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 an American former professional baseball outfielder. 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) for the Yakult Swallows in Japan. When he started in 2006, he was the youngest player in the National League.
Contents
Early Life and Youth Baseball Success
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, helping his team win many games.
In 2001, Milledge led Team USA to a gold medal. This was at the International Baseball Federation's AA World Youth Championships. Baseball America magazine called him the best 16-year-old player in the U.S. He graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2003. He helped his high school team win the state 5A title in his senior year.
Joining Professional Baseball
The 2003 MLB Draft
Before the 2003 baseball draft, many expected Milledge to be one of the top three players chosen. However, some past issues from his time at Northside Christian School came up. He later transferred to Lakewood Ranch High School to finish his studies and amateur baseball career.
Because of these issues, Milledge was not picked as early as expected. The New York Mets chose him as the twelfth overall pick in the first round. The Mets looked into the past issues and, after being satisfied, signed Milledge. He received a $2.2 million signing bonus.
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Milledge's professional career began late in 2003. He played only seven games for the Kingsport Mets. In 2004, he broke a bone in his right hand during spring training. He missed the first six weeks of the season.
After recovering, he played well for the Single-A Capital City Bombers. He hit .337 with 13 home runs. This earned him a promotion to the St. Lucie Mets. In 2005, he continued to succeed in the minor leagues. He played for St. Lucie and then the Double-A Binghamton Mets. By 2006, he was playing for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.
Major League Baseball Career
New York Mets Debut
Milledge made his major league debut on May 30, 2006. He was the starting right fielder for the Mets. He was 21 years old, the same age as former Met Darryl Strawberry when he debuted. In 2006, Milledge played 56 games, hitting .241 with 4 home runs.
On June 4, 2006, Milledge hit his first major league home run. It was a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants. This tied the game in the tenth inning. After this exciting moment, he high-fived fans as he returned to his position. This action upset his manager and some teammates. Later, a teammate put a sign on his locker that said, "Know Your Place, Rook!"
Moving On from the Mets
In 2007, Milledge started the season on the Mets' main roster. However, he played very little and was sent back to the minor leagues. Later that year, he was called back up to the major leagues. On November 30, 2007, Milledge was traded to the Washington Nationals.
Playing for the Washington Nationals
In 2008, Milledge became the everyday starting center fielder for the Nationals. He batted third in the lineup for a while. In June, he had a groin injury and was placed on the disabled list. He returned in July and played well in August, hitting .336.
In 2009, Milledge changed his uniform number to 85, which was his birth year. He started the season as the Nationals' leadoff hitter. Due to a slow start, he was sent to the minor leagues. On June 30, 2009, the Nationals traded Milledge to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Time with the Pittsburgh Pirates
After being traded, Milledge recovered from an injury. He then became the Pirates' everyday left fielder. He improved his work ethic and fielding skills. 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. However, it hit the top of the wall and bounced back into play. The stadium fireworks went off, but Milledge was tagged out. He was given a double instead of a home run. On December 2, 2010, Milledge became a free agent.
Brief Stint with the Chicago White Sox
On February 3, 2011, the Chicago White Sox signed Milledge to a minor league deal. He made the White Sox's opening day roster. However, on April 7, 2011, the Sox sent him to their Triple-A team. After the 2011 season, he became a free agent again.
Playing Baseball in Japan
On December 27, 2011, Milledge signed a contract with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan. In 2012, he played 125 games for the Swallows. He hit .300 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs.
Milledge signed a three-year contract with the Swallows in 2013. He played four seasons with the team until 2015. He batted .272 with 39 home runs and 129 RBIs in Japan. Injuries limited his playing time in 2014 and 2015.
Life After Playing Baseball
Coaching Career
On July 26, 2024, Milledge was named the hitting coach for the State College Spikes. This team plays in the MLB Draft League.
Personal Life and Community Work
Milledge is a strong supporter of increasing African-American participation in baseball. When he was a player, he spent his offseasons encouraging kids to try baseball.
After retiring, Milledge opened Manatee Intercity Baseball in Bradenton, Florida. This program helps minority kids learn and play baseball. He also owns 1st Round Training in Palmetto, Florida. This facility mentors and trains young players. In 2018, Milledge got married and was expecting his first child.
