Joe Randa

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Joe Randa
Third base
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 30, 1995 for the Kansas City Royals
Final game
October 1, 2006 for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Career statistics
Hits     1543
Home Runs     123
RBI     739
Teams
Career highlights and awards
{{{highlights}}}

Joseph Gregory Randa (born December 18, 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a former Major League Baseball player. He was primarily a third baseman during his career.

[edit] High School Years

Randa attended Kettle Moraine High School and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. Randa's #12 was retired by the Lasers. He is also a member of the Kettle Moraine Laser Trailblazer Hall of Fame.

[edit] Pro Career

Randa made his major league debut in 1995 with the Royals, playing 34 games. He played the next three seasons as a competitive third baseman with three different teams, hitting .303, .302, and .254 for the Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers, respectively.

The Royals reacquired Randa prior to the 1999 season. Installed as a full-time third baseman for the first time in his career, Randa hit .314 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs, establishing himself as a run producer in the middle of the order and a steady fielder at third base. In 2003, Randa set the Kansas City Royals' team record for the most consecutive errorless games by a third baseman, going 75 games without an error. After the 2004 season ended, Randa signed with the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent. On Opening Day, Randa hit a legendary home run for Cincinnati in an amazing opening day victory, 7-6. On July 23, 2005, Randa was traded to the Padres for pitchers Justin Germano and Travis Chick. He was then signed by the Pirates on December 28, 2005 for a one year contract worth between $3.5 and $4 million dollars.

On November 2, 2006, Randa announced his retirement. He batted .284/.339/.426 with 123 HRs and 739 RBIs in 1,522 games over 12 seasons

Randa's nickname is "The Joker" because of his resemblance to the comic book character in Batman, and the the way he "smiles" when he's up to bat. He was given this nickname when he played in 97' from Pittsburgh.

Joe Randa is currently a host of Crunch Time on Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City.

[edit] External links

Preceded by
Rafael Palmeiro		 American League Player of the Month
July, 1999		 Succeeded by
Rafael Palmeiro & Iván Rodríguez
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