Lastings Milledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lastings Milledge |
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Milledge with the New York Mets in 2006
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: April 5, 1985 Bradenton, Florida, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: May 30, 2006, for the New York Mets | |||
| NPB: March 30, 2012, for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: April 6, 2011, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| NPB: September 13, 2015, for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .269 | ||
| Home runs | 33 | ||
| Runs batted in | 167 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .272 | ||
| Home runs | 39 | ||
| Runs batted in | 129 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Lastings Darnell Milledge (born April 5, 1985) is a former professional baseball outfielder from the United States. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. In 2006, he was the youngest player in the National League during his first season.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Milledge was born in Bradenton, Florida. When he was 12, he played for the Manatee East Little League team. His team was the national runner-up in the 1997 Little League World Series. He was a pitcher and third baseman.
In 2001, Milledge helped Team USA win a gold medal. They beat Venezuela in the International Baseball Federation's AA World Youth Championships. Baseball America magazine called him the best 16-year-old player in the U.S. that year. He finished high school at Lakewood Ranch High School in 2003. He led his team to a state championship in his senior year.
Drafting into Professional Baseball
After high school, the New York Mets picked Milledge as the 12th overall player in the 2003 amateur draft. The Mets signed him to a contract with a $2.2 million bonus.
Playing Career
Minor League Baseball
Milledge started his professional career in 2003 with the Kingsport Mets. In 2004, he broke a bone in his hand but still played well. He hit .337 with 13 home runs for the Capital City Bombers. This earned him a promotion to the St. Lucie Mets.
In 2005, he continued to play well in the minor leagues. He hit .302 with St. Lucie and .337 with the Double–A Binghamton Mets. By 2006, he was playing for the Triple–A Norfolk Tides.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
New York Mets (2006–2007)
Milledge made his MLB debut on May 30, 2006, as a starting right fielder for the Mets. He was 21 years old. In his first game, he got a double. During his rookie season, he played 56 games, hitting .241 with 4 home runs.
On June 4, 2006, Milledge hit his first major league home run against the San Francisco Giants. It was a solo home run that tied the game in the 10th inning. After hitting the home run, he high-fived fans as he returned to his position.
In 2007, Milledge started the season on the Mets' main roster. However, he didn't play much and was sent back to the minor leagues. He was called back up to the Mets in July after the All-Star break. On November 30, 2007, the Mets traded Milledge to the Washington Nationals.
Washington Nationals (2008–2009)
In 2008, Milledge became the everyday starting center fielder for the Nationals. He batted third in the lineup for a while. In June, he got a groin injury and was placed on the disabled list. He returned in July and played well in August, hitting .336 with 6 home runs.
In 2009, Milledge changed his uniform number to 85. He started the season as the Nationals' leadoff hitter. Due to a slow start, he was sent to the minor leagues in April. On June 30, 2009, the Nationals traded Milledge to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2009–2010)
Milledge joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009. He spent some time recovering from an injury in the minor leagues. After his recovery, he became the Pirates' everyday left fielder. He improved his work ethic and defense. He finished 2009 with a .276 batting average.
In a game on May 6, 2010, Milledge hit a ball that looked like a home run. The stadium fireworks even went off! But the ball actually hit the top of the wall and bounced back into play. He was tagged out, and it was officially counted as a double. Milledge became a free agent in December 2010.
Chicago White Sox (2011)
On February 3, 2011, the Chicago White Sox signed Milledge to a minor league deal. He made the White Sox's main roster for opening day. However, he was later sent back to the minor leagues. After the 2011 season, he became a free agent again.
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Tokyo Yakult Swallows (2012–2015)
In December 2011, Milledge signed a contract with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan. In 2012, he played 125 games for the Swallows. He had a great season, hitting .300 with 21 home runs and 65 runs batted in.
He signed a new three-year contract with the Swallows. From 2012 to 2015, Milledge played 255 games for the team. He batted .272 with 39 home runs. He dealt with injuries in 2014 and 2015, which limited his playing time.
Independent League Baseball
Lancaster Barnstormers (2017)
On January 24, 2017, Milledge signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers. This team is part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent league. He played 85 games for them, hitting .270. After this season, he retired from playing professional baseball.
Coaching Career
On July 26, 2024, Milledge was named the hitting coach for the State College Spikes. This team is in the MLB Draft League.
Personal Life
Lastings Milledge cares a lot about getting more African-American kids involved in baseball. When he was a player, he would visit youth football and basketball games. He tried to encourage young Black children to try baseball.
After he retired, Milledge opened Manatee Intercity Baseball in Bradenton, Florida. This program helps minority kids learn and play baseball. He also owns 1st Round Training, a facility in Palmetto, Florida. It helps mentor and train young baseball players.
In 2018, Milledge got married to his wife, DePree. They were expecting their first child.
Images for kids
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Milledge with the New York Mets in 2006
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Milledge with the Nationals in 2008
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Milledge with the Pirates in 2009
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Milledge with the Swallows in 2013
