Fernando Tatis
Encyclopedia
Fernando Tatís, Jr. is a Major League Baseball
utility player, who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Texas Rangers
(1997–1998), St. Louis Cardinals
(1998–2000), Montreal Expos
(2001–2003), Baltimore Orioles
(2006) and New York Mets
(2008–2010). Tatis holds the Major League record for RBI's in an inning, a feat he achieved by hitting 2 Grand Slams in one inning during an April 23, 1999 game, also becoming the only player in Major League history to hit two grand slams in one inning.
on August 25, 1992. He made his Major League Baseball
debut with the Rangers at third base
almost five years later on July 26, 1997 and would go on to play 60 games with the Rangers in his rookie season. At the trade deadline on July 31, 1998, the Rangers traded Tatís along with Darren Oliver
and Mark Little
to the St. Louis Cardinals
for Royce Clayton
and Todd Stottlemyre
.
Tatís enjoyed a career year in with the St. Louis Cardinals, when he hit 34 home run
s with 107 RBI
and 21 stolen base
s while posting a .298 batting average
. On April 23, 1999, Tatís made history by hitting two grand slams
in a single inning; the only player to do so in the history of the MLB. He hit both against Chan Ho Park of the Los Angeles Dodgers
. With this feat, Tatís also set a Major-League record with eight RBI in a single inning. After only playing in 96 games in due to injury, Tatís was traded to the Montreal Expos
with Britt Reames
for Dustin Hermanson
and Steve Kline. Unfortunately for the Expos, Tatís would only play in 208 games over the span of three seasons for them due to various injuries and time on the disabled list
.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays
signed Tatís and invited him to spring training in , but he did not make the Devil Rays squad and was subsequently released. Tatís would not play professionally for two seasons, instead spending time with his family in the Dominican Republic
. The impetus for Tatís to return to baseball lay in his desire to build a church in his hometown of San Pedro de Macorís
. Soon after he told his family of his plans, the Baltimore Orioles
signed Tatís to a minor-league contract on November 25, 2005. He played most of the season for their AAA
affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx
, eventually playing in 28 games for the Orioles after being recalled on July 21, 2006.
In , Tatís was invited to Los Angeles Dodgers
spring training. Tatís was granted his request for a release on March 14 after being assigned to minor-league camp. Nine days later, he signed a minor-league contract with the New York Mets
, and he spent the whole 2007 season with their AAA affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs
. Before Tatís began his most recent stint in the majors with the Mets, the church he was saving for had been built.
On May 11, 2008, Tatís was called up from New Orleans to replace Angel Pagán
because Tatís had started to play outfield
in the minors to become a utility player. On May 28, he hit a walk-off double against Justin Miller
to defeat the Florida Marlins
in the bottom of the 12th inning. This was Tatís's first career walk-off hit. Tatís has played most of his time in the corner outfield positions for the Mets due to injuries to starters Moisés Alou
and Ryan Church. On September 16, Tatis separated his shoulder diving for a ball in a game against the Nationals. New York's team physician diagnosed the injury as a Grade III separation, but he missed the rest of the 2008 regular season. On October 23, 2008, Tatis received The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award
for the National League.
Tatís was named to the Dominican Republic
roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic
as an injury replacement for Alex Rodriguez
. As of May 2009, he is the most-played utility man for New York. He plays first base, second base, third base, and both corner outfield positions. He also played shortstop for only the 4th time on May 17, when he replaced Alex Cora
. If needed, he can also play the catching position.
Tatis re-signed with the Mets on January 29, 2010 for one year with a $1.7 million salary.
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...
utility player, who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
(1997–1998), 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...
(1998–2000), Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
(2001–2003), Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
(2006) and New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
(2008–2010). Tatis holds the Major League record for RBI's in an inning, a feat he achieved by hitting 2 Grand Slams in one inning during an April 23, 1999 game, also becoming the only player in Major League history to hit two grand slams in one inning.
Playing career
At 17 years old, Tatís was signed as an amateur free agent by the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
on August 25, 1992. He made his 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...
debut with the Rangers at third base
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
almost five years later on July 26, 1997 and would go on to play 60 games with the Rangers in his rookie season. At the trade deadline on July 31, 1998, the Rangers traded Tatís along with Darren Oliver
Darren Oliver
Darren Christopher Oliver is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.Oliver was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 3rd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft, and has had three separate stints with the club.-Early life:...
and Mark Little
Mark Little (baseball)
Mark Travis Little is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball. Little retired after the season, after playing for the Florida Marlins Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes...
to the 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...
for Royce Clayton
Royce Clayton
Royce Spencer Clayton is an American former Major League Baseball shortstop and occasional actor.-Baseball career:Clayton was born in Burbank, California. He was drafted out of St...
and Todd Stottlemyre
Todd Stottlemyre
Todd Vernon Stottlemyre is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played 15 seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the son of Mel Stottlemyre, former New York Yankees pitcher. His brother...
