Milledge was born in Bradenton, Florida.[2] At the age of twelve, he pitched and played third base and hit third for the Manatee East Little League team that was the national runner-up in the 1997 Little League World Series. He received the win on the mound in the semi-final game of the regional, giving up only one run on a solo home run to Matt Rigney in a win against Mississippi.[3] In 2001, he led Team USA to a gold medal game victory over Venezuela in the International Baseball Federation's AA World Youth Championships. Later that year, Baseball America named Milledge the best 16-year-old player in the United States. He graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida in 2003 after leading his team to the state 5A title his senior year.
Amateur draft
Prior to the 2003 amateur draft, he was expected to be among the top three selections, but as draft day approached, press reports from 2002 resurfaced regarding Milledge's expulsion from Northside Christian School after his junior year for allegedly having sex with a minor.[4][5] He subsequently transferred to Lakewood Ranch High School where he finished his education and amateur baseball career.
As a result of the incident, Milledge was passed over in the 2003 amateur draft until the Mets selected him as the twelfth overall pick in the first round. The Mets began contract negotiations with Milledge, but the talks were interrupted in early August 2003, when the Mets learned of allegations of additional sexual misconduct against Milledge during his time at Northside. The Mets completed a private investigation of the matter and, satisfied with the results, signed Milledge to a contract with a $2.2 million signing bonus.
Playing career
Minor league career
The delay in signing Milledge prevented him from beginning his professional career until shortly before the end of the minor league season in 2003. He appeared in only seven games, hitting .231 for the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League. In 2004, he was slated to start the year with the Single–A Capital City Bombers, but he suffered a fractured metacarpal on his right hand in spring training, missing the first six weeks of the season. In 65 games with the Bombers, he hit .337 with 13 home runs, 58 RBI and 23 stolen bases, earning him a promotion to the St. Lucie Mets in August. In 2005, he continued his minor league success hitting .302 with St. Lucie in the first half of the season and .337 with the Double–A Binghamton Mets in the second half. He began the 2006 season leading off and playing right field for the Triple–A Norfolk Tides.
New York Mets
Rookie season
Milledge made his major league debut on May 30, 2006, as the starting right fielder for the Mets in a 7–2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He went 1 for 4 with a double off Arizona pitcher Miguel Batista. Milledge was 21 years, 55 days old on the day of his debut - exactly the same age as former Met Darryl Strawberry when he made his 1983 debut. In his three separate stints in the majors in 2006, Milledge hit .241 with 4 HR and 22 RBI in 56 games.
On June 4, 2006 against the San Francisco Giants, Milledge hit a solo home run – his first major league career homer – off Giants closer Armando Benítez to tie up the game 6–6 in the bottom of the tenth inning. When the Mets returned to the field the following inning, Milledge, still excited, high-fived the home fans in attendance at Shea as he returned to his position, inciting the ire of his manager and some teammates, not to mention the national sports media.[6] In late September, one of Milledge's Mets teammates placed a sign on his locker which read, "Know Your Place, Rook!"[7] The sign-placer was identified in published reports as then-Mets closer Billy Wagner.[8]
2007
After having an impressive spring training both on and off the field, Milledge was named to the Mets' opening day roster. He saw very limited game action, and was subsequently optioned down to AAA New Orleans after the game on April 12 to create room on the roster so that starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey could be called up and make his season debut in the following day's game.
In May, it was reported that Milledge appeared in a rap song, "Bend Ya Knees", by Manny D, a childhood friend. The song contained the words "bitch", "ho", and "nigga". The Mets organization responded by saying, "We disapprove of the content, language, and message of this recording, which does not represent the views of the New York Mets."[5]
Upon his recovery from a foot injury, Milledge was called up to the major leagues after the All-Star break on July 12. Veteran Julio Franco was designated for assignment to make room for Milledge.
Milledge served as the everyday starting center fielder for the Nationals. Up until the end of June, he had been batting third in the lineup in place of the injured Ryan Zimmerman, posting a .245 average, 7 home runs, and 32 RBI for the season. However, on June 28, he suffered a groin strain, and he was placed on the disabled list the next day. Roger Bernadina was called up to take his place. On July 24, the Nationals activated Milledge from the DL and designated Johnny Estrada for assignment. Milledge went 2 for 18 in his first five games after his return. However, in the month of August, he batted .336 with 6 HR and 16 RBI.
2009
On February 19, Milledge willingly gave up his uniform number, 44 for Adam Dunn, wearing #85 as his birthyear.[10] Milledge began the season as the Nationals' leadoff hitter. Because of his slow start, where he batted .167 with 1 RBI and no extra base hits in 24 at-bats, he was optioned down to AAA Syracuse on April 15, 2009. On June 30, 2009, the Nationals traded Milledge and Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett.[11]
Milledge, still rehabbing from an injury that occurred at Triple–A Syracuse when the trade was made, was assigned to the Pirates' Gulf Coast League team in Bradenton, Florida to complete his rehab, and then moved to the Pirates' Triple–A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians, with a short stint at the Lynchburg Hillcats during the Triple–A all-star break. After recovering from his injury he became the Pirates' everyday left fielder. He showed growth in his work ethic and his glove work improved. He finished a below par 2009 with 11 doubles, 0 triples, 4 home runs, 21 runs batted in, was walked 13 times, struck out 47 times, stole 7 bases, those went along with .276 average, a .323 on-base percentage, a .373 slugging percentage, in 244 at-bats.
