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Grady Sizemore

Grady Sizemore
Sizemore with the Cleveland Indians in 2011
Chicago White Sox – No. 24
Center fielder / Coach / Manager
Born: (1982-08-02) August 2, 1982 (age 42)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
July 21, 2004, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
October 3, 2015, for the Tampa Bay Rays
MLB statistics
(through September 29, 2024)
Batting average.265
Home runs150
Runs batted in518
Managerial record13–32
Winning %.289
Teams
As player
As manager
As coach
Career highlights and awards

Grady Sizemore (born August 2, 1982) is an American former professional baseball center fielder and coach and former interim manager of the Chicago White Sox. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians from 2004 through 2011, but did not play in the majors for the following two years after a series of injuries. He returned in 2014 with the Boston Red Sox and played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2014 to 2015 before finishing 2015 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was a three-time MLB All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and also won a Silver Slugger Award. In 2024, he joined the coaching staff of the Chicago White Sox, where he was named the interim manager of the team in August of that season following the firing of Pedro Grifol.

Early life

Sizemore was born in Seattle, Washington on August 2, 1982. His father is African-American and his mother is White.[1] He graduated from Cascade High School in Everett, Washington, in 2000. A high school athlete in football, basketball and baseball, Sizemore signed a letter of intent to play football and baseball at the University of Washington. At the time of his high school graduation, Sizemore was Cascade's all-time leader in rushing yards, with 3,081. Sizemore graduated from high school with a 3.85 GPA.[2]

Playing career

Draft and minors

The Montreal Expos selected Sizemore in the third round (75th overall) of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. The team offered him a $2 million signing bonus to lure him away from college to which Sizemore agreed.[3]

On June 27, 2002, the Expos traded Sizemore, along with Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens, to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Bartolo Colón and Tim Drew.[4]

Cleveland Indians

2004–2007

Sizemore signing autographs in 2006 with the Indians

Sizemore received his first call-up to the majors on July 21, 2004.[5] He made his major league debut that day against the Chicago White Sox as a defensive replacement in center field.[6] Sizemore finished the rest of the season with a .246 average, four home runs, and 24 RBI in 43 games played.[7]

In 2005, Sizemore played his first full season in the majors. He quickly established himself as one of baseball's up and coming stars in center field. Although he was supposed to start the season in Triple-A, an injury to Juan González before Opening Day secured Sizemore's spot on Cleveland's roster.[8] He was soon named the leadoff hitter of the Indians' lineup. Sizemore also joined Roberto Alomar as the only players in franchise history to record 20 doubles, 10 triples, 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the same season.[9] Sizemore's best month came in June when he hit .377 (40-for-106) with four home runs and 16 RBI in 25 games.[10] He finished the season batting .289 with 22 home runs, 81 RBI, and 22 stolen bases in 158 games.[7]

Before the start of the 2006 season, Sizemore signed a six-year contract with the Indians worth $23.45 million with a club option for 2012.[11] In 2006, Sizemore was selected to his first All-Star Game as a reserve outfielder. Overall, Sizemore played in all 162 games and batted .290 with 28 home runs, 76 RBI, and a .907 OPS.[12] His 53 doubles, 92 extra-base hits and 134 runs scored led the majors.[13] In addition, he became the second in MLB history to have at least 50 doubles, 10 triples, 25 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season; the first was Chuck Klein in 1932.[14]

Sizemore opened 2007 by hitting four home runs in his first six games.[15] He hit a three-run inside-the-park home run on April 27.[16] The May 14 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine featured Sizemore on the cover. In the cover article, Indians' general manager Mark Shapiro calls Sizemore "without a doubt one of the greatest players of our generation".[17]

On July 1, Sizemore was named to his second All-Star team.[18] In 2007, he batted .277 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI in 162 games, and stole 33 bases in 43 attempts.[7] He was one of six batters in the AL to have at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, along with Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Ian Kinsler, B.J. Upton, and Curtis Granderson. Sizemore also saw his first career postseason action in 2007, batting .279 with two doubles, two home runs, eight walks and 3 RBI in 11 games.[19] On November 6, it was announced that Sizemore had earned his first Gold Glove, after he posted a .995 fielding percentage with two errors and displaying his reputation for great range in center field and acrobatic catches.[20]

2008

Sizemore's streak of 382 consecutive games played ended on April 27 due to a sprained ankle sustained the preceding day.[21] On July 2, Sizemore hit his twentieth home run and stole his twentieth base, marking his fourth straight 20–20 year.[22] He was the only AL hitter to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 20 bases each year during 2005–08.[citation needed]

Sizemore was named to the American League All-Star Team for the third consecutive year.[23] He also was a participant in the 2008 Home Run Derby, where he hit six home runs, but did not advance to the second round.[24] Sizemore also participated in the 2008 All-Star Game, and he played 11 innings as the game extended into the 15th inning.[25]

