On Wednesday, November 28, the Atlanta Braves agreed to a 5 year, $75.3 million contract with free agent centerfielder B.J. Upton. For over a decade, Upton served as one of the leading faces of the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization. The Virginia native was instrumental to 3 playoff appearances in that span and the winning of the 2008 American League pennant. Though criticized for a free-swinging approach at the plate, the 27 year-old indeed compiled a wealth of statistical achievements. Here is a look at the memorable moments of the career of B.J. Upton with the Tampa Bay Rays.
June 4, 2002 — Melvin Emmanuel “B.J.” Upton is selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays out of Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia with the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft. Only 17 years old when drafted, the infielder was considered one of the nation’s prime prospects, possessing potential for both power and speed. Upton is chosen only behind top overall pick pitcher Bryan Bullington, who disappointed with a 1-9 record during a brief career.
August 2, 2004 — Despite struggling with defense in his first 2 minor league campaigns, Upton is regarded as one of the organization’s rising stars. With the Rays languishing in last place, the 19 year-old makes his major league debut as a designated hitter on August 2, 2004. Upton goes 1 for 3 with a run and earns his first career hit off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield during a 6-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. The rookie finished the season with the Rays and averaged .258 in 159 at bats.
August 1, 2006 — Spending all of 2005 and the majority of 2006 with the affiliated Triple-A Durham Bulls, Upton crushed 26 combined home runs and anxiously awaited his return to the big show. That day came on August 1, 2006, when the 21 year-old was again recalled for a contest against the Detroit Tigers. Upton went 2 for 4 with a run in a 10-4 loss and remained with Tampa Bay since this point.
September 29, 2007 — Despite going 0 for 4 on the final day of the season, 2007 remains Upton’s most consistent effort. During his first full season in the majors, the versatile player was moved from second base to centerfield, where he eventually excelled defensively. Upton quickly joined the 20/20 club by batting .300 with 24 HR, 82 RBI, and 22 SB in 2007.
August 15, 2008 — After prior criticism for lack of hustle, Upton is benched by manager Joe Maddon for not running out a groundball in the 6th inning of a 7-0 victory over the Texas Rangers. After the game, Upton sarcastically stated, “I guess I’m the only one not running ’em out.” Despite personal struggles, the Rays thrived in 2008, eventually enjoying their first winning season and playoff appearance.
October 6, 2008 — Upton drilled 2 home runs during a 6-2 Division Series clinching victory over the Chicago White Sox. Advancing to the ALCS, Upton savored the moment, declaring, “It means everything. We’ve been at the bottom of the barrel for so long.” Tampa Bay would next capture a thrilling 7 game series over Boston, in which Upton smacked 4 home runs, before falling to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.
October 2, 2009 — Though the Rays would miss the playoffs in 2009, Upton enjoyed the finest day of his career during a 13-4 victory over the New York Yankees. Going 5 for 5 with a homer, 3 runs, and 6 RBI, the 25 year-old became the first player in franchise history to hit for the cycle.
September 11, 2011 — Overcoming a year of trade rumors and a second consecutive 160+ strikeout season, Upton put forth a monster game during a 9-1 triumph over the Red Sox. The centerfielder posted a perfect 4 for 4 with 3 runs scored and his first career grand slam. The Rays overcame a historic 9 game deficit on Boston during September to reach the playoffs in dramatic fashion.
August 3, 2012 — During a 2-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles, Upton smacked his 100th career home run. Ironically, the milestone occurred on the same day that his brother Justin Upton blasted his own 100th career homer. The younger sibling previously topped B.J. by being the top overall selection of the 2005 draft.
September 9, 2012 — Fans witnessed Upton’s first career 3 home run game during a 6-0 victory over Texas. Historically a second half player, the 27 year-old enjoyed a torrid final 2 months of the 2012 season. With approaching free agency, Upton crushed a combined 19 HR during the season’s final 2 months and picked up AL Player of the Week honors during early September.
November 28, 2012 — Rejecting the Rays’ 1 year, $13.1 million tender offer, Upton filed for free agency in October. With the club unable to afford his services long-term, the player’s combination of power and speed rumored him to be a good fit for several National League squads. On November 28, Upton agreed to a 5 year, $75.3 million contract with Atlanta, ending his memorable 11 year career with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Sources:
Yahoo! Sports, Baseball-Reference.com, Mlb.com.
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Jeff Briscoe is a regular contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network and a follower of the Tampa Bay Rays . He talks Rays’ baseball and more on The Sports Train radio show in Southwest Florida.
