Shawn Green

Shawn David Green (born November 10, 1972 in Des Plaines, Illinois) is a left-handed power hitter in Major League Baseball. He is noted for his swing and his arm in the outfield. He is also one of the most notable Jewish ball players.

Best years

In 1998, for the first time, Shawn was granted an every day spot in the line-up -- right-handed pitcher or left -- and he delivered by becoming the first Blue Jay to hit 30 or more home runs and steal 30 or more bases in the same season. The season was beyond what even his fiercest apologists over the previous seasons had predicted. Shawn had never hit more than 18 home runs in a season (Major or minor leagues) but was now showing the signs of becoming a true power hitter. He finished the season batting .278 with 35 home runs, 100 RBI and 35 stolen bases.

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In 1999, Shawn proved his new-found power swing was no fluke. On April 22 he belt a 449-foot home run into SkyDome's 5th deck, putting him in prestigious company with the likes of Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire and Joe Carter. By the All-Star break he had hit 25 home runs and knocked in 70 RBI, earning him not only his first All-Star appearance, but also the chance to compete in the Home Run Derby at Fenway Park. Shawn hit two home runs but was eliminated in the first round. He finished the season batting .309 (a career best), with 42 home runs and 123 RBI.

Related Topics:
1999 - April 22 - SkyDome - Jose Canseco - Mark McGwire - Joe Carter - Home Run Derby - Fenway Park

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In the off-season, Shawn expressed his desire to sign with a team closer to his California roots as a free agent after the 2000 season. The Blue Jays, strapped with the rising contract demands of Shawn and slugger teammate Carlos Delgado, decided it was best not to leave the decision of which player to pursue until mid-way through the season. On November 8, 1999, Shawn was traded with Jorge Nunez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Pedro Borbón, Jr. and Raul Mondesi.

Related Topics:
2000 - Carlos Delgado - November 8 - 1999 - Los Angeles Dodgers - Pedro Borbón, Jr. - Raul Mondesi

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Shawn was quick to sign an extension with Los Angeles, agreeing to a $84-million/6 year deal that included a $4 million signing bonus. With a lot of pressure riding on his now well-paid shoulders, Shawn struggled in 2000, his first season with Los Angeles, but had a career year in 2001, batting .297 with 49 home runs, 125 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. His 49 home runs were a Dodgers season record but placed only fourth in the league, behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Luis Gonzalez.

Related Topics:
2000 - 2001 - Barry Bonds - Sammy Sosa - Luis Gonzalez

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Shawn started off slowly in 2002 but quickly turned things around. On May 23, which can aptly be called the turning point of the season, Shawn hit four home runs against the Milwaukee Brewers and had 19 total bases, both Major League records. Shawn went on a tear from there on, finishing with a .285 average, 42 home runs, 114 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.

Related Topics:
2002 - May 23 - Milwaukee Brewers

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In 2003, Shawn struggled throughout the whole season. It turns out that he had problems with his shoulder which just limited him to a batting average of .280, with 19 home runs and 85 RBI. As the 2004 season came along, Shawn was determined to do better than the 2003 season. Shawn improved slightly as he batted .266, hit 28 home runs, and collected 86 RBI that led the Dodgers into the 2004 playoffs. In January of 2005 there were trade rumors which would send Shawn to the Arizona Diamondbacks. At first, the trade was in serious jeopardy because Shawn had a no trade clase. He said he would only waive the clause if he got an extension from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Finally, on June 10, 2005, Shawn received a extension for 3/$32 million. The next day, Shawn passed his physical and the trade went through. It was a part of a three-team trade which sent Shawn and cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for 4 minor leaguers.

Related Topics:
2003 - Batting average - 2004 - Playoffs - January - 2005 - Arizona Diamondbacks - June 10 - Million

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