On August 21, Sizemore hit his 29th home run of the season against the Kansas City Royals, setting a new career-high.[26] He also recorded a career-high 7 RBI in the 10–3 win.[27] On August 25, Sizemore hit his 30th and 31st home run against Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers, becoming the 32nd member of the 30–30 club.[28]

Sizemore finished the 2008 season with a .268 average, 33 home runs, 90 RBI and 38 stolen bases in 157 games.[7] For his efforts in 2008, Sizemore was awarded his second consecutive Gold Glove (his .995 fielding percentage was second among AL center fielders).[29] He was also awarded his first Silver Slugger Award.[30] He led the major leagues in power-speed number (35.3).[31]

2009 season

Sizemore initially committed to play for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, but backed out of it after injuring his left groin early in spring training.[32] On April 16, Sizemore hit the first grand slam home run at the new Yankee Stadium off New York reliever Dámaso Marte. It was his third career grand slam.[33]

On September 9, after struggling through a subpar season, Sizemore elected to have surgery on his left elbow, which had troubled him since spring training.[34] Having the surgery performed one month before season's end allowed for more healing time and preparation for the following year. Cleveland was already eliminated from playoff contention by the time of his decision. One week after the elbow surgery, he also elected to have surgery on his lower abdomen to repair a hernia that was related to the groin injury, which prevented him from taking part in the World Baseball Classic,[34] thus ending his 2009 season one month before the final game. In 106 games, Sizemore hit .248 with 20 doubles, six triples, 18 home runs and 64 RBI.[7]

2010–2013

After playing in 33 games in 2010 (.211 average, 13 RBI),[7] Sizemore's season prematurely ended after microfracture surgery was performed on his left knee.[35]

Sizemore returned to Cleveland after going through a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus Clippers, on April 17, 2011.[36] Sizemore went 2-for-4 with a double and home run in his return, helping Cleveland to a 4–2 win.[37] Sizemore returned to the disabled list in May with a right knee contusion after sliding into a base. In mid-July, Sizemore was again placed on the disabled list following another injury to his right knee; shortly afterwards, he had a second sports hernia surgery, which expected to sideline him until early September.[38] Through 2011, he had the third-best career fielding percentage of all active major league outfielders (.9935), behind Shane Victorino and Ryan Braun.[39] On October 31, the Indians declined Sizemore's 2012 contract option.[40]

After meeting with both the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners during the offseason, Sizemore re-signed with Cleveland, signing a one-year, $5 million contract.[41] Sizemore underwent back surgery during Spring training, and began the season on the 60-day disabled list. A series of setbacks in his recovery from back and knee surgeries prevented him from appearing in any games during the season.[42] Sizemore had microfracture surgery on his right knee in September, after a previous arthroscopic procedure in 2011 was unsuccessful in healing his ailing knee.[43] Sizemore remained a free agent through the 2013 MLB season. According to his agent, Joe Urbon, Sizemore did not want to commit to a team until he was healthy enough to play again.[44]

Boston Red Sox

On January 22, 2014, Sizemore signed with the Boston Red Sox. The contract was for one year with a base salary of $750,000, with incentives that would increase the total to up to $6 million.[45][46] On March 28, Sizemore was named the team's starting center fielder for the season opener after beating out Jackie Bradley Jr. in spring training.[47] On Opening Day against the Baltimore Orioles, he hit a solo shot just over the right field scoreboard.[48] He also hit a three-run home run against former teammate CC Sabathia in the game versus the New York Yankees on April 11.[49] On June 17, Sizemore was designated for assignment to make room for top prospect Garin Cecchini.[50] The next day on June 18, the Red Sox officially released Sizemore.[51] He hit .216 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 52 games with the team.[7] For his brief time in Boston, Sizemore made $1.25 million.[51]

Philadelphia Phillies

On June 24, 2014, Sizemore signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.[52] On July 11, Sizemore was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in order to join the Phillies rotation of outfielders.[53] On July 25, Sizemore collected his 1,000th career hit, in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[54] After a successful start, Phillies general manager Rubén Amaro Jr. suggested Sizemore could be part of the Phillies longer-term plans if his success continued.[55] He was signed to a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2015 season on October 23.[56] He collected four hits in one game against the Diamondbacks on May 16, 2015.[57] Sizemore was designated for assignment by the Phillies on May 29, 2015. At the time, he was hitting .245 with 6 RBI in 39 games.[7][58] He was released on June 1, 2015.[59]

Tampa Bay Rays

Sizemore with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015

On June 15, 2015, Sizemore signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.[60] On June 28, he was called up by the Rays,[59] and finished 3-for-5 with an RBI in his first game with the team that day.[61] In 57 games with the Rays, Sizemore hit .257 with six home runs and 27 RBI.[7] He became a free agent at the end of the 2015 season and did not play in 2016.

Post-playing career

On February 14, 2017, the Indians hired Sizemore as a special advisor to the team's player development department in the front office.[62] He stepped away from the position so that he could devote his time to his young children.[63]

In 2023, Sizemore asked Josh Barfield, his former teammate who was the director of player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, about joining the organization.[64] All positions were full, and Sizemore accepted a $15-an-hour internship with Mike Hazen, the general manager for the Diamondbacks, for the 2023 season. After the season, Barfield became assistant general manager for the Chicago White Sox, and he recommended Sizemore for a position. The White Sox hired Sizemore to their coaching staff for the 2024 season.[9]

On August 8, 2024, the White Sox named Sizemore their interim manager after the club fired Pedro Grifol.[65][66] The team was 28–89 by the time Sizemore was appointed. The team did not do much better as they went 13–32 under Sizemore and finished breaking an MLB record for most losses in a season at 41–121 but the team finished strong to end the year as the White Sox won 5 of their last 6 games.

Managerial record

As of games played on September 29, 2024
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Games Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
CWS 2024 45 13 32 .289 5th in AL Central – – –
Total 45 13 32 .289 –

Personal life

Sizemore and his wife, Brittany, have three children. They live in Scottsdale, Arizona.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Glock, Allison (July 31, 2006). "Grady Sizemore is a ladies' man". ESPN The Magazine.
  2. ^ "2014 Boston Red Sox Media Guide" (PDF). Boston Red Sox. MLB.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  3. ^ "3rd Round of the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  4. ^ "AMERICAN LEAGUE; Indians Trade Colon to Expos". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 28, 2002.
  5. ^ Hill, Justice B. (July 21, 2004). "Sizemore arrives with Indians". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  6. ^ "Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: July 21, 2004". Baseball Reference. July 21, 2004. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Grady Sizemore Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
  8. ^ Hill, Justice B. (March 31, 2005). "Indians place Gonzalez on 15-day DL". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Rosenthal, Ken (January 19, 2024). "Why Grady Sizemore took a $15-an-hour internship to launch a coaching career". The Athletic. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  10. ^ "Grady Sizemore 2005 Batting Splits". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  11. ^ "Cleveland locks up another youngster in Sizemore". ESPN. Associated Press. March 29, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2008.
  12. ^ "Grady Sizemore 2006 Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  13. ^ "2006 Major League Baseball Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  14. ^ Neyer, Rob (February 14, 2007). "Sizemore emerging as a legitimate star". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2007.
  15. ^ "Grady Sizemore 2007 Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  16. ^ Briggs, David (April 27, 2007). "Sizemore keys victory on the basepaths". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  17. ^ Verducci, Tom (May 8, 2007). "One Sizemore Fits All". Sports Illustrated. CNN. Archived from the original on May 18, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  18. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 1, 2007). "Tribe trio headed to All-Star Game". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  19. ^ "Grady Sizemore Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  20. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (November 6, 2007). "Sizemore earns first Gold Glove Award". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
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  36. ^ Bastian, Jordan (April 17, 2011). "Grady-A addition: Indians activate Sizemore". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
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  47. ^ MacPherson, Brian (March 28, 2014). "Grady Sizemore wins job as Red Sox center fielder". The Providence Journal. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  48. ^ "Nelson Cruz homers in debut as O's top champion Red Sox". ESPN. Associated Press. March 31, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
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  51. ^ a b Todd, Jeff (June 18, 2014). "Red Sox Release Grady Sizemore". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
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  53. ^ Evans, Bill (July 11, 2014). "Phillies call up Grady Sizemore". NJ.com. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  54. ^ Zolecki, Todd (July 25, 2014). "Sizemore reaches 1,000-hit milestone". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  55. ^ Zolecki, Todd (August 15, 2014). "Phillies could have interest in retaining Sizemore". Philadelphia Phillies. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
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  57. ^ "Phillies top Diamondbacks 7-5 for 4th straight win". ESPN. Associated Press. May 16, 2015. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  58. ^ "Phillies recall Asche, designate Sizemore". ESPN. Associated Press. May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
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  60. ^ Chastain, Bill (June 15, 2015). "Rays sign outfielder Sizemore to Minors deal". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  61. ^ Chastain, Bill (June 28, 2015). "Sizemore has three hits in Rays' debut". Tampa Bay Rays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
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  66. ^ Rogers, Jesse (August 8, 2024). "White Sox fire Pedro Grifol, name Grady Sizemore interim manager". ESPN. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Indians' Minor League Player of the Year
(the Lou Boudreau Award)
2003 		Succeeded by
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