Willie Harris
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article has been nominated to be checked for its neutrality. Discussion of this nomination can be found on the talk page. |
Willie Harris (born June 22, 1978 in Cairo, Georgia, in the United States) is a second baseman/outfielder in Major League Baseball who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves organization. Harris was formerly a member of the Baltimore Orioles (2001), Chicago White Sox (2002-05) and Boston Red Sox (2006). He bats left handed and throws right handed. He attended Kennesaw State University.
Contents |
[edit] Career
In a five season-career, Harris is a .242 hitter with five home runs and 52 RBI in 322 games played.
Versatility and speed are his biggest strengths, as Harris has the ability to play all three outfield positions as well as second base, where he started 28 games in 2005. He also started two games at shortstop in 2005. His most productive season came in 2004, when he posted career-numbers in average (.262), RBI (27), runs (68), hits (107), doubles (15) and at-bats (409). Harris also notched a career high of 19 stolen bases. In 2005, he stole 10 bases in 56 games.
In the 2005 playoffs, Harris went 2-for-2 in the postseason with an RBI, one stolen base, and one run scored. Harris's successful pinch-hit single in Game 4 of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros would prove to be decisive after Harris scored on an RBI single by Jermaine Dye. Not only was the run the game-winner, it was the only run which would be scored in the Series-clinching Game 4.
[edit] 2006
- The Boston Red Sox have signed Harris to a one-year, split contract. He will go to spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, but he figures to have a strong chance to make the team.
- On April 20, Harris has his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox and was added to the 40-man roster.
- Harris was designated for assignment on July 18. Three days later, he cleared waivers and was assigned to the Pawtucket Red Sox.
[edit] Highlight
- In Game Four of the 2005 World Series, Harris led off the eighth inning as pinch hitter for starter Freddy García. On a 2-2 pitch, Harris hit a single into left field, advancing to third base during the next two outs. Harris scored the Series-winning run when eventual World Series MVP Jermaine Dye sent a 1-1 pitch into center field for the Series-winning hit. Houston was kept scoreless in the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings, and Willie's run scored became a part of baseball history.
[edit] Facts
- Harris is one of three people to be from Cairo, Georgia and play Major League Baseball. The others are Ernest Riles and Jackie Robinson.
- He played under Ernest Riles as his coach for a local league in Cairo before going professional.
- He was given the nickname "Peapod" by Ken (Hawk) Harrelson.
- Willie was the everyday starter in 2004 for the Chicago White Sox. The 2004 White Sox also had future second baseman hall of famer Roberto Alomar on the club however manager Ozzie Guillen started Willie more games than Alomar that season.
- Willie's career playoff batting average is 1.000
- Willie's career batting average versus Roger Clemens is .500
- Willie's career batting average versus Pedro Martinez is .667
- Willie's career batting average versus Greg Maddux is .333
- Willie's career batting average versus Bartolo Colon is .500
[edit] External link
- Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis
