Bobby Abreu
Encyclopedia
Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu (boβ aˈβɾeu, əˈbreɪ.uː; born March 11, 1974, in Turmero
, Venezuela
), nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball
left fielder
for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
Abreu is a two-time All-Star, and has won a Gold Glove Award
and a Silver Slugger Award. He has led the league in games (twice), doubles, and triples. Through 2011, he was second among active ballplayers in doubles (554), third in walks (1,419), sixth in stolen bases (393), and ninth in on-base percentage (.397).http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreubo01.shtml Through 2011, on defense he was the major league leader among active players in outfield assists, with 134.
. He batted .283 and began to show gap power with 21 doubles and a league-record 17 triples. He also reached double figures in outfield assists for the third year in a row. After the campaign, he had rotator cuff surgery done on his right shoulder, which had periodically given him problems.
Abreu started his Major League career with the Houston Astros. He played only 74 games over two seasons. Left unprotected in the 1997 MLB Expansion Draft
when Houston Astros decided to keep fellow Venezuela
n outfielder
Richard Hidalgo
, Abreu was selected by the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays, but hours later he was traded to the Phillies for shortstop
Kevin Stocker
.
Despite the fact that both the Astros and Devil Rays deemed him expendable, Abreu firmly established himself as one of the most promising young hitters and strong-armed right fielders in the game.
and collected 17 home run
s, 74 RBI
, and 19 stolen base
s in 151 games, with 271 putout
s and 17 assists
in right field.
In 1999, he made a brief run at the batting title. His .335 career-high average that season ranked third in the National League
and was the highest posted by a Phillies player since outfielder Tony González hit .339 in 1967. His .446 career-high OBP was also third in the league. He also tied for the league lead in triples with 11.
In 2000, he was fourth in the league in triples (10), sixth in doubles (42), seventh in walks (100), and ninth in OBP (.416). Bobby became the first Phillie outfielder since Greg Luzinski with back-to-back 20 homer seasons.
In 2001, Abreu led the NL in games played (162), and was third in walks (106), fourth in stolen bases (36) and doubles (48), and eighth in runs (118) and sacrifice flies (9). He also hit a career-high 31 home runs and had a career-high 110 RBI.
In 2002, he led the league in doubles (50), and was sixth in walks (104), seventh in stolen bases (31) and intentional walks (13), eighth in OBP (.413), ninth in hits (176), and tenth in runs (102).
In 2003, Abreu was fourth in the league in walks (109), seventh in sacrifice flies (7), eighth in OBP (.409), and ninth in stolen bases (22).
berth, being voted in as the National League All-Star Final Vote
winner in online voting on MLB.com.
Abreu hit the first home run at the Phillies' brand new Citizens Bank Park on Opening day, April 12, 2004. He finished the season with a .301 average, 30 home runs, and 105 RBI, and ranked among the National League top five in five offensive categories: runs (fourth, 118) -- the third time in 6 years that he scored 118 runs, doubles
(fourth, 47), stolen bases (third, 40—a career high), walks
(second, 127—a career high) and on base percentage
(fifth, .428). In 2004, Abreu also led the Major Leagues in pitches-per-plate-appearance (4.32) and number of pitches seen (3,077), was eighth highest in the league in total bases (312), and posted the league's tenth-best OPS
(.971).
in the National League, after he hit .396 and 11 home runs. He also led the NL for the month in slugging average (.792), on-base percentage (.535), and walks (30) and was tied for the league lead with 30 RBI. He became the first player in Major League history to hit at least one home run in nine out of ten team games.
He was voted a starter in the NL outfield for the All-Star Game, finishing second in fan voting, behind St. Louis Cardinals
Jim Edmonds
.
At Comerica Park
– a field normally considered a "pitcher's park" – Abreu won the Home Run Derby
as he set records with 24 home runs in a single round (since broken by Josh Hamilton in 2008), and 41 overall, topping Miguel Tejada
's previous marks of 15 and 27, set a year earlier. Abreu's longest homer was measured at 517', the third longest in Derby history. After his power numbers dipped considerably for the remainder of 2005, into 2006, there was considerable speculation that winning the Derby may have had a psychological impact on Abreu.
