Pablo Sandoval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pablo Sandoval |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
_(51105526639)_(cropped).jpg)
Sandoval with the Atlanta Braves in 2021
|
|||
| Staten Island FerryHawks – No. 48 | |||
| Third baseman / First baseman / Catcher | |||
| Born: August 11, 1986 Puerto Cabello, Venezuela |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| August 14, 2008, for the San Francisco Giants | |||
| Career statistics (through 2021 season) |
|||
| Batting average | .278 | ||
| Home runs | 153 | ||
| Runs batted in | 639 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
| Career highlights and awards | |||
|
|||
Pablo Emilio Sandoval Reyes (born August 11, 1986) is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball player. He is a third baseman for the Staten Island FerryHawks. He used to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves.
Sandoval is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 268 pounds. He is known by his fun nickname, "Kung Fu Panda". He has been chosen for the All-Star Game twice. He also won three World Series championships with the Giants. In 2012, he made history by hitting three home runs in one World Series game. This amazing feat helped him win the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year.
Sandoval was first signed by the San Francisco Giants in 2002. He worked his way up through the minor leagues. He joined the Giants in 2008 and quickly became a star. He could play first base, third base, and even catcher. By 2009, he was the Giants' main third baseman.
After the 2014 season, Sandoval joined the Boston Red Sox. However, he struggled there and later returned to the Giants in 2017. He continued to play for different teams, including the Atlanta Braves, and even played in other countries.
Contents
- Early Life and Baseball Dreams
- Professional Baseball Journey
- International Baseball
- Personal Life
- See also
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Pablo Sandoval was born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. He loved baseball from a young age. He looked up to famous Venezuelan players like Omar Vizquel and Andrés Galarraga.
He practiced baseball with his older brother, Michael, in their garage. Pablo was born left-handed. But he wanted to play shortstop like his hero, Vizquel. So, at nine years old, he taught himself to throw with his right hand. He can still throw with both hands, but he uses his right hand in games.
Professional Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Scouts noticed Sandoval in 2002 at a tournament in the Dominican Republic. A scout for the San Francisco Giants offered him a contract, and he signed.
Sandoval began his professional career in 2004 as a catcher. He played for different minor league teams. He played third base and first base too. By 2007, he helped the San Jose Giants win a championship. In 2008, he played so well that he was called up to the major leagues.
San Francisco Giants: The "Kung Fu Panda" Era (2008–2014)
First Steps in MLB
Sandoval joined the Major League Baseball (MLB) on August 13, 2008. He played his first game the next day. He got his first hit on August 16. In his first 41 games, he hit very well, with a .345 batting average.
His teammate, Barry Zito, gave him the nickname "Kung Fu Panda". This happened after Sandoval scored a run by jumping over a catcher. It was like a move from the movie Kung Fu Panda.
Becoming a Star
In 2009, Sandoval became the Giants' main third baseman. He was known for swinging at almost every pitch. His hitting coach joked that it was "like caging a lion." Sandoval himself said his approach was "See ball, swing."
He had a fantastic season in 2009. He hit his first grand slam and even hit a home run into McCovey Cove. He finished the season with 25 home runs and a .330 batting average. This was one of the best in the league.
Challenges and Comebacks
In 2010, Sandoval struggled and didn't play as well. He was benched during the playoffs. But the Giants still won the 2010 World Series, giving him his first championship ring.
To get back on track, Sandoval worked hard to lose weight before the 2011 season. This helped him improve a lot. He was chosen for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game. On September 15, 2011, he achieved a rare feat: he hit for the cycle. This means he hit a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game.
World Series MVP
In 2012, Sandoval was chosen for his second All-Star team. Even though he had some injuries, he played a huge role in the 2012 World Series.
In Game 1 of the World Series, Sandoval hit three home runs! He became only the fourth player in MLB history to do this in a World Series game. He was also the first to hit them in his first three times at bat. The Giants swept the Detroit Tigers, winning the World Series. Sandoval was named the World Series MVP for his amazing performance.
Another Championship
Sandoval continued to play well in 2013. He hit three home runs in a game again, joining a small group of players who have done this in both regular season and playoffs.
In 2014, he helped the Giants win their third World Series in five seasons. In Game 7, he caught the final out, securing the championship. He also set a new record for most hits in a single postseason with 26. After this season, he became a free agent.
Boston Red Sox (2015–2017)
.jpg)
In 2014, Sandoval signed a big contract with the Boston Red Sox. However, his time with the Red Sox was tough. He struggled with his performance and injuries. In 2016, he had shoulder surgery and missed most of the season. The Red Sox released him in 2017.
Back with the Giants (2017–2020)
After leaving the Red Sox, Sandoval signed a minor league contract to return to the San Francisco Giants in 2017. He played at third base and first base.
In 2018, he even pitched in one game! He threw a perfect inning, showing his versatility. In 2019, he continued to be a valuable player, especially as a pinch-hitter. He had elbow problems but still played over 100 games. He was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award for his contributions on and off the field. He left the Giants again in 2020.
Atlanta Braves (2020–2021)
In 2020, Sandoval signed with the Atlanta Braves. He played a small role for them. In 2021, he re-signed with the Braves and hit two home runs early in the season. Later that year, he was traded and then released. Even though he wasn't on the team for the playoffs, he received a ring when the Braves won the 2021 World Series. This gave him his fourth World Series ring!
Playing in Other Leagues
After his time in MLB, Sandoval played for teams in the Mexican League in 2022. He also played in the first Baseball United draft in 2023.
Staten Island FerryHawks
In 2024, Sandoval signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He even pitched in a game for them, earning a win as a starting pitcher!
International Baseball
Like many Venezuelan MLB players, Sandoval plays in the Venezuelan Winter League during the offseason. He plays for the Navegantes del Magallanes. In 2013, he led his team to a championship. He was named the MVP of the Venezuelan postseason, just a few months after being the World Series MVP. He said winning in Venezuela was very special.
Personal Life
Pablo Sandoval's parents run an engineering company in Valencia, Venezuela. His older brother, Michael, also played baseball in the minor leagues.
Sandoval is a very religious person. He is a Roman Catholic and makes the sign of the cross after each hit. He believes his faith helps him succeed. He says it's important to "fight tirelessly, not to survive but to excel."
See also
In Spanish: Pablo Sandoval para niños
- List of Major League Baseball batting champions
- List of Major League Baseball players from Venezuela
- List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle
