Marquis Grissom
Encyclopedia
Marquis Deon Grissom is a former Major League Baseball
player. He excelled in baseball at Lakeshore High School, under the tutelage of baseball coach Mike Juenger. He currently resides in College Park, Georgia
. In 2009, Grissom served as the first base coach for the Washington Nationals
.
, and in 1988
, the Montreal Expos
selected him with the 76th overall pick in the June draft, as part of that draft's third round. He had been considered a prospect as both a pitcher and an outfielder, but the Expos decided to have him abandon the mound and work solely as a position player. He made his professional debut with the Jamestown Expos
of the New York-Penn League that fall and advanced quickly through the system, first appearing in the majors on August 22, 1989. He showed steady improvement for the next few seasons, gradually developing into a star as Montreal's leadoff hitter
and center fielder
. He led the National League
in stolen bases in 1991 and 1992, was a member of the NL All-Star
team in 1993
and 1994
, and won four consecutive Gold Gloves, the first coming in 1993.
Against the Los Angeles Dodgers
on July 28, 1991, Grissom caught Chris Gwynn
's fly ball for the final out of Dennis Martínez
' perfect game
.
ended the 1994 season before the playoffs, and after baseball resumed the team was forced to trade many of their stars for financial reasons. In April 1995, the Expos traded Grissom to the Atlanta Braves
, in exchange for pitcher Esteban Yan
and outfielders Roberto Kelly
and Tony Tarasco
. The Braves were just beginning a run of dominance in the NL East, and in his first season in Atlanta, they won the World Series
with Marquis (the only player on that Atlanta Braves team who actually was born and raised in Atlanta) securing the final out by catching a fly ball by Carlos Baerga
. They returned to the fall classic the next season, but failed to defend their title against the New York Yankees
.
. Hoping to save money that had been committed to long-term contracts, Atlanta traded Grissom and two-time All-Star David Justice
to the Indians, receiving in return three-time All-Star Kenny Lofton
and setup man Alan Embree
. The deal worked out well for Cleveland, as the team went all the way to the World Series, ultimately losing to the Florida Marlins
in seven games. Grissom performed exceptionally well in that postseason, winning the MVP award in the ALCS
, and completing a 15 game World Series
consecutive game hitting streak
spanning 3 World Series, the 2nd longest of all time next to Hank Bauer
of the New York Yankees
.
to the Milwaukee Brewers
for pitchers Ben McDonald
, Ron Villone
, and Mike Fetters
. Grissom's production declined as he spent three seasons with the struggling club, and a trade in the spring of 2001 made him a Los Angeles Dodger
, sending Devon White to the Brewers in return. Grissom continued to struggle that year, but he enjoyed a strong bounce-back season as a part-time player in 2002. On September 16, 2002, the Dodgers had a crucial game against the San Francisco Giants
. In the top of the 9th inning, he robbed Rich Aurilia
of a potential game-tying home run to protect the 7-6 victory. The Giants went on to make the playoffs and the Dodgers did not. As a free agent he subsequently attracted the attention of the San Francisco Giants
, who had just been defeated in the World Series
. San Francisco signed Grissom, and he enjoyed two more productive seasons as their starting center fielder. The Giants were successful as well, winning the NL West in 2003
and missing the wild card by one game in 2004
. Marquis won the 2003 Willie Mac Award
for his spirit and leadership. Grissom's production dipped again in 2005, and in a season of struggles by the Giants, he was released. On January 3, 2006, the Chicago Cubs
signed him to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training as a non-roster player.
first base coach for the 2009 season on October 24, 2008.
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...
player. He excelled in baseball at Lakeshore High School, under the tutelage of baseball coach Mike Juenger. He currently resides in College Park, Georgia
College Park, Georgia
College Park is a city located partly in Fulton County, Georgia and partially in Clayton County, Georgia, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,942...
. In 2009, Grissom served as the first base coach for the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
.
Montreal Expos
Grissom played baseball at Florida A&M UniversityFlorida A&M University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, commonly known as Florida A&M or FAMU, is a historically black university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States, the state capital, and is one of eleven member institutions of the State University System of Florida...
, and in 1988
1988 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1988 Major League Baseball draft.-Supplemental First Round Selections:-External links:*...
