Cody Ross, Retired

Date of Birth: 12/23/1980
Birthplace: Portales, New Mexico
Nicknames: Toy Cannon, Ross the Boss

Cody Ross, retired outfielder, was first drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1999. After spending five seasons in the minor leagues, he joined the Tigers for six games in 2003. The following April, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That season, he was on the DL for part of the season and he played in the minors. In 2005, he played in just 14 games with the Dodgers.

In April, 2006, the Dodgers traded Ross to the Cincinnati Reds. He again went on the DL and a month after acquiring him, the Reds traded him to the Miami Marlins. He then played in 91 games with the Marlins. The following season, he was a reserve outfielder for the Marlins, playing in just 66 games with them.

Ross finally had a full season in the major leagues in 2009 and it turned out to be a strong season for him. In 2009, he batted .270 with career highs in hits (151), doubles (37), home runs (24), and RBIs (90).

Ross was placed on waivers in August, 2010, and then claimed by the San Francisco Giants. He had an outstanding post-season with the Giants in 2010, winning the National League Championship series MVP award. In 15 post-season games, he batted .294 with 15 hits, 5 doubles, 5 home runs, and 10 RBIs.

Ross and the Giants agreed to a one-year, $6.3 million contract with the Giants in 2011. He again ended up on the DL that season, playing in just 121 games with the Giants. In January, 2012, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. He again suffered an injury in 2012, this time a fractured foot, and his playing time with the Red Sox was limited to 130 games.

In December, 2012, Ross signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2013, he once more suffered from injuries and his playing time was limited to just 94 games. He started the 2014 season again on the DL. He finished the season with 51 hits and a .252 batting average in 83 games.

On April 4, 2015, Ross was released by the Diamondbacks. Four days later, he signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics. After just nine games with the Athletics, they released him on May 3rd.

Ross retired unofficially in May, 2016.

Career batting statistics for Ross through 2016 include:

• 1,073 games played
• 904 hits
• 211 doubles
• 132 home runs
• 508 RBIs
• 800 strikeouts to 282 walks
• .262 batting average

Career fielding statistics for Ross as an outfielder through 2016 include:

• 281 games played in left field, 387 games played in center field, 414 games played in right field
• 1,823 putouts
• 21 errors

Personal Life

Ross and his wife Summer have two children.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Cody Ross
ESPN - Cody Ross