Jeff Blauser

Jeffrey Michael Blauser (born November 8, 1965 in Los Gatos, California) is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs from 1987 to 1999.

Career

Blauser went to Placer High School in Auburn, California and Sacramento City College. He was selected by the Braves in the first round (4th pick) of the 1984 June amateur draft (secondary phase) and made his major league debut on July 5, 1987. Blauser was a powerful right-handed shortstop at 6' 0", 170 lb. He hit well for a middle infielder but was shaky with the glove, which often led him to be replaced on the field in the later innings.^[1] In 1993, Blauser had a breakout season, batting over .300 for the first time and scoring 110 runs. He was also named to the All-Star team.

During the next few seasons, Blauser's production suffered. He made 23 errors in 1996 and spent half the season on the disabled list. He came back in 1997, however, batting .308 with 17 home runs and 70 runs batted in. He was an All-Star for the second time and also won the Silver Slugger Award for National League shortstops.

After the season, Blauser signed with the Cubs. In two years with them, he struggled with injuries and batted under .230. He was released in October 1999.

Blauser retired with a lifetime batting average of .262 and 122 home runs. He managed the Mississippi Braves, the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, during the 2006 season.

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• Jeff Blauser Interview at Baseball Digest Daily - March 2006