Doug Mientkiewicz

Doug Mientkiewicz, born Douglas Andrew Mientkiewicz (June 19, 1974 in Toledo, Ohio) is a first baseman who plays with the New York Mets (since 2005). His long name and peculiar spelling often confuse the average fan. Previously, he played for the Minnesota Twins (1998-2004) and Boston Red Sox (2004). Mientkiewicz was also on the U.S. Olympic team when they won the gold medal at the 2000 games in Sydney, hitting the game-winning grand slam against favorite Cuba. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.

MLB Career

Mientkiewicz is a notorious line-drive hitter and hits well against both lefties and righties. He has a nice, short stroke with gap power (though no home run hitter) and tremendous discipline at the plate, coupled with good knowledge of the strike zone. For his career he has a good 0.951 walk-to-strikeout ratio (310-to-326). Though not a base-stealing threat, Mientkiewicz will get every extra base he can.

Related Topics:
Home run - Strike zone - Walk-to-strikeout ratio - Base-stealing

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Defense is still the best part of Mientkiewicz's game. He has a great glove with soft hands, great mobility, good range and a strong arm. Also, Mientkiewicz is excellent at scooping balls in the dirt, tagging down on a high throw and extending himself to make the play. He won the Gold Glove Award in 2001.

Related Topics:
Gold Glove Award - 2001

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In an eight-year career, Mientkiewicz is a .268 hitter with 50 home runs, 155 doubles, 294 RBI, 303 runs scored, and a .360 On-Base Percentage in 735 games.

Related Topics:
Home runs - RBI

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