Joe Thurston

Last updated

Joe Thurston
DSC04735 Joe Thurston.jpg
Thurston with the St. Louis Cardinals
Third baseman / Second baseman
Born: (1979-09-29) September 29, 1979 (age 45)
Fairfield, California, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 2, 2002, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
August 5, 2011, for the Florida Marlins
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Pan American Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2011 Guadalajara National team

Joseph William Thurston (born September 29, 1979) is an American former professional baseball third baseman and second baseman. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Florida Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Contents

Amateur career

Thurston graduated from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, California. He was originally selected in 1997 by the Boston Red Sox in the 45th round (1,332nd overall) of the 1997 MLB draft, but did not sign with them and instead went to Sacramento City College, for which he delivered the game-winning hit to lead the Panthers to the 1999 state championship.

Professional career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Thurston was drafted again in 1999, this time by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round (134th overall) of the 1999 MLB draft.

In 2001, Thurston was ranked the 9th-best prospect in the Dodgers' system after posting a .338 OBP for the Double-A Jacksonville Suns, and by 2002, few prospects appeared to have a brighter future than the 22-year-old second baseman. Playing for the Las Vegas 51s of the AAA Pacific Coast League, Thurston hit .334 with an .878 OPS and 22 stolen bases in 2002, earning him the L.A. Dodgers' Minor League Player of the Year Award and Baseball America 's AAA Player of the Year honors. Thurston made his major-league debut on September 2, 2002 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .462 in eight games. [1]

But 2002 would ultimately be the peak of Thurston's minor-league career. Returning to AAA in 2003, his OPS fell to .746, and it slipped further (to .721) in 2004. He was again a late-season call-up in 2003 and 2004, but he hit just .185 in the two seasons combined. The expectation that he would be a future star had evaporated. On July 29, 2005, the Dodgers shipped Thurston to the New York Yankees as part of a conditional deal. He played for their Triple-A team, the Columbus Clippers and was granted free agency after the season. [2] [3]

Philadelphia Phillies

He signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on January 28, 2006. [3] He was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the season and his contract purchased on August 22, 2006. [4] He would stay with the Phillies for the rest of the season and played in 18 games going 4-for-18 (.222 batting average). [5] He was released after the season. On December 1, he signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals that included an invitation to spring training. He did not make the major league club and was released. [3]

He was then once again picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies and was assigned to their Double-A team, the Reading Phillies. He played four games for the Reading Phillies before earning a callup to Triple-A Ottawa. He had his contract purchased by the big league club on July 27, 2007, after second baseman Chase Utley was placed on the disabled list. [6] He was demoted the next day after the acquisition of Tadahito Iguchi. [6] Thurston spent the rest of the 2007 season with Ottawa. He became a free agent after the season.

Boston Red Sox

On December 13, Thurston signed with the Boston Red Sox to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. [7] On March 19, 2008, he was assigned to the minor league camp. [8] On April 16, he was brought up to the Red Sox from Pawtucket to replace the injured Alex Cora. [9]

St. Louis Cardinals

On April 22, 2008, Thurston was designated for assignment and subsequently played in the Puerto Rican winter league in 2008 on a team managed by Eduardo Pérez. Pérez was impressed with Thurston's versatility and thought his style of play would be a good fit with manager Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals. Perez recommended Thurston to LaRussa, [10] and on December 16, 2008 he signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. [11] He made his debut with the Cardinals on April 6, 2009 as a pinch runner. He also played third base and scored a run.

Thurston earned his first significant major league playing time as a utility player with the 2009 Cardinals. He frequently played third base before the Cardinals acquired Mark DeRosa, and also appeared at second base, in left field, and as a pinch hitter. In November 2009, Thurston was granted free agency.

Atlanta Braves

On December 18, 2009, Thurston signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. He also received an invite to spring training. [12]

Florida Marlins

Thurston enjoyed a terrific season with Class AAA New Orleans Zephyrs in 2011. He led the team in almost every offensive category at the time of his promotion to the Marlins on August 5. After starting in a game against the Cardinals, Thurston was designated for assignment on August 6. [13] He became a free agent at season's end.