In 2005, pitches per plate appearance (4.39), number of pitches seen (3,159), and games played (162), and was second in walks (117) and times on base (291), fourth in sacrifice flies (8), fifth in intentional walks (15), seventh in runs (104), stolen bases (31), and OBP (.405), ninth in strikeouts (104), and tenth in RBIs (102).
to the New York Yankees
for minor league shortstop C. J. Henry
(a 2005 first-round draft pick), left-hander Matt Smith
(a seven-year minor league veteran), catcher Jesus Sanchez
, and right-hander Carlos Monasterios
-- all low-level prospects in the Yankee organization. Philadelphia Daily News
columnist Bill Conlin referred to the trade as "the Great Gillick Giveaway" and declared it "an unvarnished disaster." Surprisingly, the Phillies improved after the Abreu trade, and made a run for the National League wild card, only being eliminated on the second to last day of the season.
Abreu fit very well into the Yankees lineup. Abreu hit .297 with 15 home runs and 107 RBI in the 2006 season, and hit 0.330 with the Yankees. Abreu and the Yankees ran away with the AL East division title by mid-September 2006, but were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers
in the 2006 American League Division Series
.
In 2006, Abreu led the major leagues in walks (124), pitches per plate appearance (4.45), and number of pitches seen (3,056), and was second in the major leagues in percent of plate appearances that were walks (18.5%),http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2006 and led the NL in percentage of pitches taken (66.2), and in walks per plate appearance (.181), third in batting average on balls in play (.375),http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2006 eighth in on base percentage (.424), 18th in stolen bases (30), and 19th in doubles (41).
On September 12, 2006, Abreu drove in six runs in the first inning of the Yankees' 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
. Abreu began the 9-run inning by homering with Johnny Damon
and Derek Jeter
on base, then concluded it with a bases-loaded double that scored Hideki Matsui
, Melky Cabrera
and Jeter. The six RBIs tied Gil McDougald
's 55-year franchise record for most in one inning (McDougald batted in six runs in one inning in 1951, his rookie season). Alex Rodriguez
broke the record shared by Abreu and McDougald by driving in seven runs in the sixth inning of 2009 regular season finale, also against Tampa Bay.
Abreu hit a walk-off double on July 9, 2008. On September 18 Abreu hit 2 home runs and had 6 RBI in a game versus the Chicago White Sox and Javier Vazquez. He finished the season with a .296 average, 20 home runs, and 100 RBI. He had the last stolen base in the original Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008.
, and was expected to play left field. However, after Vladimir Guerrero
was moved to DH
due to injury, Abreu saw more action at his natural position in right field.
Abreu was involved in an incident with Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. Abreu stepped out during Beckett's motion, and in retaliation the next pitch was at Abreu's head. Bobby only stepped toward's the mound and began yelling at Beckett. Beckett yelled back and had to be held back by several Red Sox players.
After struggling early on in the season, Abreu hit .380 with 28 RBI in 26 games in July, and was named American League player of the month. Abreu is the first Angels player to reach those figures in batting average and RBI in one calendar month in 12 years. The last player to do so was Tim Salmon
, who hit .390 with 32 RBI in 27 games in July 1997.
On August 6, Abreu led off the fifth inning with a solo home run off Chicago White Sox
pitcher John Danks
, giving him 250 homers in his career and moving the Angels right fielder onto an impressive list of baseball achievers. Abreu became one of only six players in major league history to collect 250 home runs, 2,000 hits, 1,000 runs, 1,000 runs batted in, 1,000 walks and 300 stolen bases. The others are Barry Bonds
, Craig Biggio
, and Hall of Famers Joe Morgan
, Rickey Henderson
and Willie Mays
. In 2009, he led the AL in errors by an outfielder, with 8.
Though Abreu stated that he enjoyed his season with the Angels and is credited with helping many of the team's younger players to improve their swings and patience at the plate, he turned down a two year, $16 million extension on his contract on October 15.
as one of the reasons, saying "He's one of those managers that lets you play the game, and he gives you big support." He also noted the organization publicly recognized his career achievements and consistently delivered opportunities to succeed in the postseason, saying, "This is a team that gives you an opportunity always to be in the playoffs. This time, my first time with them, I was very close to getting to the World Series, so why not stay? Of course you want a team that is going to give you opportunities to be in the World Series and win the World Series. I don't want to take a chance with someone else."
communities. In 2001, he was the Honorary Chairman for the American Red Cross
Blood Drive.
