Danny Ardoin
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| Houston Astros — No. -- | |
| Catcher | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2000 for the Minnesota Twins | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through September 5, 2006) |
|
| AVG | .202 |
| Hits | 75 |
| Home runs | 7 |
| Former teams | |
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Daniel Wayne Ardoin (born July 8, 1974 in Mamou, Louisiana) is a catcher in Major League Baseball who plays with the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right handed.
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[edit] High School Years
Ardoin attended Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte, Louisiana, and was a letterman in football, baseball, golf, and track. In baseball, he was named the Class AA Most Valuable Player as a senior. He played for Coach Scott Carter, who is now at Sweeny High School in Sweeny TX. Danny was heavily recruited as a Senior by the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinatti Reds. Danny chose to play JUCO ball at Texarkana Junior College under now Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn and then attended McNeese State University.
[edit] Early career
Until the 2005 season, Ardoin was primarily a "career minor leaguer". Always possessing excellent defensive skills, Ardoin's weakness has always been his offense. His first season was a short one in 2000 with the Minnesota Twins, appearing in 15 games. He would not see Major League action again until the 2004 campaign, playing in only 6 games with the Texas Rangers.
[edit] 2005 Season
Ardoin received his chance in mid-2005, when the starting catcher for the Colorado Rockies, J.D. Closser proved to be inept, and his backup Todd Greene was put out of action with a strained hamstring. Ardoin set career highs in every offensive category, despite playing regularly in only the second half of the season. He compiled a .229 batting average with 6 home runs and 22 runs batted in.
[edit] 2006 Season
The 2006 season began with Ardoin slated in a platoon catching role with free agent acquisition Yorvit Torrealba. However, with Torrealba injuring his shoulder during Spring Training, Ardoin assumed the starting role. Although Ardoin remains one of the top defensive catchers in baseball, his offense struggled during the first two months of the 2006 season. In his first 94 at-bats, Ardoin managed only a .191 batting average with no home runs and but 2 runs batted in. Ardoin's tough-luck season continued when he strained his left knee while tagging out Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. on a play at home plate. Ardoin was placed on the disabled list on May 27. J.D. Closser, who had his role taken by Ardoin the season prior, was recalled from the Triple-A minor league affiliate to fill in during Ardoin's absence.
When Ardoin returned from his injury, the Rockies optioned J.D. Closser back to Triple-A. However, after being back with the Rockies for only five games, Ardoin was designated for assignment on August 25, 2006, clearing a roster spot for rookie prospect Chris Iannetta.
On August 30, Ardoin was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. He was immediately thrust into action with injuries to Orioles starting catcher Ramon Hernandez and backup catcher Chris Widger. Ardoin could have earned a roster spot with the Orioles in 2007 with an impressive close to the 2006 season. However, he was designated for assignment September 8, 2006, and then signed by the Washington Nationals on November 7, 2006. On March 26, 2007 he was traded to the Houston Astros for Wade Robinson.
[edit] Personal life
In the offseason Ardoin lives with his wife Hope and 4 children in his hometown Ville Platte, Louisiana.
