John Olerud

John Garrett Olerud (born August 5, 1968 in Seattle, Washington) is an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who, as of 2005, is playing for the Boston Red Sox. Previously, Olerud played with the Toronto Blue Jays (1989-96), New York Mets (1997-99), Seattle Mariners (2000-2004) and New York Yankees (2004).

Facts

• On September 29, 1993, Olerud tied the American League record for intentional walks in a season with 33. Ted Williams set the mark in 1957.
• Olerud finally played his first minor league game on May 23, 2005, when the 37-year-old, 17-year MLB veteran played first base for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. His first minors hit was a two-run home run. Olerud finished his three-game rehab assignment hitting .300 (3-for-10).
• Olerud is the cousin of former infielder Dale Sveum. Currently, Sveum is also a member of the Red Sox; he serves as their third base coach.
• Olerud and his wife have a daughter, born in 2000 with a rare chromosome disorder. Seeing an opportunity to create awareness for special needs children and their parents, in 2003 the Oleruds founded the Jordan Fund.