Orlando Hudson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orlando Hudson |
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Hudson in 2017
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| Second baseman | ||||||||||||||
| Born: December 12, 1977 Darlington, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| debut | ||||||||||||||
| July 24, 2002, for the Toronto Blue Jays | ||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | ||||||||||||||
| October 3, 2012, for the Chicago White Sox | ||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics | ||||||||||||||
| Batting average | .273 | |||||||||||||
| Home runs | 93 | |||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 542 | |||||||||||||
| Teams | ||||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Orlando Thill Hudson (born December 12, 1977) is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He was a second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for many years. Orlando played for teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was famous for his amazing defensive skills. He could make incredible diving catches and stops at second base. In 2005, he won his first Gold Glove Award for being an excellent fielder.
Early Life and Sports
Orlando Hudson was born in Darlington, South Carolina, on December 12, 1977. He went to Darlington High School, where he was a star in three different sports. He played baseball, football, and basketball.
High School Achievements
In baseball, Orlando was named Player of the Year and was chosen for the All-State team. He was also the quarterback for his high school's first-ever football team. He even helped out as the team's punter. After high school, Orlando continued his baseball journey at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Professional Baseball Career
Orlando Hudson was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft. He started his professional career in 1998 in the minor leagues.
Starting with the Blue Jays
Orlando played for several minor league teams before reaching the big leagues. In 2001, he was recognized as an All-Star in the Southern League. He was also named a top minor league second baseman by Baseball America.
He made his first MLB appearance on July 24, 2002, with the Blue Jays. His first major league hit was an RBI single on July 26. He hit his first home run on August 5. Orlando played for the Blue Jays from 2002 to 2005.
Time with the Arizona Diamondbacks
In 2005, Orlando was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This trade involved other players, including pitcher Miguel Batista.
In 2006, his first full year with Arizona, Orlando had a great season. He set new personal bests in batting average (.287), home runs (15), and RBI (67).
After the 2006 season, Orlando won his second Gold Glove Award. This was special because he became one of only six infielders to win a Gold Glove in both the American and National Leagues. He also received a Fielding Bible Award for being the best fielding second baseman in MLB.
In 2007, Orlando was chosen for his first All-Star Game. He also won his third Gold Glove Award that year. His batting average improved again to .294.
In 2008, Orlando had his best batting average ever, hitting .305. However, he missed the last month of the season due to a dislocated left wrist.
Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers
On February 21, 2009, Orlando signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On April 13, 2009, Orlando achieved a rare feat: he hit for the cycle. This means he hit a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in the same game! He was the eighth Dodger to do this and the only one to do it at Dodger Stadium.
He was selected for his second All-Star Game in 2009. At the end of the season, he won his fourth Gold Glove Award.
Joining the Minnesota Twins
On February 4, 2010, Orlando signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. He became their main second baseman. In 126 games, he hit .268.
With the San Diego Padres
On December 20, 2010, Orlando signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Padres.
On July 21, 2011, he hit his head against a wall while making a catch. He was briefly unconscious but did not need to go on the disabled list. He was released by the Padres on May 17, 2012.
Final Season with the Chicago White Sox
On May 19, 2012, the Chicago White Sox signed Orlando. He finished the 2012 season with a .204 batting average.
Retirement from Baseball
Orlando Hudson retired from baseball after the 2012 season. He did not receive any offers from MLB teams for the 2013 season. He had mentioned that he was "not ready to retire" but no new opportunities came up.
Community Work
Orlando Hudson started the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation. This organization helps young people who are dealing with autism by providing support and resources.
Family Life
Orlando Hudson married Keisa Carr in 2008. He has two daughters and one son. Today, Orlando works for the Arizona Diamondbacks as a player development assistant.
See also
In Spanish: Orlando Hudson para niños
- List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle
