José Bautista facts for kids
Quick facts for kids José Bautista |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bautista at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2024
|
||||||||||||||
| Right fielder / Third baseman | ||||||||||||||
| Born: October 19, 1980 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| debut | ||||||||||||||
| April 4, 2004, for the Baltimore Orioles | ||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | ||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2018, for the Philadelphia Phillies | ||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics | ||||||||||||||
| Batting average | .247 | |||||||||||||
| Home runs | 344 | |||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 975 | |||||||||||||
| Teams | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
Medals
|
||||||||||||||
José Antonio Bautista Santos (born October 19, 1980), also known as "Joey Bats", is a former professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He played for 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was mostly known for his time with the Toronto Blue Jays. Bautista also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies.
The Pirates picked Bautista in the 2000 MLB draft. He played for four different teams before joining the Blue Jays in 2008. In 2010, he hit 54 home runs, leading MLB for two years in a row. From 2010 to 2015, Bautista hit more home runs than any other player in the major leagues. He was chosen for the MLB All-Star team six times in a row. He also won three Silver Slugger Awards and two Hank Aaron Awards. Before joining the Blue Jays, Bautista mainly played third base.
Baseball experts first noticed Bautista in college for his strong hitting and throwing arm. But his career took many turns before he became a star in 2010. He started in MLB with the Orioles in 2004. That year, he became the first player to be on five different MLB teams in one season. The last of those teams was the Pirates, where he played for over four seasons. He played many different positions, including designated hitter.
Bautista was traded to the Blue Jays in August 2008. After changing his swing, he hit ten home runs in September 2009. Bautista was often ranked among the top ten players for the Most Valuable Player Award. He holds many records for the Blue Jays team in hitting.
From 2010 to 2017, Bautista hit at least 20 home runs every year. In four of those seasons, he hit at least 35 home runs. He also scored and drove in at least 100 runs. He also got at least 100 walks, leading the American League twice. In 2015, he played in the playoffs for the first time. His famous bat flip in the American League Division Series (ALDS) became a symbol. It marked Toronto's first playoff appearance in 22 years. In 2011, Bautista started a program to help athletes from the Dominican Republic. It helps them attend universities in the United States.
In 2024, he became an owner of the soccer team Las Vegas Lights FC.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
José Bautista grew up in a middle class family in the Dominican Republic. His family believed education was very important. He started learning English when he was eight years old. His mother was an accountant, and his father managed poultry farms. Bautista went to a private high school in Santo Domingo. He also studied business at a university. He wanted to have a backup plan if baseball didn't work out.
Bautista worked out with several MLB teams. He turned down offers from the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cincinnati Reds offered him $300,000, which he accepted. However, the team's ownership changed, and the offer was taken back. Bautista then made a video of himself playing baseball. He sent it to colleges in the United States. He eventually got a call from Oscar Pérez, who knew him from a league in the Dominican Republic. Pérez told him about a fund that helps Latin American players. This fund helps them play college baseball in the US. Bautista then connected with Don Odermann, a businessman. Odermann helped Bautista find Chipola College in Florida. Bautista played there for two years before being drafted.
Professional Baseball Career
Starting Out in the Majors
The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Bautista in the 20th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Pirates for $500,000. He played in the minor leagues for a few years.
In 2004, the Baltimore Orioles picked Bautista. He made his MLB debut with them on April 4, 2004. After 16 games, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays claimed him. Then, the Kansas City Royals bought him. He played 13 games for the Royals. On July 30, they traded him to the New York Mets. The Mets then traded him minutes later to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This made him the first player to be on five different MLB teams in one season. He actually played for four of those teams.
Bautista played 11 games for the Pirates in 2005. In 2006, his first full season, he hit 16 home runs. In 2007, he hit 15 home runs. That year, he became the Pirates' starting third baseman. In 2008, he struggled with hitting. He lost his starting job and was sent to the minor leagues.
Joining the Toronto Blue Jays
2008-2009: A New Start
On August 21, 2008, the Pirates traded Bautista to the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays needed a third baseman because of an injury. Bautista hit three home runs in 21 games for Toronto after the trade.
He started the 2009 season on the bench. He played well in April, but his hitting dropped off. Later in the season, he got more playing time. The Blue Jays also changed their hitting coach. The new coach, Dwayne Murphy, helped Bautista change his swing. This change helped him hit with more power. In September and October, he hit 10 home runs. He finished 2009 with 13 home runs. He then signed a new contract with the Blue Jays for the 2010 season.
