Joey Gathright

Major League Baseball outfielder Joey Gathright currently plays for the Chicago Cubs.

On December 16, 2008, the Chicago Cubs signed Gathright to a one-year deal worth approximately $800,000. Gathright is expected to become the Cubs everyday center fielder, after the Cubs allowed Jim Edmonds to become a free agent.¹

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Joey Renard Gathright
2. Born: April 27, 1981
3. Birthplace: Hattiesburgh, Mississippi
4. Made debut in 2004 with Tampa Bay Rays
5. Traded to Kansas City Royals in 2006
6. Attended Kenner Louisiana
7. Bats: Left
8. Throws: Right
9. Height 5'10"
10. Weight: 170 lbs
11. Arguably the fastest player in Baseball

Early Life

Joey Renard Gathright was born in Hattiesburgh, Mississippi on April 27, 1981. Gathright was originally drafted on June 5, 2001 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He joined the Devil Rays' minor league affiliates in 2002 for conditioning. ²

Pro Career

Gathright was called up to make his MLB debut with the Devil Rays on June 25, 2004. He played a total of 19 games that season, hitting 11 runs in 52 attempts at bat. In 2005 he saw more playing time with the Devil Rays, playing in 76 games, finishing the season with 56 hits and 29 runs.

Halfway though the 2006 season, Gathright was traded to the Kansas City Royals on June 20, 2006. He split the 2007 season between the Royals and their AAA affiliate, playing in 74 major league games. After strong summer play, Gathright was named the Royals Player of the Month for August.

Gathright is renown in the league for his impressive speed. Gathright has been timed at 6 - 6.7 seconds in the 60-yard dash and has tremendous leaping ability. During a 2008 Spring Training game, Gathright jumped over a pitcher who was trying to tag him out as he headed to first base.³

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