Abreu bought $10,000 worth of tickets to most Friday night games for children in his "Abreu's Amigos" organization during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. In this program, the children got jerseys, coupons for concessions, and chances to meet Abreu on the field during batting practice.
Bobby was also the 2004 recipient of the Phillies Community Service award and the Phillies' representative for MLB's Roberto Clemente Award
.
In 2008, Bobby made a contribution to the Police Athletic League of New York City through his Abreu's Finest charity wine to provide boys and girls with recreational, educational, cultural and social programs.
Bobby is known as "El Comedulce" in Venezuela. The name translates roughly to "the candy-eater," which had been his father Nelson Abreu's nickname. Following Nelson's death, Bobby "began asking people to call him the same name as a way of honoring his father's memory."
Turmero
Turmero is a city in the state of Aragua in northern Venezuela. It is the capital of Santiago Mariño Municipality....
, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
), nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
left fielder
Left fielder
In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
Abreu is a two-time All-Star, and has won a Gold Glove Award
Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
and a Silver Slugger Award. He has led the league in games (twice), doubles, and triples. Through 2011, he was second among active ballplayers in doubles (554), third in walks (1,419), sixth in stolen bases (393), and ninth in on-base percentage (.397).http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreubo01.shtml Through 2011, on defense he was the major league leader among active players in outfield assists, with 134.
Early career
Abreu played with the Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan winter baseball league. He batted .283 and began to show gap power with 21 doubles and a league-record 17 triples. He also reached double figures in outfield assists for the third year in a row. After the campaign, he had rotator cuff surgery done on his right shoulder, which had periodically given him problems.
Abreu started his Major League career with the Houston Astros. He played only 74 games over two seasons. Left unprotected in the 1997 MLB Expansion Draft
1997 MLB Expansion Draft
The 1997 Major League Baseball expansion draft was conducted by Major League Baseball on November 18, 1997 in the Phoenix Civic Center to stock the major league rosters of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks, new major league expansion franchises that were set to start play in the...
when Houston Astros decided to keep fellow Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
n outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Richard Hidalgo
Richard Hidalgo
Richard José Hidalgo [ee-DAHL-go] is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He played with the Houston Astros , New York Mets , and the Texas Rangers . He batted and threw right-handed....
, Abreu was selected by the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays, but hours later he was traded to the Phillies for shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Kevin Stocker
Kevin Stocker
Kevin Douglas Stocker is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitter. Stocker played with the Philadelphia Phillies , Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Anaheim Angels ....
.
Despite the fact that both the Astros and Devil Rays deemed him expendable, Abreu firmly established himself as one of the most promising young hitters and strong-armed right fielders in the game.
Philadelphia Phillies
1998-2003 seasons
In 1998, his first season with the Phillies, Abreu led his team with a .312 batting averageBatting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
and collected 17 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, 74 RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
, and 19 stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s in 151 games, with 271 putout
Putout
In baseball statistics, a putout is given to a defensive player who records an out by one of the following methods:* Tagging a runner with the ball when he is not touching a base...
s and 17 assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
in right field.
In 1999, he made a brief run at the batting title. His .335 career-high average that season ranked third in the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
and was the highest posted by a Phillies player since outfielder Tony González hit .339 in 1967. His .446 career-high OBP was also third in the league. He also tied for the league lead in triples with 11.
In 2000, he was fourth in the league in triples (10), sixth in doubles (42), seventh in walks (100), and ninth in OBP (.416). Bobby became the first Phillie outfielder since Greg Luzinski with back-to-back 20 homer seasons.
In 2001, Abreu led the NL in games played (162), and was third in walks (106), fourth in stolen bases (36) and doubles (48), and eighth in runs (118) and sacrifice flies (9). He also hit a career-high 31 home runs and had a career-high 110 RBI.
In 2002, he led the league in doubles (50), and was sixth in walks (104), seventh in stolen bases (31) and intentional walks (13), eighth in OBP (.413), ninth in hits (176), and tenth in runs (102).