2010: Becoming a Home Run King
Bautista started 2010 as the starting right fielder. In May, he was named the American League (AL) Player of the Week. He hit his 20th home run in June, a new career high.
He was chosen as a reserve for the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. In July, he hit 11 home runs and won AL Player of the Month. He also won AL Player of the Week twice in August. On August 26, Bautista hit his 100th career home run. He won AL Player of the Month again for August.
On September 17, Bautista set a new Blue Jays record with his 48th home run. On September 23, he became the 26th player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in one season. He was the first Blue Jays player to do so. He finished the 2010 season with an MLB-leading 54 home runs. This was the most since Alex Rodriguez hit 54 in 2007. Bautista won the AL Hank Aaron Award and a Silver Slugger Award. He also finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.
2011: Another Amazing Season
Bautista signed a five-year contract extension before the 2011 season. He started as the Blue Jays' right fielder. In April, he broke a club record for walks. He was named AL Player of the Month for April.
On May 15, Bautista hit three home runs in one game. On May 28, he hit his 20th home run. He was the first player to reach 20 home runs in 2011. He was also the fastest Blue Jays player to reach 20 home runs. Bautista won AL Player of the Month for May. On June 23, he moved back to third base.
Bautista was chosen for the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He received a record 7,454,753 votes. He led MLB in home runs, walks, and other stats. He was the first Blue Jay to lead All-Star voting. He also took part in the Home Run Derby.
On August 5, Bautista returned to right field. On August 20, he reached 100 walks for the season. On September 5, he hit his 40th home run. He was the second Blue Jays player to have back-to-back 40 home run seasons. On September 7, he stole home plate.
Bautista led MLB in home runs for the second year in a row with 43. He also led in slugging percentage and walks. He won the Hank Aaron Award and Silver Slugger Award again. He set new Blue Jays records for walks in a season (132).
2012-2014: Injuries and Continued Success
Bautista was on the cover of the Canadian edition of MLB 12: The Show in 2012. On June 19, he hit one of three straight home runs for the Blue Jays. On June 27, he hit his 25th home run, setting a new club record for home runs in a month with 13. He finished June with 14 home runs.
He was voted an AL starter for the 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He was named AL Player of the Month for June. Bautista also competed in the Home Run Derby, finishing second.
Bautista was placed on the disabled list on July 17 with a wrist injury. He returned briefly but went back on the DL on August 26. He had surgery on his wrist, ending his 2012 season. He played in 92 games, hitting 27 home runs.
In 2013, Bautista was again on the cover of MLB 13: The Show. He hit his 200th career home run on June 29. On July 6, he was elected to his fourth straight All-Star Game. He drove in the winning run in the All-Star Game. His season ended early again on September 4 due to a hip injury. He finished 2013 with 28 home runs.
In 2014, Bautista started the season by reaching base safely in 37 straight games. This was a Blue Jays record. On June 18, he got his 1,000th career hit. He was named the AL Captain for the 2014 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. On July 6, he was elected to his fifth straight All-Star Game. He received the most votes in the Majors for the second time.
On August 10, Bautista ended the longest game in Blue Jays history with a game-winning hit. On August 26, he hit his 25th home run. He joined Joe Carter and Carlos Delgado as the only Blue Jays to hit 25+ home runs in five straight seasons. On September 8, Bautista hit his 200th home run as a Blue Jay. He finished 2014 with 35 home runs and won his third Silver Slugger Award.
2015: The Bat Flip and Playoffs
In 2015, Bautista gained "10-and-5 rights." This meant he could refuse any trade. On April 21, he hit his 250th career home run. He injured his shoulder in that game. He returned as a designated hitter and later went back to the outfield. On July 6, he was named to his sixth straight All-Star team. However, he sat out due to his shoulder injury. On July 21, he tied Vernon Wells for second on the Blue Jays' all-time home run list. He passed Wells on July 24.
On September 30, Bautista hit his 40th home run of the season. The Blue Jays won the game and clinched the American League East title. Bautista finished 2015 with 40 home runs and 114 RBI.
On October 8, 2015, Bautista played in his first postseason game. In Game 5 of the ALDS on October 14, Bautista hit a three-run home run. He then famously flipped his bat high in the air. This moment became a huge symbol for Toronto's first playoff appearance since 1993. It was voted the MLB Award for Best Play on Offense for 2015.
In Game 3 of the ALCS, Bautista reached base three times on his birthday. In Game 6, he hit two home runs. However, the Royals won the game and the AL pennant.
