Willie Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Harris |
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Harris with the New York Mets in 2011
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| Outfielder / Second baseman / Coach | |||
| Born: June 22, 1978 Cairo, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 2, 2001, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| June 24, 2012, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .238 | ||
| Home runs | 39 | ||
| Runs batted in | 212 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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William Charles Harris (born June 22, 1978) is a talented American baseball coach and former player. He used to play as an outfielder and second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). Willie played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds. A big highlight of his career was winning the 2005 World Series with the Chicago White Sox. He recently worked as the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs. Willie batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He went to Middle Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University. His uncle is Ernest Riles, who also played professional baseball.
Willie Harris's Playing Career
Willie Harris was known for being a very flexible player. He could play all three outfield positions. He also played second base, shortstop, and even third base. This made him a valuable player for any team.
Key Moments and Achievements
His best season as a player was in 2004. That year, he had his highest average (.262). He also got 27 RBIs, scored 68 runs, and had 107 hits. Willie was also very fast, stealing 19 bases in 2004. In 2005, he stole 10 bases in just 56 games.
Winning the World Series in 2005
In the 2005 playoffs, Willie Harris made a big impact. He got two hits, an RBI, and a stolen base. In Game 4 of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros, he hit a successful pinch-hit single. He then scored the winning run for the Chicago White Sox. This run was the only one scored in that game, which helped the White Sox win the World Series!
Playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2006
The Boston Red Sox signed Willie Harris for the 2006 season. He joined their spring training camp. On April 20, the Red Sox officially added him to their main team. He played for them until July 18.
Time with the Atlanta Braves in 2007
In 2007, Willie Harris joined the Atlanta Braves. He had a fantastic year with them. In May, his batting average was close to .400. He went into the All-Star break with a .342 average. He also led the team with 17 stolen bases.
On July 21, Willie had an amazing game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He got six hits in six tries, including four singles and two triples. He also had six RBIs, scored four runs, and stole a base! He was only the second player in Atlanta Braves history to get six hits in one game.
Later that season, on August 9, Willie made an incredible play. The Braves were playing the New York Mets and were ahead by one run in the last inning. A Mets player hit a ball that looked like it would be a home run to tie the game. But Willie ran back, jumped, and caught the ball right before it went over the wall. This amazing catch saved the game for the Braves!
Years with the Washington Nationals (2008–2010)
Willie Harris signed with the Washington Nationals on December 13, 2007. He was a very useful player for them. He played second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions. He was known for his excellent defense and made many great catches.
On August 22, 2008, Willie hit two home runs in one game. One of them was his first career grand slam, which gave the Nationals a big lead. He ended the 2008 season with 13 home runs. This was more than he had hit in the previous seven years of his career combined! In 2009, he signed a two-year contract with the Nationals.
On September 24, 2010, Willie Harris hit the first "inside-the-park" home run in Nationals history. This means he hit the ball and ran around all the bases to score before the other team could get the ball back to the plate.
Playing for the New York Mets in 2011
On January 14, 2011, Willie Harris signed a contract with the New York Mets. He played in 126 games for the Mets. He continued to show his versatility by playing all three outfield positions, as well as second and third base.
Final Season with the Cincinnati Reds in 2012
Willie Harris signed with the Cincinnati Reds on January 23, 2012. He played for them until June 26, when he was sent to their minor league team.
Willie Harris's Coaching Career
After his playing career, Willie Harris became a baseball coach. He started as a hitting coach for the Great Falls Voyagers in 2016. This team was connected to the Chicago White Sox.
In 2018, Willie became the manager for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, a team in the San Francisco Giants organization. In 2019, he worked for the Cincinnati Reds as their baserunning and outfield coordinator.
On December 8, 2020, the Chicago Cubs hired Willie Harris as their third base coach. He worked with the Cubs until October 11, 2024, when they decided to part ways.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball single-game hits leaders
