Margie, is a full-blooded Navajo. Her family has a rich history, including the famous 19th-century tribal leader Ganado Mucho. His father, Jim, has English and German roots.
From a young age, Jacoby showed amazing talent in sports. In Little League, he often played with older kids. At Madras High School, he excelled in five different sports. In his senior year of baseball, he hit .537 and stole 65 bases! He also played basketball and football, showing his all-around athletic ability.
After high school, Jacoby went to Oregon State University. He continued to shine in college baseball. He was even named a first-team All-American. In 2005, the Boston Red Sox chose him in the first round of the MLB draft.
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Before reaching the big leagues, Jacoby Ellsbury played in the minor leagues. This is where young players develop their skills. He started his professional journey in 2005 with the Lowell Spinners. He quickly showed off his speed, stealing 23 bases in just 35 games.
In 2006, Jacoby continued to impress. He stole many bases and was recognized for his great defense. The Red Sox even named him their Minor League Defensive Player of the Year. He was getting closer to his dream of playing in Major League Baseball.
Boston Red Sox: A Champion's Journey
Jacoby Ellsbury's time with the Boston Red Sox was filled with exciting moments. He helped the team win two World Series championships. He also set many records with his incredible speed and skill.
First Steps in the Major Leagues (2007)
Jacoby made his big league debut with the Red Sox on June 30, 2007. He played center field and quickly showed his talent. He got his first major league hit and stole his first base. Fans loved his speed and energy.
He was called up again in September when teams could have more players. Jacoby hit his first major league home run that month. He was even named the American League Rookie of the Month for September.
During the 2007 postseason, Jacoby became a key player. He started in center field for many important games. In the 2007 World Series, he made history by hitting two doubles in one inning. The Red Sox won the World Series, and Jacoby earned his first championship ring!
Speed on the Bases: Record-Breaking Seasons (2008-2009)
In 2008, Jacoby Ellsbury became a full-time starter. He stole 50 bases, leading the American League. This set a new Red Sox rookie record for stolen bases. He was known for his ability to get on base and then quickly steal his way around the diamond.
Jacoby continued his amazing performance in 2009. He broke the Red Sox's all-time single-season record for stolen bases. He finished the year with an incredible 70 stolen bases, leading the American League again. He also won a Defensive Player of the Year award for his excellent fielding.
An Unforgettable Year: Awards and Achievements (2011)
The 2011 season was one of Jacoby Ellsbury's best. He had an incredible year, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 39 bases. This made him the first Red Sox player ever to join the exclusive 30–30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in one season).
For his outstanding play, Jacoby received many awards. He was named an All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award for his defense. He also won a Silver Slugger Award for his hitting. He was even named the American League Comeback Player of the Year. Jacoby finished second in the voting for the American League Most Valuable Player award.
More Red Sox Success and a Second World Series (2012-2013)
Jacoby faced some injuries in 2012, which limited his playing time. However, he bounced back strong in 2013. He set a new Red Sox record by stealing five bases in a single game!
He played a big role in the 2013 postseason. Jacoby helped the Red Sox win their second World Series championship during his time with the team. This gave him his second World Series ring. After the 2013 season, Jacoby became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.
New York Yankees: New Challenges and Unique Records
Joining the Yankees Team (2014)
In December 2013, Jacoby Ellsbury signed a big contract with the New York Yankees. It was a seven-year deal. He joined his new team for the 2014 season. When he played against his old team, the Red Sox, at Fenway Park, he received a mix of cheers and boos from the fans.
In his first year with the Yankees, Jacoby stayed healthy and played in many games. He hit 16 home runs and stole 39 bases. This showed he was still a powerful and fast player.
Injuries and Special Plays (2015-2017)
Jacoby's time with the Yankees included some challenges with injuries. He missed parts of the 2015 season due to a knee sprain. In 2016, he made a very exciting play by stealing home base! This is a rare and thrilling moment in baseball.
He also set a unique MLB record in 2016. He reached base 12 times because of "catcher's interference." This happens when the catcher accidentally gets in the way of the batter's swing. Jacoby broke the old record of 8 times in a single season. In 2017, he broke the career record for catcher's interference, reaching base this way 30 times.
The End of His Playing Days (2018-2019)
Unfortunately, Jacoby Ellsbury faced more injuries in 2018 and 2019. He was unable to play in either of those seasons due to various health issues, including hip and foot problems.
The Yankees released Jacoby in November 2019. After his release, there were some disagreements about the remaining payments on his contract, which were later resolved. Jacoby Ellsbury ended his playing career holding the single-season and career records for reaching base via catcher's interference.
Beyond the Field: Family and Community
Jacoby Ellsbury is a family man. He married Kelsey Hawkins in December 2012, and they have four children together.
He also believes in giving back to the community. In 2010, Jacoby released a special wine called ZinfandEllsbury. All the money he earned from it went to three charities. These included the Navajo Relief Fund and Project Bread, which helps fight hunger.
In 2014, Jacoby made a generous donation of $1 million to his old university, Oregon State. This money helped improve the baseball stadium. In honor of his gift, the university named their new home locker room the Jacoby Ellsbury Locker Room.
Jacoby Ellsbury's Amazing Accomplishments
- 2× World Series champion 2007, 2013
- 2007 AL Rookie of the Month (September)
- 2008 Red Sox rookie single season stolen bases record
- 2008 AL stolen base leader
- 2009 all-time Red Sox single season stolen bases record
- 2009 MLB stolen base leader
- 2011 AL Comeback Player of the Year
- 2011 All-Star
- 2013 all-time Red Sox single game stolen base record
- 2013 MLB stolen base leader
- 2011 Gold Glove Award winner
- 2011 Silver Slugger Award winner
- First Red Sox player in the 30–30 club (2011)
- MLB single-season and career record holder for reaching base via catcher's interference
See also
In Spanish: Jacoby Ellsbury para niños
- List of Major League Baseball annual stolen base leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual triples leaders
