Guide Note

Johnny Damon plays left field and sometimes serves as the designated hitter for the New York Yankees. He is widely regarded, as an excellent lead off hitter with his above average speed, and his good eye and consistency at the plate. In his career, he has demonstrated a potent balance of a power and average which has made him a valued member in his stops with the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and the championship run of the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.

Fast Facts

1. Born: November 5, 197
2. Birth Place: Fort Riley, Kansas
3. 1995: Drafted by Kansas City Royals
4. Played for world champion Boston Red Sox in 2005
5. While on Red Sox, famed for caveman-like hair grooming
6. Signed as a free agent by New York Yankees in 2006
7. Keeping with New York Yankees policy, Damon plays clean-shaven
8. Falsely accused in 2007 of being named in Mitchell Report

Johnny David Damon was born in Fort Riley, Kansas on November 5, 1973. He would attend Dr. Phillips High School in Florida, where he would he develop into a top high school prospect according to USA Today and Baseball America.

Damon was the 35th pick in the 1992 Amateur draft by the Kasas City Royals. He would make his major league debut on August 12, 1995. He would quickly develop into a premiere lead off man and excellent defensive center fielder. He would be traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2001, then to the Boston Red Sox in 2002. He quickly established himself as a fan favorite, with his beard and long hair being a trademark of the eccentric Red Sox and it's fans. He would help lead the team to become the 2004 World Series Champions. Then in a stunning change and a bitter pill for Red Sox fans, he would sign a four year contract with their hated rival the New York Yankees.

• November 5, 1973: Born in Fort Riley, Kansas
• 1992: Drafted by Kansas City Royals
• 2004: Wins World Series with Boston Red Sox
• 2005: Signs with New York Yankees