Nomar Garciaparra
From SoSH
| Born: | July 23, 1973 |
| Birthplace: | Whittier, California |
| Hometown: | Los Angeles, California |
| Height: | 6' 0" |
| Weight: | 165 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1994: 1st Round (12th) |
| College: | Georgia Tech |
| High School: | St. John Bosco HS (CA) |
| Other Teams: | Chicago Cubs 2004-2005 LA Dodgers 2006-Pres. |
| Years with Boston: | 1996 - 2004 |
Anthony Nomar Garciaparra (sometimes refered to as "Nomah"), drafted 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in 1994, now starting at first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although no longer playing for the Red Sox (he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2004 in the move that brought Doug Mientkiewicz to the Sox), he still keeps one of his homes in Boston with his wife, women's soccer legend Mia Hamm. Although some were upset by his apparent demeanor prior to his trade, he had been planning on staying in Boston, and bought his home there just before the trade occured. He is generally still well-loved in Boston, especially after he saved two women from drowning after they fell into Boston Harbor in 2005.
Contents |
College Career
Nomar was a member of the 1992 Olympic team, and was an All-American. Baseball America rated him the 16th best prospect for the 1994 Amateur Draft. In the 1994 Amateur Draft, Nomar was drafted out of Georgia Tech by the Sox in the First Round (12th overall). Signed for a $895,000 bonus. Baseball America's June 13, 1994 draft preview said this about Nomar: "Garciaparra has exceptional instincts and body control for shortstop, and is considered an adequate hitter though his power is limited."
Pro Career
Nomar Garciaparra spent only two seasons in the minor leagues. He made his Major League debut August 31, 1996 at Oakland, before making his Fenway debut on September 9, against the then American League, Milwaukee Brewers. Although Garciaparra only hit .241 in his
In 1998, only his second year in the majors, Nomar came in 2nd place for the MVP voting. His next two years he played amazing baseball, becoming the first righty to win back-to-back batting titles since Joe DiMaggio did it in 1939-1940.
Nomar was well on his way to be one of the greatest players in Red Sox history until 2001. After back to back batting titles many thought there was nothing that could stop Garciaparra. In early 2001 Garciaparra suffered a wrist injury, the second of his career, which limited him to 21 games that season. Nomar played in 156 games in each 2002 and 2003 batting a respectable .305.
The 2004 season was a rocky one for Garciaparra. After allegedly turning down a 4-year $60 million deal in spring training, he was never offered another contract by the Red Sox. After turning it down the Sox did not feel he was worth any more money than that and Nomar's troubles spilled into the public's eye. Garciaparra was often seen sulking in the dugout and seemed generally unhappy. Many fans believed he just wanted to be on the West coast rather than in Boston, despite the fact that, earlier in 2004, Nomar and his wife Mia Hamm had purchased a multi-million dollar home in New England with the intent of staying in Boston. On July 31, at the trading deadline, Garciaparra was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Although he did not make it to the 2004 World Series with the rest of the team, the players elected to give him a full share of the winner's purse money.
Since the departure of Nomar Boston has been unable to find a player to stick at SS. Over the past 3+ seasons the Sox have used 5 (and counting) different shortstops: Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez, Alex Cora, and Julio Lugo. Of these, only OCab (and Gonzo, defensively at least) has displayed actual baseball skills, although Lugo seems to be coming around as of late.
Moments in the Sun
- May 10, 1999: Garciaparra hit three home runs, including two grandslams, in one game against the Seattle Mariners.
- July 23, 2002: Garciaparra hit three more home runs on his birthday against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitchers.
Awards
- 6-Time All-Star (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006)
- 2000 American League Batting Champion
- 1999 American League Batting Champion
- 1997 American League Rookie of the Year
- 1997 American League Silver Slugger (Shortstop)
- 1997 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
Trivia
- Nomar's name is his father's name, Ramon, spelled backwards.
- Nomar is married to women's soccer legend Mia Hamm. After she accepted his proposal in 2002, he just replied, "Thanks beautiful."
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
- Garciaparra's ESPN Player Card
