Joey Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joey Butler |
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Butler with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014
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| Designated hitter / Left fielder | |||
| Born: March 12, 1986 Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: August 7, 2013, for the Texas Rangers | |||
| NPB: July 1, 2014, for the Orix Buffaloes | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 4, 2015, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |||
| NPB: August 13, 2014, for the Orix Buffaloes | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .274 | ||
| Hits | 75 | ||
| Home runs | 8 | ||
| Runs batted in | 31 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .231 | ||
| Hits | 12 | ||
| Home runs | 2 | ||
| Runs batted in | 6 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Joseph Frank Butler (born March 12, 1986) is an American former professional baseball player. He played as a designated hitter and left fielder. Joey Butler played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan.
Joey Butler is known for a special achievement. He is the only player since at least 1901 to hit two home runs in his very last major league game.
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Early Life and College Baseball
Joey Butler grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He went to Pascagoula High School. There, he was a talented athlete. He played baseball, football, and basketball for the Pascagoula Panthers.
After high school, Butler attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Later, he transferred to the University of New Orleans. At New Orleans, he played college baseball. His team made it to the NCAA tournament two years in a row. In 119 games, Butler had a strong batting average of .342.
Professional Baseball Career
Starting with the Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers picked Joey Butler in the 15th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft. He started his professional career as a right fielder. Even though he was a great hitter in college, some scouts worried about his defense.
Butler began playing in the minor leagues. He played for teams like the Low-A Spokane Indians and the High-A Bakersfield Blaze. He continued to hit well. In 2011, he hit a career-high 14 home runs. In 2012, he hit 20 home runs and had 78 RBI.
On August 5, 2013, the Rangers called Butler up to the major leagues. This was his first time playing in MLB. He made his debut as a pinch hitter. He played 8 games for Texas that year.
Time with the St. Louis Cardinals
On October 3, 2013, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed Joey Butler. He was assigned to their Triple-A team, the Memphis Redbirds. He was called up to the Cardinals' main team on May 9, 2014.
Butler played only 6 games for the Cardinals. He did not get any hits. He was then released by the team. This allowed him to play baseball in Japan.
Playing in Japan with the Orix Buffaloes
After leaving the Cardinals, Joey Butler joined the Orix Buffaloes. This team plays in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan. He made his debut in Japan on July 1, 2014.
Butler played 21 games for the Buffaloes. He hit .231 with two home runs and six RBIs. He became a free agent after that season.
Joining the Tampa Bay Rays
On January 10, 2015, Butler signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. He started the year with their Triple-A team, the Durham Bulls. On May 3, he was called up to the major leagues again.
On May 4, he hit his first MLB home run. It was a two-run homer against the Boston Red Sox. On July 1, he broke up a no-hitter. He got a single against pitcher Carlos Carrasco. In 88 games for the Rays, Butler hit .276 with 8 home runs and 30 RBI. He was later designated for assignment on December 3, 2015.
Later Career Teams
After the Rays, Joey Butler was claimed by the Cleveland Indians in December 2015. He played for their Triple-A team, the Columbus Clippers. He finished the 2016 season with Columbus. He then became a free agent.
In 2017, Butler signed with the Washington Nationals. He played for their Triple-A team, the Syracuse Chiefs. However, he played only 28 games that year due to an injury. He became a free agent again after the season.
Personal Life
Joey Butler is married and has two children. He has a daughter and a son.