Later career

The Houston Astros signed Thurston to a minor league contract on November 13, 2011. He also received an invitation to spring training. [14] He was released by the Astros on March 28, 2012. [15] Just an hour later, however, he was signed to a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. [15] He was released by the Phillies on April 23 after batting just .207 in 11 games with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. [5] [16] Thurston signed with the Minnesota Twins on April 25 and was assigned to the Rochester Red Wings. [17] On May 14, 2012, Thurston was released by the Minnesota Twins. [18]

Thurston played 58 games with the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League in 2012, batting .314 with eight home runs and 28 RBI. [5] In 2013, Thurston played 21 games with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League, batting .329. [5]

On March 6, 2013, Thurston signed with the Leones de Yucatán (Yucatán Lions) in the Mexican Baseball League. [19] Thurston later would make his debut after receiving a traveling visa. [20]

Thurston also played for the Bravos de Margarita, Cardenales de Lara and Pastora de los Llanos clubs of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. [5]

Thurston signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on January 25, 2014. [21] He was released on March 27. [22]

On March 6, 2015, Thurston signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. [23]

Coaching career

Boston Red Sox organization

Thurston was hired as a coach for the Portland Sea Dogs the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox for 2015.

Cincinnati Reds organization

On January 19, 2016, Thurston was named as the hitting coach for the Billings Mustangs the Rookie League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds for the 2016 season.

Seattle Mariners organization

On January 16, 2017, Thurston was hired as the hitting coach for the Modesto Nuts the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners for the 2017 season.

Thurston was promoted to be the hitting coach of the High-A affiliate Everrett AquaSox for the 2019 season.

In 2020, Thurston was the first base coach for the Seattle Mariners. [24]

Philadelphia Phillies organization

Since 2022, Thurston has served as the hitting coach for the Phillies' Triple–A club, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Personal

Thurston's first child was born in 2009. [25]

Awards and recognition

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miguel Cairo</span> Venezuelan baseball player and coach (born 1974)

Miguel Jesús Cairo [ki'-row], is a Venezuelan former professional baseball infielder and currently the bench coach for the Washington Nationals. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for nine different clubs in a 17-year career, spanning from 1996 to 2012. During his playing days, Cairo stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 225 pounds (102 kg) while batting and throwing right-handed. While primarily a second baseman, Cairo was able to play all the infield positions and as a corner outfielder. He was also used for pinch-hitting duties late in his career. He was interim manager for the White Sox in the latter part of the 2022 season as manager Tony La Russa stepped away due to health concerns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike MacDougal</span> American baseball player (born 1977)

Robert Meiklejohn MacDougal is a former relief pitcher in professional baseball. He is a switch hitter and throws right-handed. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juan Castro</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1972)

Juan Gabriel Castro, is a Mexican professional baseball coach and former infielder, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Philadelphia Phillies, during his 17-year big league career. Castro was known mainly for his defensive abilities. He was primarily a reserve player. Castro batted and threw right-handed. Following his retirement as a player, Castro joined the Dodgers organization as a coach. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Castro was the infield coach for the Phillies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Punto</span> American baseball player (born 1977)

Nicholas Paul Punto is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Oakland Athletics. With the Cardinals, he won the 2011 World Series over the Texas Rangers. He has also played for the Italian national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fernando Tatís</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1975)

Fernando Gabriel Tatís Medina Sr. is a Dominican former professional baseball third baseman. Over his 11-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, Tatís played for the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets. He holds the major league record for runs batted in (RBI) in an inning, a feat that he achieved by hitting two grand slams in one inning during a game on April 23, 1999, becoming the only player in MLB history to do so. His son, Fernando Jr., plays for the San Diego Padres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pablo Ozuna</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1974)

Pablo José Ozuna is a Dominican former professional baseball utility player. During his major league career, he played for the Florida Marlins, the Colorado Rockies (2003), the Chicago White Sox (2005–2008), and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008). He is the cousin of current Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Moss</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Brandon Douglas Moss is an American former professional baseball outfielder and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Héctor Luna</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1980)

Héctor R. Luna is a Dominican Republic former professional baseball infielder. He last played for the Hiroshima Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball. He is primarily an infielder, but has played every position at the major league level except pitcher and catcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin Stubbs</span> American baseball player (born 1960)

Franklin Lee Stubbs is an American former professional baseball player who was in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1984 to 1995. Stubbs played on four MLB teams in that time. His best season came in 1990 with the Houston Astros. Stubbs entered coaching after retiring as a player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Héctor Giménez (baseball)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1982)

