Willie Bloomquist, Retired


Date of Birth: 11/27/1977
Birthplace: Bremerton, Washington
College: Arizona State University

Willie Bloomquist was first drafted by the Seattle Mariners in June 1996 but he didn't sign with them, opting instead for college. Three years later, he signed with them while still at Arizona State University. He played in the Mariners' minor league system from 1999 through 2002, joining the Mariners for just 12 games in 2002.

In 2003, Bloomquist played in 89 games with the Mariners, batting .250 with 49 hits during that time. From 2003 through 2008, he was a part-time player, never playing in more than 102 games with the Mariners. In 2006, he signed a $1,875,000 contract extension with the team.

Bloomquist signed a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals in January, 2009. He had career highs in games played (125), hits (115), and stolen bases (25) in 2009. He finished the season with a .265 batting average. After 72 games with the Royals in 2010, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He finished the season with 50 hits and a .267 batting average in 83 games.

In January, 2011, Bloomquist signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was a part-time player with the Diamondbacks from 2011 through 2013, playing in 97 games in 2011, 80 games in 2012, and 48 games in 2013.

Bloomquist agreed to return to the Mariners on a two-year contract in December, 2013. He played in just 47 games with them in 2014. After 35 games with them in 2015, he was released on July 6th.

Bloomquist retired as a major league player on March 11, 2016.

Career batting statistics for Bloomquist through 2016 include:

  • 1,055 games played
  • 778 hits
  • 110 doubles
  • 133 stolen bases
  • 225 RBIs
  • 494 strikeouts to 189 walks
  • .269 batting average

Career fielding statistics for Bloomquist as an infielder through 2016 include:

  • 47 games played at first base, 141 games played at second base, 142 games played at third base, 305 games played at shortstop
  • 1,130 assists
  • 245 double plays
  • 818 putouts
  • 51 errors

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

  • 109 games played in left field, 124 games played in center field, 122 games played in right field
  • 518 putouts
  • 6 errors

Personal Life

Bloomquist and his wife have three daughters.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Willie Bloomquist
ESPN - Willie Bloomquist