Brad Ausmus

Ausmus was originally drafted by the New York Yankees on June 2, 1987. Shortly after the draft he enrolled in Dartmouth College, playing for the Yankees affiliates in his off time. He graduated Dartmouth in 1991, with a degree in Government. Ausmus continued to play in the minors the following year, before he was drafted in the 1992 expansion draft by the Colorado Rockies. He was again placed with the Rockies' minor league team for the 1992 season.

On July 26, 1993 he was again traded, with the Rockies sending him to the San Diego Padres. Two days after the trade, Ausmus made his MLB debut, playing 49 games his rookie season. He continued with the Padres for the next three seasons, when on June 18, 1996 he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. Ausmus stayed with the tigers less than six months and was traded again to the Houston Astros on December 10, 1996.

His playing time increased with the Astros, playing an average of 130 games over the next two seasons, including appearances in the National League Divisional Series in both 1997 and 1998. On January 14, 1999 the Astros sent Ausmus back to the Detroit Tigers, where he had a breakout batting year, finishing the season .275 and earning his first and only trip to the All-Star Game. Ausmus was the first Ivy League player to ever play in an All-Star game.

On December 11, 2000 he was again traded back to the Houston Astros. His play improved with the Astros, earning him the Golden Glove Award in 2001, 2002 and 2006. In 2004 Ausmus was inducted into the National Jewish Museum Sports Hall of Fame. He also made his first World Series appearance in the Astros 2005 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

On October 30, 2007 Ausmus signed a reported $2 Million, one year contract with the Astros. Although considered the Astros' backup and mentor to J.R. Towles, Ausmus played in the Astros' Opening Day game on March 31, 2008. Fast Facts:

1. Born: April 14, 1969
2. Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut
3. Made MLB debut with the San Diego Padres
4. 2005: Played in the 2005 World Series

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