In 2003, Abreu was fourth in the league in walks (109), seventh in sacrifice flies (7), eighth in OBP (.409), and ninth in stolen bases (22).
2004 season
Finally, in 2004, he got his first All-StarMajor League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
berth, being voted in as the National League All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...
winner in online voting on MLB.com.
Abreu hit the first home run at the Phillies' brand new Citizens Bank Park on Opening day, April 12, 2004. He finished the season with a .301 average, 30 home runs, and 105 RBI, and ranked among the National League top five in five offensive categories: runs (fourth, 118) -- the third time in 6 years that he scored 118 runs, doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(fourth, 47), stolen bases (third, 40—a career high), walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
(second, 127—a career high) and on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
(fifth, .428). In 2004, Abreu also led the Major Leagues in pitches-per-plate-appearance (4.32) and number of pitches seen (3,077), was eighth highest in the league in total bases (312), and posted the league's tenth-best OPS
On-base plus slugging
On-base plus slugging is a sabermetric baseball statistic calculated as the sum of a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The ability of a player to both get on base and to hit for power, two important hitting skills, are represented. An OPS of .900 or higher in Major League...
(.971).
2005 season
In May, Abreu was honored as the Player of the MonthPlayer of the Month
The Player of the Month Award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league every month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award on June 4, 1958. National League president Warren Giles conducted a poll of baseball writers in each Major League city and...
in the National League, after he hit .396 and 11 home runs. He also led the NL for the month in slugging average (.792), on-base percentage (.535), and walks (30) and was tied for the league lead with 30 RBI. He became the first player in Major League history to hit at least one home run in nine out of ten team games.
He was voted a starter in the NL outfield for the All-Star Game, finishing second in fan voting, behind St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
Jim Edmonds
Jim Edmonds
James Patrick "Jim" Edmonds is a former American Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the California/Anaheim Angels, the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Cincinnati Reds...
.
At Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
– a field normally considered a "pitcher's park" – Abreu won the Home Run Derby
Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby is an event played prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It is a contest among the top home run hitters in Major League Baseball to determine who can hit the most home runs. The event is currently sponsored by State Farm Insurance...
as he set records with 24 home runs in a single round (since broken by Josh Hamilton in 2008), and 41 overall, topping Miguel Tejada
Miguel Tejada
Miguel Odalis Tejada was a Major League Baseball infielder who has played for the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres, the Houston Astros, the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics...
's previous marks of 15 and 27, set a year earlier. Abreu's longest homer was measured at 517', the third longest in Derby history. After his power numbers dipped considerably for the remainder of 2005, into 2006, there was considerable speculation that winning the Derby may have had a psychological impact on Abreu.
In 2005, pitches per plate appearance (4.39), number of pitches seen (3,159), and games played (162), and was second in walks (117) and times on base (291), fourth in sacrifice flies (8), fifth in intentional walks (15), seventh in runs (104), stolen bases (31), and OBP (.405), ninth in strikeouts (104), and tenth in RBIs (102).
2006 season
On July 30, 2006, Abreu was traded along with Cory LidleCory Lidle
Cory Fulton Lidle was an Americanright-handed baseball pitcher who spent nine seasons in the major leagues with seven different teams. His twin brother Kevin Lidle also played baseball, as a catcher for several minor league teams...
to the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for minor league shortstop C. J. Henry
C. J. Henry
Carl Joshua Henry, Jr. is a college basketball player for the Southern Nazarene University men's basketball team.-Early life:Henry is the son of Carl Henry, Sr., a former professional basketball player...
(a 2005 first-round draft pick), left-hander Matt Smith
Matt Smith (baseball)
Matthew J. Smith is a former left-handed relief pitcher. He graduated from Bishop Gorman High School, where he played baseball. He was a 3-year letter winner and is the all-time leader in strikeouts at OSU and was named to the Big 12 Second Team twice and First Team once...
(a seven-year minor league veteran), catcher Jesus Sanchez
Jesus Sanchez
Jesús Paulino Sánchez is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in the majors from until . Most recently, he appeared in three games for the Sacramento River Cats of the Oakland Athletics organization in .-External links:...