, 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...
selected him with the 76th overall pick in the June draft, as part of that draft's third round. He had been considered a prospect as both a pitcher and an outfielder, but the Expos decided to have him abandon the mound and work solely as a position player. He made his professional debut with the Jamestown Expos
Vermont Lake Monsters
The Vermont Lake Monsters are a minor league baseball team in the Short-Season A classification New York - Penn League, affiliated with the Oakland Athletics. The team plays its home games at Centennial Field on the University of Vermont campus in Burlington, Vermont...
of the New York-Penn League that fall and advanced quickly through the system, first appearing in the majors on August 22, 1989. He showed steady improvement for the next few seasons, gradually developing into a star as Montreal's leadoff hitter
Batting order (baseball)
The batting order, or batting lineup, in baseball is the sequence in which the nine members of the offense take their turns in batting against the pitcher. The batting order is the main component of a team's offensive strategy. The batting order is set by the manager before the game begins...
and center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
. He led 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...
in stolen bases in 1991 and 1992, was a member of the NL All-Star
Major 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...
team in 1993
1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 64th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 13, 1993 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland,...
and 1994
1994 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1994 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 65th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
, and won four consecutive Gold Gloves, the first coming in 1993.
Against 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...
on July 28, 1991, Grissom caught Chris Gwynn
Chris Gwynn
Christopher Karlton "Chris" Gwynn is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Career:...
's fly ball for the final out of Dennis Martínez
Dennis Martínez
José Dennis Martínez Emilia , nicknamed "El Presidente" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher...
' perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
.
Atlanta Braves
The Expos enjoyed success on the field, but a strike1994 Major League Baseball season
The 1994 Major League Baseball season ended with the infamous players strike ending the season on August 11, 1994.-Strike:As a result of a players' strike, the MLB season ended prematurely on August 11, 1994. No postseason was played...
ended the 1994 season before the playoffs, and after baseball resumed the team was forced to trade many of their stars for financial reasons. In April 1995, the Expos traded Grissom to the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, in exchange for pitcher Esteban Yan
Esteban Yan
Esteban Luis Yan is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League...
and outfielders Roberto Kelly
Roberto Kelly
Roberto Conrado Kelly is a former Outfielder in Major League Baseball and is currently the first base coach for the San Francisco Giants. He previously managed the Giants' single-A team, the Augusta GreenJackets. Kelly played for several major league clubs...
and Tony Tarasco
Tony Tarasco
Anthony Giacinto Tarasco is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and New York Mets from 1993 to 2002....
. The Braves were just beginning a run of dominance in the NL East, and in his first season in Atlanta, they won the World Series
1995 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 1995 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaAtlanta ace Greg Maddux pitched a two-hit complete game victory in his first World Series appearance ....
with Marquis (the only player on that Atlanta Braves team who actually was born and raised in Atlanta) securing the final out by catching a fly ball by Carlos Baerga
Carlos Baerga
Carlos Obed Baerga Ortiz is a former Major League Baseball player. After spending most of his career as a second baseman, he was used at various positions late in his career.-Cleveland Indians:...
. They returned to the fall classic the next season, but failed to defend their title against the New York Yankees
1996 New York Yankees season
The 1996 New York Yankees season was the 94th season for the Yankees. The 1996 New York Yankees were managed by Joe Torre, and played at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx....
.
Cleveland Indians
Teams' financial motivations continued to affect the course of Grissom's career, and in March 1997, he was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland IndiansCleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. Hoping to save money that had been committed to long-term contracts, Atlanta traded Grissom and two-time All-Star David Justice
David Justice
David Christopher Justice is a former outfielder and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , and Oakland Athletics .-Early life:David was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Robert and Nettie Justice...
to the Indians, receiving in return three-time All-Star Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton
Kenneth Lofton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder known for his great speed on the base paths as well as in the field, award-winning defensive play , timely hitting, and playful spirit. He batted and threw left-handed...
and setup man Alan Embree
Alan Embree
Alan Duane Embree is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. Previously, Embree played with the Cleveland Indians , Atlanta Braves , Arizona Diamondbacks , San Francisco Giants , Chicago White Sox , San Diego Padres , Boston Red Sox , New York...
. The deal worked out well for Cleveland, as the team went all the way to the World Series, ultimately losing to the Florida Marlins
1997 Florida Marlins season
The 1997 Florida Marlins season started off with the team trying to improve on their record from 1996. Their manager was Jim Leyland. They played home games at Pro Player Stadium...
in seven games. Grissom performed exceptionally well in that postseason, winning the MVP award in the ALCS
1997 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 8, 1997 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland-Game 2:Thursday, October 9, 1997 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland...