.
Tatís enjoyed a career year in with the St. Louis Cardinals, when he hit 34 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 with 107 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 21 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 while posting a .298 batting average
Batting 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 :...
. On April 23, 1999, Tatís made history by hitting two grand slams
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
in a single inning; the only player to do so in the history of the MLB. He hit both against Chan Ho Park of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. With this feat, Tatís also set a Major-League record with eight RBI in a single inning. After only playing in 96 games in due to injury, Tatís was traded to the Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
with Britt Reames
Britt Reames
Britt William Reames is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched parts of six seasons in the major leagues, between and , for four different teams....
for Dustin Hermanson
Dustin Hermanson
Dustin Michael Hermanson is an American former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.After being selected in the 1st round of the amateur draft by, and playing for, the San Diego Padres, he bounced around the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red...
and Steve Kline. Unfortunately for the Expos, Tatís would only play in 208 games over the span of three seasons for them due to various injuries and time on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
.
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...
signed Tatís and invited him to spring training in , but he did not make the Devil Rays squad and was subsequently released. Tatís would not play professionally for two seasons, instead spending time with his family in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
. The impetus for Tatís to return to baseball lay in his desire to build a church in his hometown of San Pedro de Macorís
San Pedro de Macorís
San Pedro de Macorís is a municipality and the capital of the San Pedro de Macorís province in the Dominican Republic.-Demographics:...
. Soon after he told his family of his plans, the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
signed Tatís to a minor-league contract on November 25, 2005. He played most of the season for their AAA
AAA (baseball)
Triple-A refers to the highest level of play in minor league baseball in the United States and Mexico.-Purpose:Triple-A teams' main purpose is to prepare players for the Major Leagues:...
affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx
Ottawa Lynx
The Ottawa Lynx were a minor league baseball team that formerly competed in the Triple-A International League from 1993 to 2007. The team's home field was Lynx Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. Over the team's 15 seasons, it was the Triple-A Minor League affiliate of the Montreal Expos , Baltimore...
, eventually playing in 28 games for the Orioles after being recalled on July 21, 2006.
In , Tatís was invited to Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
spring training. Tatís was granted his request for a release on March 14 after being assigned to minor-league camp. Nine days later, he signed a minor-league contract with the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, and he spent the whole 2007 season with their AAA affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs
New Orleans Zephyrs
The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field....
. Before Tatís began his most recent stint in the majors with the Mets, the church he was saving for had been built.
On May 11, 2008, Tatís was called up from New Orleans to replace Angel Pagán
Angel Pagán
Ángel Anthony Pagán is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He currently plays outfield for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Pagan's original contract in Major League Baseball was with the Mets, but he was transferred to the Chicago Cubs when they bought his contract...
because Tatís had started to play outfield
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...
in the minors to become a utility player. On May 28, he hit a walk-off double against Justin Miller
Justin Miller (baseball)
Justin Mark Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-Amateur career:...
to defeat the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in the bottom of the 12th inning. This was Tatís's first career walk-off hit. Tatís has played most of his time in the corner outfield positions for the Mets due to injuries to starters Moisés Alou
Moisés Alou
Moisés Rojas Alou |Spanish:]] ; born July 3, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia) is a former American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for 17 seasons in the National League. In 1,942 career games, Alou had a batting average of .303 with 2,134 hits, 421 doubles, 332 home runs, and 1,287 runs...
and Ryan Church. On September 16, Tatis separated his shoulder diving for a ball in a game against the Nationals. New York's team physician diagnosed the injury as a Grade III separation, but he missed the rest of the 2008 regular season. On October 23, 2008, Tatis received The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award
The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award
The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award is the oldest of three annual awards in Major League Baseball given to one player in each league who has reemerged as a star in that season. It was established in 1965...
for the National League.
Tatís was named to the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic national baseball team
The Dominican Republic national baseball team is the national baseball team of the Dominican Republic.-World Baseball Classic Roster:- Dominican Republic:Manager: 17 Felipe Alou...
roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic
2009 World Baseball Classic
The 2009 World Baseball Classic was an international baseball competition. It is the only international baseball tournament to feature a large number of players from the major leagues of North America and Asia. It began on March 5, 2009, and finished March 23, 2009.Japan emerged victorious for the...
as an injury replacement for 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...
. As of May 2009, he is the most-played utility man for New York. He plays first base, second base, third base, and both corner outfield positions. He also played shortstop for only the 4th time on May 17, when he replaced Alex Cora
Alex Cora
José Alexander "Alex" Cora is a Major League Baseball infielder. He played college baseball at the University of Miami.-Early career:...
. If needed, he can also play the catching position.
Tatis re-signed with the Mets on January 29, 2010 for one year with a $1.7 million salary.