Player Profile: Jose Bautista

I have eight cards of Jose Bautista. This one is from 2011 Topps. 

Playing career: Outfielder Jose Bautista came up in the major leagues in 2004, and played with four teams that year – the Orioles, Devil Rays, Royals and Pirates. He stuck with the Pirates, primarily as a third baseman, for a few years, showing some power, hitting at least 15 HR for three straight seasons. He was traded to the Blue Jays in 2008 and had a mediocre 2009 with Toronto, who moved him back to the outfield. Teammate Vernon Wells suggested a change to Bautista’s swing late  in the 2009 season, and it paid off tremendously. Bautista led the AL in home runs in 2010 and 2011, including 54 in 2010 when he became a major star. He has been an All Star each of the last four seasons, but has lost significant time due to injury in 2012 and 2013.

Where he is now: His season ended in mid-August due to bone bruise in his left hip. In 118 games he hit .259 with 28 HR and 73 RBI.

My memories: He seemed to come out of nowhere in 2010 and has become a big star. Certainly a consistent thorn in the Yankees side.

Interesting facts: The Bautista Family Education Fund helps young Latin American ballplayers adapt to life in the US and Canada while attending college and playing baseball.

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Jose , between Jose Canseco, the former A’s outfielder, and Jose Fernandez, the Marlins pitcher.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Ramon Bautista.