, and completing a 15 game World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
consecutive game hitting streak
Hitting streak
In baseball, a hitting streak refers to the number of consecutive official games in which a player gets at least one base hit.According to the Official Baseball Rules, such a streak is ended when a player has at least 1 plate appearance and no hits...
spanning 3 World Series, the 2nd longest of all time next to Hank Bauer
Hank Bauer
Henry Albert "Hank" Bauer was an American right fielder and manager in Major League Baseball. He played with the New York Yankees and Kansas City Athletics ; he batted and threw right-handed...
of 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...
.
Later career
That offseason, however, the Indians re-signed Lofton as a free agent, subsequently trading Grissom and pitcher Jeff JudenJeff Juden
Jeffrey Daniel Juden is a former Major League Baseball player. He is 6'8" and weighs 270 lbs...
to the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for pitchers Ben McDonald
Ben McDonald
Larry Benard McDonald is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-High school:McDonald prepped at Denham Springs High School, which is about 10 minutes east of Baton Rouge, and was both a basketball and baseball standout.-College:A collegiate star at Louisiana State University in both basketball...
, Ron Villone
Ron Villone
Ronald Thomas Villone Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher who is currently with the Somerset Patriots. He has not been on the same team for more than two years in his major league career and due to his many baseball travels, some of his teammates have affectionately referred...
, and Mike Fetters
Mike Fetters
Michael Lee Fetters is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for eight teams during his sixteen year career from to...
. Grissom's production declined as he spent three seasons with the struggling club, and a trade in the spring of 2001 made him a Los Angeles Dodger
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...
, sending Devon White to the Brewers in return. Grissom continued to struggle that year, but he enjoyed a strong bounce-back season as a part-time player in 2002. On September 16, 2002, the Dodgers had a crucial game against the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. In the top of the 9th inning, he robbed Rich Aurilia
Rich Aurilia
Richard Santo Aurilia is a former Major League Baseball player, mainly as a shortstop. He bats and throws right-handed.The 24th round pick of the Texas Rangers in the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft, Aurilia worked in the Rangers minor league system before being traded with first baseman Desi...
of a potential game-tying home run to protect the 7-6 victory. The Giants went on to make the playoffs and the Dodgers did not. As a free agent he subsequently attracted the attention of the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, who had just been defeated in the World Series
2002 World Series
The 2002 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff series to determine the champion of Major League Baseball for the 2002 season. It was the 98th such contest between the champions of the American League and National League , and featured the AL champion Anaheim Angels against the NL champion San...
. San Francisco signed Grissom, and he enjoyed two more productive seasons as their starting center fielder. The Giants were successful as well, winning the NL West in 2003
2003 San Francisco Giants season
The San Francisco Giants are an American baseball team.-Offseason:*November 15, 2002: Tsuyoshi Shinjo was released by the San Francisco Giants. *December 7, 2002: Marquis Grissom signed as a Free Agent with the San Francisco Giants....
and missing the wild card by one game in 2004
2004 San Francisco Giants season
The 2004 San Francisco Giants season was the 122nd in franchise history. Barry Bonds became the oldest player in the history of the National League to win the MVP Award. It would be the last winning season San Francisco would have until 2009.-Offseason:...
. Marquis won the 2003 Willie Mac Award
Willie Mac Award
The Willie Mac Award is named in honor of Willie McCovey. It has been presented annually since 1980. It is awarded to the player on the San Francisco Giants who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership consistently shown by McCovey throughout his long career, voted upon by the players and...
for his spirit and leadership. Grissom's production dipped again in 2005, and in a season of struggles by the Giants, he was released. On January 3, 2006, the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
signed him to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training as a non-roster player.
Coaching career
He was hired to become the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
first base coach for the 2009 season on October 24, 2008.
Off-the-field
Dubbed a "class act" and "clubhouse leader" by his Giants teammates during the 2005 season, Marquis Grissom leads by example off the field. He sponsors 12 Little League teams and helps fund a home school that provides food and shelter for children without parents.See also
- List of top 300 Major League Baseball home run hitters
- List of major league players with 2,000 hits
- List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 runs
- List of Major League Baseball stolen base champions
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
External links
- Grissom's minor league statistics at The Baseball Cube