Brandon Inge

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**Brandon Inge**
Major League Baseball debut
Detroit Tigers — No. 15
Third baseman
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
April 2, 2001 for the Detroit Tigers
Former teams
Detroit Tigers (2001–)

Charles Brandon Inge [INJ] (born May 19, 1977, in Lynchburg, Virginia) is a third baseman (converted from catcher) playing for the Detroit Tigers. Inge is 180 cm tall (5 ft 11 in), and weighs 88 kg (195 lb). He bats and throws right handed.

Though he is a good hitter, Inge is best known for his excellent defense and strong arm. In 2006, his diving stop and subsequent throw from his knees earned him the ESPN defensive play of the year for a third baseman.

He attended the Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was a shortstop and relief pitcher. Inge was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1998 in the second round. Initially assigned as a catcher, Inge struggled offensively in his first two seasons. After the Tigers signed free-agent Ivan Rodriguez in 2004, Inge played in the outfield and at third base, batting .287 with 13 home runs that season. He started 159 games at third base in 2005, leading all American League third basemen in assists (378), double plays (41) and errors (23).^[1]

In 2006, Inge showed a lot of power during the first half, placing second on the team with 17 home runs but batted for a poor average of only .221. His slugging percentage was .463 and he also placed second on the Tigers with 47 RBIs. Since the All-Star Break, his average boosted to above .251 and he finished with 27 home runs.

On October 27, 2006, in game 5 of the World Series, Inge was struck out by St. Louis Cardinals closer Adam Wainwright to end the Tigers season and give the St. Louis Cardinals the World Series Championship after a 4-2 win over the Tigers.

[edit] Personal life

Brandon is married to his wife Shani. They both live in Clemson, South Carolina with their son, Tyler Mason, during the off season. His old residence was located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.