Grady Sizemore Biography: Center Fielder for the Cleveland Indians

Grady Sizemore, the current center fielder for the Cleveland Indians, has only played one full season but he has made an impact on not only the team but the fans as well. He was born in Seattle, Washington on August 2, 1982. He bats left and throws left as well. He graduated from Cascade High School in Everett, Washington. He was a multiple sport star; he signed a letter of intent to play football and baseball at the University of Washington but the Montreal Expos eventually lured him away from college so he could play in their system.

Sizemore did not play in the Expos’ system long, however. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians on June 27, 2002 for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew. The Indians also received Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips. Lee is now in the Indians’ starting rotation and won 18 games in 2005 while Phillips is having much success with the Cincinnati Reds.

Sizemore made his debut with the Indians in 2004. In 138 at-bats he had four home runs and 24 RBI. However, he only managed to bat .246. 2005 was Sizemore’s first (and full) successful season. In 640 at-bats he hit 22 home runs and had 81 RBI. He also had 22 stolen bases and a respectable .289 batting average. If not for the at-bats he had in 2004, Sizemore most likely would have been Rookie of the Year. The team has put a lot of stock in its star center fielder; he recently signed a six-year contract with the Indians worth $24.3 million with a club option for 2012.

Grady spent the 2005 season in the lead-off spot, a tall order for a young man such as him. He proved though that he was a great player and he earned great praise for his hustle and competitiveness from his team, rival teams, and many national pundits. He also won over the ladies of Cleveland. Women have frequently been seen roaming around the city with “Mrs. Sizemore” shirts. For the record, he is still single.

Sizemore has a tendency to strike out too often, evidenced by his 132 strikeouts in 2005 compared to only 52 walks. For a leadoff hitter, that is not a good ratio at all. In fact, that is not a great ratio for anyone. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that someday Grady could be moved down in the order. He hits for power and can drive in plenty of runs, making him an excellent candidate for the third spot in the batting order. A 3-4-5 of Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner, and Victor Martinez would easily contend as the most feared in all of baseball.

Whether or not Grady moves in the batting order, he will make a positive impact no matter where he is, including the field. The 6’2″ 200 lb. center fielder has already made many spectacular plays in the outfield. He is the offensive catalyst, and his youthful energy in the field helps to lead the young and upstart Cleveland Indians. If the Indians get far into the post-season, one can assume Sizemore helped them get there.

Grady Sizemore’s statistics

2004 (CLE): 138 AB, 34 H, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 2 SB, 14 BB, 34 SO, .246 BA

2005 (CLE): 640 AB, 185 H, 22 HR, 81 RBI, 22 SB, 52 BB, 132 SO, .289 BA