, and right-hander Carlos Monasterios
Carlos Monasterios
Carlos Monasterios Hernandez is a right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 2006 but was shortly traded to the Philadelphia Phillies Carlos Monasterios Hernandez (born March 21, 1986 in Miranda, Venezuela) is a...
-- all low-level prospects in the Yankee organization. Philadelphia Daily News
Philadelphia Daily News
The Philadelphia Daily News is a tabloid newspaper that serves Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The newspaper is owned by Philadelphia Media Holdings which also owns Philadelphia's other major newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Daily News began publishing on March 31, 1925, under...
columnist Bill Conlin referred to the trade as "the Great Gillick Giveaway" and declared it "an unvarnished disaster." Surprisingly, the Phillies improved after the Abreu trade, and made a run for the National League wild card, only being eliminated on the second to last day of the season.
Abreu fit very well into the Yankees lineup. Abreu hit .297 with 15 home runs and 107 RBI in the 2006 season, and hit 0.330 with the Yankees. Abreu and the Yankees ran away with the AL East division title by mid-September 2006, but were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
in the 2006 American League Division Series
2006 American League Division Series
-Game 1, October 3:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkA five-run third inning by the Yankees put the game out of reach for the Tigers. Bobby Abreu doubled to score Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter . Gary Sheffield then singled in Abreu, and Jason Giambi launched a two-run home run for a commanding 5–0...
.
In 2006, Abreu led the major leagues in walks (124), pitches per plate appearance (4.45), and number of pitches seen (3,056), and was second in the major leagues in percent of plate appearances that were walks (18.5%),http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2006 and led the NL in percentage of pitches taken (66.2), and in walks per plate appearance (.181), third in batting average on balls in play (.375),http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2006 eighth in on base percentage (.424), 18th in stolen bases (30), and 19th in doubles (41).
On September 12, 2006, Abreu drove in six runs in the first inning of the Yankees' 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. Abreu began the 9-run inning by homering with Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
and Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
on base, then concluded it with a bases-loaded double that scored Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
, Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
and Jeter. The six RBIs tied Gil McDougald
Gil McDougald
Gilbert James McDougald was an American infielder who spent all ten seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1960. He was a member of eight American League pennant winners and five World Series Champions. He was also the AL Rookie of the Year in 1951 and...
's 55-year franchise record for most in one inning (McDougald batted in six runs in one inning in 1951, his rookie season). Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
broke the record shared by Abreu and McDougald by driving in seven runs in the sixth inning of 2009 regular season finale, also against Tampa Bay.
2007 and 2008 seasons
After getting off to a slow start in (2007), Abreu finished the season strong putting up 101 RBI, 16 home runs and a .283 batting average. In 2007, Abreu was second in the AL in runs (123), third in pitches per plate appearance (4.38), ninth in games (158) and times on base (258), and tenth in walks (84) and plate appearances (699).Abreu hit a walk-off double on July 9, 2008. On September 18 Abreu hit 2 home runs and had 6 RBI in a game versus the Chicago White Sox and Javier Vazquez. He finished the season with a .296 average, 20 home runs, and 100 RBI. He had the last stolen base in the original Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008.
2009 season
On February 12, 2009, Abreu signed a $5 million, one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, and was expected to play left field. However, after Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
was moved to DH
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
due to injury, Abreu saw more action at his natural position in right field.
Abreu was involved in an incident with Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. Abreu stepped out during Beckett's motion, and in retaliation the next pitch was at Abreu's head. Bobby only stepped toward's the mound and began yelling at Beckett. Beckett yelled back and had to be held back by several Red Sox players.
After struggling early on in the season, Abreu hit .380 with 28 RBI in 26 games in July, and was named American League player of the month. Abreu is the first Angels player to reach those figures in batting average and RBI in one calendar month in 12 years. The last player to do so was Tim Salmon
Tim Salmon
Timothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
, who hit .390 with 32 RBI in 27 games in July 1997.
On August 6, Abreu led off the fifth inning with a solo home run off Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
pitcher John Danks
John Danks
John William Danks is a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball currently playing with the Chicago White Sox....