2010
In the May 6 game against the Chicago Cubs, Milledge appeared to have hit his first home run of the season in the 4th inning. However, the ball actually hit the top of the left field wall in PNC Park and bounced back into play. As Milledge rounded first base, the stadium fireworks were set off and the celebration music began to play. Chicago outfielder Alfonso Soriano picked up the ball and threw it into the infield where Milledge was tagged out. Milledge was officially credited with a double on the play.
On December 2, 2010, Milledge became a free agent when the Pirates elected not to tender a contract offer to him for 2011.[12]
Chicago White Sox
On February 3, 2011, the Chicago White Sox signed Milledge to a minor league deal.[13] On March 30, 2011, the White Sox bought Milledge's minor league contract from the Charlotte Knights, and it was announced that he had made the Sox's 25-man opening day roster.[14][15] However, on April 7, 2011, the Sox designated Milledge for assignment.[16] He cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Charlotte.[17] After the 2011 season, he elected free agency.[18]
Tokyo Yakult Swallows
Milledge with the Swallows in 2013
2012
Milledge signed a one-year contract with a club option for a second year with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on December 27, 2011.[19] Milledge played in 125 games for the Swallows in 2012, hitting .300 with 21 HR and 65 RBI.
2013-15
Milledge signed a three-year, $4.4 million contract with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.[20] In four seasons with the Yakult Swallows through 2015, Milledge played in 255 games, batting .272 with 39 home runs and 129 RBI. Hampered by injuries in 2014–15, Milledge appeared in only a combined 34 games those years.
Lancaster Barnstormers
On January 24, 2017, Milledge signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He retired from professional baseball following the season. In 85 games he hit .270/.337/.338 with 1 home run, 36 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.
Milledge is an advocate for increasing African-American participation in baseball. When he was an active player, he would spend his offseasons attending youth football and basketball games in an effort to convince black children to give baseball a try.[22]
Following his retirement, Milledge opened Manatee Intercity Baseball in Bradenton, Florida, whose mission is to give minority kids an opportunity to learn and play the game. He also owns and operates 1st Round Training, a hitting and training facility in Palmetto, Florida, that aims to mentor and train young players.
In 2018, Milledge was married and was expecting his first child with his wife, DePree.[22]
Roberto Antonio Petagine Hernandez is a Venezuelan former professional baseball player of Italian descent. His Major League Baseball career includes brief stints with the Houston Astros (1994), San Diego Padres (1995), New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds (1998), Boston Red Sox (2005), and Seattle Mariners (2006); but he is best known for his success in the Japanese Central League between 1999 and 2004 where, as a member of the Yakult Swallows (1999–2002) and Yomiuri Giants (2003–2004), he was among Nippon Professional Baseball's premier offensive players.
Kelly Brian Shoppach is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Robert Lazaro Andino is a Cuban-American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Florida/Miami Marlins, and Seattle Mariners.
James Ray Tatum is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. Tatum also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yakult Swallows and in the KBO League for the LG Twins.
Joshua Dean Fields is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants.
Steven Wayne Pearce is an American former professional baseball left fielder and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. Pearce is only the second player in MLB history to have played for every team in the American League East, the first being Kelly Johnson. He is also the first and only player to have hit two walk-off grand slams in the span of a single week.
Alcides Escobar is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder for the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Jorge Anthony Sanchez is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves between 2013 and 2017.
Pedro Joel Ciriaco Leguisamon is a Dominican former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves and has also had brief stints in the Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins, and Detroit Tigers organizations. Ciriaco has primarily played shortstop and third base throughout his career, but has appeared at every position except for pitcher and catcher.
Mitchell John Dening is an Australian former professional baseball player.
Matthew Scott Dominguez is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, and Toronto Blue Jays and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Rymer Omar Liriano is a Dominican former professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox.
Bryce Everett Brentz is an American former professional baseball left fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox. During the 2014 and 2016 seasons, he appeared in a total of 34 MLB games with Boston. He bats and throws right-handed, and is listed at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg).
Deven Sommer Marrero is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins and New York Mets.
Patrick Anthony Kivlehan is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks, and in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Carlos Luis Rivero Milán is a Venezuelan professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Willy Camilo García Archivol is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox.
José Gregorio Osuna is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder and first baseman for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Taylor Stone Gushue is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 4th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.
Pablo Israel Reyes is a Dominican professional baseball infielder and outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets.
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.