Héctor Eliner Carasco Giménez [Ec-tor he-MEH-nes] is a Venezuelan former professional baseball catcher. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramón Troncoso</span> Dominican baseball player & coach (born 1983)

Ramón Landestoy Troncoso is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Barden</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

Brian David Barden is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, and Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB), and for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gil Velazquez</span> American baseball player (born 1979)

Gilbert Arnulfo Velazquez is an American former professional baseball infielder current coach. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighs 225 pounds (102 kg). Velazquez is a graduate of Paramount High School in Paramount, California. Velazquez played in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Miami Marlins organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rubén Tejada</span> Panamanian baseball player

Rubén Darío Tejada is a Panamanian professional baseball shortstop for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Baltimore Orioles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Bates</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Aaron Bates is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox in 2009. He is currently one of the hitting coaches for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luis García (pitcher, born 1987)</span> Dominican baseball player

Luis Amado García is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Peraza</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1994)

José Francisco Peraza Polo is a Venezuelan professional baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and 185 pounds (84 kg), he bats and throws right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Martínez (outfielder/first baseman)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1988)

José Alberto Martínez is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman and outfielder for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago Cubs. Martínez made his major league debut with the Cardinals on September 6, 2016, after 887 games in ten minor league seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Sherriff</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Ryan Sebastian Sherriff is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esteban Quiroz</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1992)

Jesús Esteban Quiroz Ortiz is a Mexican professional baseball infielder who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs. He plays on the Mexico national baseball team.

References

  1. ↑ "Joe Thurston Awards - The Baseball Cube". The Baseball Cube. Archived from the original on August 4, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  2. ↑ McNab, Matthew (February 19, 2012). "New York Yankees: Judging the Trades, 2005 Edition". Bleacher Report . Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Joe Thurston Trades and Transactions by Baseball Almanac". Baseball Almanac . Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Philadelphia Phillies Transactions". MLB.com . August 2006. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Joe Thurston Minor, Winter, Independent & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference . Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Philadelphia Phillies Transactions". MLB.com . July 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Sports Log: Red Sox sign 8 to minor league deals". Boston Globe . December 14, 2007. Retrieved March 19, 2008.
  8. ↑ "MLB Transactions: March 2008". MLB.com . Retrieved March 25, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Cora placed on disabled list, Thurston called up". Foster's Daily Democrat . April 16, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  10. ↑ Leach, Matthew (June 24, 2009). "Perez helps bring Thurston to Cardinals". MLB.com . Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
  11. ↑ Walton, Brian (December 16, 2008). "Cardinals add Thurston, but why?". The Cardinal Nation. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  12. ↑ "Braves Sign Joe Thurston; Vazquez Won't Cross the Rocky Mountains". Talking Chop. December 18, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  13. ↑ Links, Zachary (August 6, 2011). "Marlins Designate Joe Thurston For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  14. ↑ Shah, Ronit (November 13, 2011). "Houston Astros Sign Joe Thurston". MLB Daily Dish. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  15. 1 2 Nicholson-Smith, Ben (March 28, 2012). "Minor Moves: Marrero, Thurston, Guzman". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  16. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (April 23, 2012). "Minor Moves: Rivera, Miller, Wolf, Thurston". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  17. ↑ Wuerz, Scott (April 26, 2012). "Minnesota signs former Cardinal Joe Thurston". Belleville News-Democrat . Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  18. ↑ Links, Zachary (May 14, 2012). "Minor Moves: Johnson, Mahay, Thurston, Bates, Garko". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Llega Joe Thurston a los Leones". Leones de Yucatán . March 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Leones 10 x 3". Leones de Yucatán . March 21, 2013. Archived from the original on April 13, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  21. ↑ Lobner, Kyle (January 26, 2014). "Brewers sign Jeremy Hermida, Joe Thurston". Brew Crew Ball. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Transactions". Milwaukee Brewers . Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  23. ↑ Doyle, Ricky (March 7, 2015). "Boston Red Sox Sign Utility Man Joe Thurston To Minor League Contract". NESN . Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Vallejo High graduate Joe Thurston is new Seattle Mariners first base coach". July 6, 2020.
  25. ↑ Rains, B.J. (June 8, 2009). "Thurston leaves Cards for birth of child". St. Louis Cardinals . Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  26. ↑ "The individual awards and the All Star Team of the World Cup". International Baseball Federation . October 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.