2016-2017: Final Years in Toronto
On May 15, 2016, Bautista was hit by a pitch from a Texas Rangers pitcher. Many believed this was revenge for his bat flip. Later, Bautista slid hard into second base, leading to a bench-clearing brawl. Bautista was suspended for one game. On June 17, he was placed on the disabled list with a toe injury. He returned in July. On August 2, Bautista hit his 300th career home run. He finished the season with 22 home runs. The Blue Jays made it to the ALCS again.
In November, the Blue Jays offered Bautista a $17.2 million contract, which he turned down.
_(cropped).jpg)
On January 18, 2017, Bautista signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Blue Jays. On August 11, he reached 20 home runs for the eighth year in a row. Bautista ended the year hitting .203 with 23 home runs. This was the lowest batting average among qualified major league batters. The Blue Jays did not pick up Bautista's option for 2018. This marked the end of his time in Toronto.
Later Career and Retirement
2018: Playing for Three Teams
On April 18, 2018, Bautista signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. He played a few games in the minors before joining the Braves on May 4. On May 12, he hit his first home run with the Braves. He played 12 games for them before being released on May 20.
.jpg)
.jpg)
On May 22, 2018, Bautista signed with the New York Mets. On June 22, he hit his first home run as a Met. On July 6, Bautista hit a walk-off grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays. This was the first walk-off home run of his career. In 83 games for the Mets, he hit 9 home runs.
On August 28, 2018, the Mets traded Bautista to the Philadelphia Phillies. He played 27 games with the Phillies, hitting two home runs. He became a free agent on October 29.
Retirement and Honors
In March 2023, the Blue Jays announced that Bautista would be added to their Level of Excellence. This is a special honor for great players. The ceremony happened on August 12, 2023. The day before, Bautista signed a one-day contract with the team. He officially retired as a Blue Jay.
On February 12, 2025, Bautista was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
International Play
Bautista played for the Dominican Republic national baseball team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic and 2017 World Baseball Classic.
He was chosen to play for the Dominican Republic in the 2020 Summer Olympics qualifying event. The event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was later rescheduled. The Dominican Republic team placed second and advanced to the Final Qualifying Tournament. They won that tournament, earning a spot in the 2020 Summer Olympics. Bautista and his team won a bronze medal at the Olympics.
Awards and Achievements
Awards
- 5× American League Player of the Month (July 2010, August 2010, April 2011, May 2011, June 2012)
- 4× American League Player of the Week (May 16, 2010; August 1, 2010; August 29, 2010; July 3, 2011)
- Esurance's MLB Award for Best Play, Offense (2015)
- 2× Hank Aaron Award (2010, 2011)
- John Cerutti Award (2010)
- 6× Major League Baseball All-Star (2010–2015)
- 2× Neil MacCarl Award (2010, 2011)
- 3× Silver Slugger Award at outfield (2010, 2011, 2014)
- Toronto Blue Jays Most Improved Player (2010)
- Olympic Bronze medalist: 2020 Summer Olympics
- Added to the Blue Jays Level of Excellence on August 12, 2023
Achievements
- 2× American League walks leader (2011, 2015)
- 2× Major League Baseball home run leader (2010, 2011)
- Major League Baseball on-base plus slugging percentage leader (2011)
- Major League Baseball slugging percentage leader (2011)
- Toronto Blue Jays top-ten in many career hitting stats (through 2015)
Records
- Major League Baseball record for largest single-season home run increase (39 from 2009 to 2010)
- Toronto Blue Jays single-season most walks (132 in 2011)
- Toronto Blue Jays single-season most home runs (54 in 2010)
- Toronto Blue Jays single-season most offensive WAR (8.3 in 2011)
Life Outside Baseball
Bautista's father is Spanish. José and his wife, Neisha Croyle, have two daughters. In 2011, Bautista started a program to help athletes. It helps them get the chance to attend American universities. This program started in the Dominican Republic and has grown to include Canada.
His younger brother, Luis, also played college baseball. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007.
A type of beetle, Sicoderus bautistai, was named after Bautista in 2018.
Bautista is a fan of the English soccer team Manchester City FC. In January 2024, Bautista became a main owner of the soccer club Las Vegas Lights FC.
Business Ventures
After retiring from baseball, Bautista became involved in many businesses. He invested in a Canadian e-commerce company called Endy. He also invested in real estate, food technology, and clean energy. Bautista often takes on advisory roles in the companies he supports. He likes to be involved beyond just providing money.
See also
In Spanish: José Bautista para niños
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic
- List of Olympic medalists in baseball
- List of Toronto Blue Jays team records
- Toronto Blue Jays award winners and league leaders
