Page 154 - 2021 ATL Media Guide

JASON KIPNIS
FRONT OFFICE • Hit his first career homer on 7/31 off • After the minor-league season, played
Royals LH Danny Duffy…That began a
19 games for Peoria in the Arizona Fall
League…Named to the AFL Rising Stars
stretch of four consecutive games with
a home run…He was the first player in
major-league history to have a home run All-Star Game.
streak of at least four games within two amateur
weeks of his debut…No other Cleveland • Played three seasons collegiately for the
MANAGER & STAFF • Had his first of two career five-hit games University as an outfielder…Redshirted with UK
second baseman had homered in four
University of Kentucky and Arizona State
straight.
in 2006, and played for them in 2007 before
on 8/10 of that season vs. Detroit…Scored
transferring to ASU.
four runs and drove in three in the game,
the first Indians rookie to reach those • In 2008, was the Pac-10 Newcomer of
the Year, First Team All-Pac-10 and a Third
three totals in a game. Team All-American by Baseball America…
• Has been on the injured list seven times in his Following the season, was drafted by the
JASON KIPNIS major-league career…Most significantly, missed • In his final collegiate season, 2009, was
San Diego Padres in the fourth round, but
a combined 62 games in 2017 because of three
opted to return to college.
separate injured list stints…Missed time with right
shoulder and hamstring injuries.
with 21 doubles, 16 home runs and 71
• Was also sidelined because of oblique the Pac-10 Player of the Year, hitting .384
(one month in 2014) and calf (three weeks RBI in 63 games…Earned First Team All-
in 2019) injuries.
America honors by Baseball America and
SEASON IN REVIEW minor league notes • Graduated from Glenbrook North High School
Collegiate Baseball.
in Northbrook, Ill., where he played baseball and
• Has played in 274 minor-league games since
getting drafted by Cleveland in 2009…Has batted
football.
.288/.367/.475 (299-for-1,039) with 60 doubles,
21 triples, 31 home runs and 156 RBI. • Earned First Team All-State honors on the
diamond.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT with the vast majority of time coming at team…Set school records for catches,
• Has played three positions defensively,
• Starred as a wide receiver on the football
second base (219 starts)…Has also played
yards and touchdowns in a season, and
left field (18 starts) and center field (7
received All-Conference honors.
starts).
• In his last full minor-league season, 2011, was
named Cleveland’s Minor League Player of the personal
• Grew up in suburban Chicago…His favorite team
Year for the second consecutive year…Began the was the Chicago Bulls…Idolized Michael Jordan.
season with Triple-A Columbus and promoted to • His favorite baseball player was Ken
BRAVES HISTORY promotion, was leading the International League • In 2014, was a charter member of the Taylor
the Indians at the end of July…At the time of the
Griffey, Jr.
in triples (9) and was second in runs scored (64).
Hooton Foundation’s “Advisory Board” of
• Named an International League Mid- and
Post-Season All-Star…Started at second active major-league players…The non-profit
is widely acknowledged as the leader in the
base in the Triple-A All-Star Game.
advocacy against the use of performance- and
• Selected to the SiriusXM All-Star Futures appearance-enhancing drugs by the youth of
Game at Chase Field, and homered.
America.
OPPONENTS • In 2010, had a combined 159 hits and 96 runs • Throughout his career, has been very active in
scored to lead the Indians’ system…Named the
the community…Has hosted military personnel
organization’s MiLB Player of the Year.
camps.
• Following the regular season, joined at games and has worked with youth baseball
Triple-A Columbus for the playoffs… • Was Cleveland’s 2012 nominee for the
Played in five games for the Triple-A Roberto Clemente Award.
Champions…Hit for the cycle in the IL
MISCELLANEOUS 154 Championship Game.
2021 ATLANTA BRAVES MEDIA GUIDE