John Lindsey
Encyclopedia
John William Lindsey is a professional baseball first baseman
.
and baseball
star in high school in Hattiesburg, Lindsey was drafted by the Colorado Rockies
in the 13th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft
. He played in the Rockies farm system from - with stops in Portland
, Asheville
and Salem
, never rising above Single-A.
and played for the Single-A San Bernardino Stampede
and the Double-A San Antonio Missions
from 2002-. His best season was in 2002 with San Bernardino when he hit
.297 with 22 home run
s and 93 RBI
. Although a scout had told Lindsey early in his career that if he consistently batted .275 and hit 20 home runs he would likely reach the major leagues, Lindsey remained in the minors, in part due to his weak defensive skills.
Single-A team, the Jupiter Hammerheads
, in , he signed with the New Jersey Jackals
of the independent Can-Am League
. He played well with New Jersey, hitting .311 with 10 homers in 69 games in before being sidelined by a leg injury during a home plate
collision.
, enrolled at Pearl River Junior College
and was preparing for life after baseball. Lorenzo Bundy
, a former roving instructor for the Rockies during Lindsey's time there was now the manager
for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Triple-A team, the Las Vegas 51s
and he convinced the Dodgers to bring Lindsey to spring training
. He had a good spring training and the Dodgers signed him and sent him out to start the season at Double-A Jacksonville
. He hit .286 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI for the Suns and when a spot opened up with the 51s, Lindsey got his first promotion to Triple-A. He hit .333 with 19 home runs and 88 RBI for the 51s in 77 games during the 2007 season and received a non-roster invitation to major league camp in as a result.
Lindsey spent the entire 2008 season with the Las Vegas 51s. He had one of his best seasons to date, batting .316 with 26 home runs and 100 RBI. He was awarded the annual Mayor's Trophy based on fan voting, becoming the only player in franchise history to win the trophy in back-to-back years.
in January . He spent 2009 with the New Orleans Zephyrs
.
to start the season. Lindsey was twice selected PCL Player of the Week and on May 11, tied a franchise record with five hits in a 5-for-5 performance at Colorado Springs
. He hit .353 in 107 games with the Isotopes, including 25 home runs and 97 RBI and was selected to both the mid-season and post-season Pacific Coast League
all-star teams. Although his Triple-A wages and additional money from playing in the Mexican Pacific League earned Lindsey a comfortable salary "close to six figures", ESPN speculated in a long profile of the player that, had he entered baseball before or after the steroid era distorted other players' performance, "his career may have turned out completely different".
After the Isotopes' season ended in early September, Lindsey's wife was driving to him to take him home to Mississippi when on September 6, the Dodgers called Lindsey up to the major leagues for the first time, adding him to the team's 40-man roster. He had spent more time in the minors—16 years—before reaching the majors than any other active player. Lindsey made his Major League debut on September 8 against the San Diego Padres
as a pinch hitter, but did not bat because the Padres made a pitching change and he was subsequently pinch hit for by Andre Ethier
. His first official at-bat was the following day against the Houston Astros
, when he flew out to center also as a pinch hitter. Lindsey had his first hit against the Astros on Sunday, September 12, with his family present. That was the only hit he recorded in 12 at-bats with the Dodgers in 2010 before he broke his hand when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks
. He was designated for assignment on March 30, 2011.
He appeared in 75 games for Albuquerque in 2011, hitting .309 with 13 homers and 49 RBI.
, who was mayor of New York City
from 1966 to 1973.
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
.
Colorado Rockies
A footballAmerican football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
and baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
star in high school in Hattiesburg, Lindsey was drafted by the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
in the 13th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft
1995 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1995 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign-Background:Outfielder Darin Erstad of the University of Nebraska was the first pick in the 1995 Rule 4 Draft. Erstad compiled a career .356 average in three seasons with the...
. He played in the Rockies farm system from - with stops in Portland
Portland Rockies
The Portland Rockies were a minor-league baseball team that played in Portland, Oregon from 1995-2000. They were a rookie league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Their name and logo mimicked the mountain theme of the Colorado club, even though Portland is not located in the Rocky Mountains...
, Asheville
Asheville Tourists
The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina, USA. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994....
and Salem
Salem Avalanche
The Salem Red Sox are a minor league baseball team in Salem, Virginia, USA, an independent city adjacent to Roanoke, Virginia. They are a Class High-A team in the Carolina League and are a farm team of the Boston Red Sox...
, never rising above Single-A.
Seattle Mariners
In , seeking a fresh start, he signed with the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
and played for the Single-A San Bernardino Stampede
Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are a minor league baseball team in San Bernardino, California, United States. They are the Class A – Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and play in the California League...
and the Double-A San Antonio Missions
San Antonio Missions
The San Antonio Missions are a minor league baseball team based in San Antonio, Texas. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres major-league club. The Missions play in Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, located in San Antonio...
from 2002-. His best season was in 2002 with San Bernardino when he hit
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 :...
.297 with 22 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 and 93 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...
