Jody Gerut

Jody Gerut
Gerut with the Milwaukee Brewers
Outfielder
Born:(1977-09-18)September 18, 1977 Elmhurst, Illinois,U.S.
Batted:Left Threw:Left
MLB debut
April 26, 2003, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
May 22, 2010, for the Milwaukee Brewers
MLB statistics
Batting average	.262
Home runs	59
Runs batted in	226
Teams
Cleveland Indians(2003–2005) Chicago Cubs(2005) Pittsburgh Pirates(2005) San Diego Padres(2008–2009) Milwaukee Brewers(2009–2010)
Medals Men'sbaseball RepresentingUnited States World Junior Baseball Championship 1995Massachusetts Team

Joseph Diego Gerut(born September 18, 1977) is an American formerprofessional baseballcenter fielderwho played six seasons inMajor League Baseball(MLB). Initially drafted by theColorado Rockies,he played for several teams between 2003 and 2010.

Amateur career

A native ofElmhurst, Illinois,Gerut attendedWillowbrook High School,and laterStanford University.In 1996 and 1997, he playedcollegiate summer baseballwith theHarwich Marinersof theCape Cod Baseball Leagueand was named a league all-star in 1996.

Professional career

Drafted by theColorado Rockiesin the second round of the1998 Major League Baseball Draft,he was traded to theCleveland IndianswithJosh Bard,forJacob Cruzon June 2,2001.Gerut finished fourth in American LeagueRookie of the Yearvotingand winning theSporting NewsRookie of the Year Award. In2004,Gerut's season ended when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Gerut was acquired by theChicago Cubsfrom the Indians on July 18,2005,in exchange forJason Dubois.On July 31, Gerut was acquired by thePittsburgh Piratesin exchange for fellow outfielderMatt Lawton.He played briefly for the Pirates in 2005, then did not play for them at all in 2006; on March 8,2007,the Pirates released Gerut and he did not play during that year.

On January 21,2008,Gerut signed a minor league contract with an invitation tospring trainingwith theSan Diego Padres.Gerut played very well in a starting role for the Padres during the 2008 season. He finished the year with a line of.296 batting average,.351 OBP, and.494 slugging percentage with 14 HR and 48 RBI mostly in center field. On April 13, 2009, he recorded the first hit and home run atCiti Fieldagainst theNew York Metson the third pitch off Mets starting pitcherMike Pelfrey.Gerut became the first player in major league history to open a new ballpark with a leadoff homer.On May 21, Gerut was traded to theMilwaukee Brewersfor outfielderTony Gwynn Jr.

On May 8, 2010, Geruthit for the cycle,going 4 for 6 in the Brewers' 17–3 victory over theArizona Diamondbacks.On August 13, Gerut was unconditionally released by the Brewers. On August 19, Gerut was signed to a minor league contract by theSan Diego Padres.In 2010, he was chosen as the 12th-smartest athlete in sports by theSporting News.

On January 20, 2011, Gerut was signed to a minor league contract by theSeattle Mariners.On February 27, Gerut announced his retirement, citing his heart was no longer in the game, claiming he "didn't want to be a player that plays for only his paycheck."

Broadcasting career

On August 1, 2018, Gerut served as analyst for the Facebook Live broadcasting crew working the Indians-Twins game.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle

External links

• Jody Gerut's Quick Look Baseball

• Career statistics and player information fromMLB,orESPN,orBaseball Reference,orFangraphs,orBaseball Reference (Minors)