, giving him 250 homers in his career and moving the Angels right fielder onto an impressive list of baseball achievers. Abreu became one of only six players in major league history to collect 250 home runs, 2,000 hits, 1,000 runs, 1,000 runs batted in, 1,000 walks and 300 stolen bases. The others are Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
, Craig Biggio
Craig Biggio
Craig Alan Biggio is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, catcher, and outfielder. He played his entire 20-year baseball career with the Houston Astros . He ranks 21st all-time with 3,060 career hits, and is the ninth player in the 3000 hit club to get all his hits with the same team. He...
, and Hall of Famers Joe Morgan
Joe Morgan
Joe Leonard Morgan is a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics from 1963 to 1984. He won two World Series championships with the Reds in 1975 and 1976 and was also named the...
, Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
and Willie Mays
Willie Mays
Willie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his...
. In 2009, he led the AL in errors by an outfielder, with 8.
Though Abreu stated that he enjoyed his season with the Angels and is credited with helping many of the team's younger players to improve their swings and patience at the plate, he turned down a two year, $16 million extension on his contract on October 15.
2010 Season
On November 5, 2009, the first day eligible players could file for free agency, Abreu accepted a two year deal with the Angels, with a club option for 2012. Abreu will be paid $9 million in 2010 and 2011, plus a $1 million buyout of a $9 million option for 2012 that could vest based on plate appearances, a total of $19 million guaranteed. He cited the Angel's manager, Mike SciosciaMike Scioscia
Michael Lorri Scioscia is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has worked in that capacity since the 2000 season, and is the longest-tenured manager in Major League Baseball....
as one of the reasons, saying "He's one of those managers that lets you play the game, and he gives you big support." He also noted the organization publicly recognized his career achievements and consistently delivered opportunities to succeed in the postseason, saying, "This is a team that gives you an opportunity always to be in the playoffs. This time, my first time with them, I was very close to getting to the World Series, so why not stay? Of course you want a team that is going to give you opportunities to be in the World Series and win the World Series. I don't want to take a chance with someone else."
Batting Style
Abreu is famous for his plate discipline. In 2009, he led the American League in percent of pitches taken at 67.5%, while also having the fourth lowest percentage of swinging at the first pitch at 9.5%.Awards
- 1996 Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year
- 1999 Venezuelan Winter League All-Star OF
- 1999 Venezuelan Winter League Player of the Year
- 1999 Philadelphia Phillies Player of the Year
- 2000 Philadelphia Phillies Player of the Year
- 2001 Philadelphia Phillies Player of the Year
- 2004 NL Silver Slugger Award (OF)
- 2004 MLB All-Star
- 2005 NL Player of the Month (April)
- 2005 NL Gold Glove Award (OF)
- 2005 MLB All-Star
- 2005 Winner of the Home Run Derby at the MLB All-Star game. (41 home runs over 3 rounds)
- 2009 AL Player of the Month (July)
In the community
Abreu was involved in many events in the Philadelphia and Delaware ValleyDelaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
communities. In 2001, he was the Honorary Chairman for the American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
Blood Drive.
Abreu bought $10,000 worth of tickets to most Friday night games for children in his "Abreu's Amigos" organization during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. In this program, the children got jerseys, coupons for concessions, and chances to meet Abreu on the field during batting practice.
Bobby was also the 2004 recipient of the Phillies Community Service award and the Phillies' representative for MLB's Roberto Clemente Award
Roberto Clemente Award
The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. It is named for Hall of Fame...
.
In 2008, Bobby made a contribution to the Police Athletic League of New York City through his Abreu's Finest charity wine to provide boys and girls with recreational, educational, cultural and social programs.
Bobby is known as "El Comedulce" in Venezuela. The name translates roughly to "the candy-eater," which had been his father Nelson Abreu's nickname. Following Nelson's death, Bobby "began asking people to call him the same name as a way of honoring his father's memory."
See also
- 30-30 club30-30 clubThe 30–30 club is a grouping of Major League Baseball players who have reached the 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases plateaus in the same season....
- List of top 300 Major League Baseball home run hitters
- List of Major League Baseball players with 2000 hits
- List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 runs
- List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 RBI
- List of Major League Baseball players with 400 doubles
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
- List of Major League Baseball doubles champions
- List of Major League Baseball triples champions
- List of NL Silver Slugger Winners at Outfield