. Although a scout had told Lindsey early in his career that if he consistently batted .275 and hit 20 home runs he would likely reach the major leagues, Lindsey remained in the minors, in part due to his weak defensive skills.
New Jersey Jackals
Never able to move past Double-A and frustrated by a brief stint with the Florida MarlinsFlorida 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...
Single-A team, the Jupiter Hammerheads
Jupiter Hammerheads
The Jupiter Hammerheads are a minor league baseball team based in Jupiter, Florida, named for the hammerhead shark.The team, which plays in the Florida State League, is the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Miami Marlins major-league club....
, in , he signed with the New Jersey Jackals
New Jersey Jackals
The New Jersey Jackals are a professional baseball team based in Little Falls, New Jersey, in the United States. The Jackals are a member of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
of the independent Can-Am League
Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball
The Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a professional, independent baseball league located in the Northeastern United States and the Canadian province of Quebec. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is...
. He played well with New Jersey, hitting .311 with 10 homers in 69 games in before being sidelined by a leg injury during a home plate
Home Plate
Home Plate is the fifth album by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1975 .-Track listing:#"What Do You Want the Boy to Do?" – 3:19#"Good Enough" – 2:56#"Run Like a Thief" – 3:02...
collision.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Ready to retire after the 2006 season, he went back home to MississippiMississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
, enrolled at Pearl River Junior College
Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College is a public community college in Poplarville, Mississippi, USA. It was founded as Pearl River County Agricultural High School in 1909, then became the first junior college in Mississippi in 1921.-History:...
and was preparing for life after baseball. Lorenzo Bundy
Lorenzo Bundy
Charles Lorenzo Bundy is the former first base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks and current manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes.-Playing career:...
, a former roving instructor for the Rockies during Lindsey's time there was now the manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
for 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...
Triple-A team, the Las Vegas 51s
Las Vegas 51s
The Las Vegas 51s, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, are a minor league baseball team. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League...
and he convinced the Dodgers to bring Lindsey to spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. He had a good spring training and the Dodgers signed him and sent him out to start the season at Double-A Jacksonville
Jacksonville Suns
The Jacksonville Suns are a minor league baseball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team is currently a member of the Southern League and is the class Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team...
. He hit .286 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI for the Suns and when a spot opened up with the 51s, Lindsey got his first promotion to Triple-A. He hit .333 with 19 home runs and 88 RBI for the 51s in 77 games during the 2007 season and received a non-roster invitation to major league camp in as a result.
Lindsey spent the entire 2008 season with the Las Vegas 51s. He had one of his best seasons to date, batting .316 with 26 home runs and 100 RBI. He was awarded the annual Mayor's Trophy based on fan voting, becoming the only player in franchise history to win the trophy in back-to-back years.
Florida Marlins
He became a free agent at the end of the season and signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Florida MarlinsFlorida 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 January . He spent 2009 with 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....
.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Lindsey rejoined the Dodgers on a minor league contract for 2010. He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque IsotopesAlbuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
to start the season. Lindsey was twice selected PCL Player of the Week and on May 11, tied a franchise record with five hits in a 5-for-5 performance at Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Sky Sox
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team's colors are red and blue. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Colorado Rockies...
. He hit .353 in 107 games with the Isotopes, including 25 home runs and 97 RBI and was selected to both the mid-season and post-season Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
all-star teams. Although his Triple-A wages and additional money from playing in the Mexican Pacific League earned Lindsey a comfortable salary "close to six figures", ESPN speculated in a long profile of the player that, had he entered baseball before or after the steroid era distorted other players' performance, "his career may have turned out completely different".
After the Isotopes' season ended in early September, Lindsey's wife was driving to him to take him home to Mississippi when on September 6, the Dodgers called Lindsey up to the major leagues for the first time, adding him to the team's 40-man roster. He had spent more time in the minors—16 years—before reaching the majors than any other active player. Lindsey made his Major League debut on September 8 against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
as a pinch hitter, but did not bat because the Padres made a pitching change and he was subsequently pinch hit for by Andre Ethier
Andre Ethier
Andre Everett Ethier , is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.In 2009, Ethier hit six walk off hits , which was the most by any player in the Major Leagues since 1974. His four walk-off home runs tied the Major League record for most in a season...
. His first official at-bat was the following day against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, when he flew out to center also as a pinch hitter. Lindsey had his first hit against the Astros on Sunday, September 12, with his family present. That was the only hit he recorded in 12 at-bats with the Dodgers in 2010 before he broke his hand when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. He was designated for assignment on March 30, 2011.
He appeared in 75 games for Albuquerque in 2011, hitting .309 with 13 homers and 49 RBI.
Personal
Lindsey and his wife Christa have a son, John III. Lindsey is nicknamed "Mayor" thanks to a name that is similar to John LindsayJohn Lindsay
John Vliet Lindsay was an American politician, lawyer and broadcaster who was a U.S. Congressman, Mayor of New York City, candidate for U.S...
, who was mayor of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
from 1966 to 1973.