Mark Loretta

Before his MLB career Loretta attended Northwestern University, where he was captain of their baseball team and earned Big 10 MVP honors.

He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 3, 1993. After two years with the Brewers' minor league affiliates, he was called up to make his MLB debut on September 4, 1995. Loretta joined the Brewers for 19 games his rookie season, hitting 13 runs and his first MLB homerun. He joined the Brewers regular roster during the 1996 season, and continued with the Brewers until 2002 when he was traded to the Houston Astros on August 31, 2002. Just two months later he was granted free agency.

Loretta signed with the San Diego Padres on December 16, 2002, where he would remain for the next three seasons. Loretta earned his first of two All-Star selections in 2004 with the Padres and was also selected for the Silver Slugger award. The following year Loretta made his post season debut, playing in the National League Divisional Series, which the Padres lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. Shortly after Loretta was traded to the Boston Red Sox. The 2006 season brought him another All-Star selection and he was also selected for the Hutch Award, given to the player who "best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire to win."

Following the 2006 season he became a free agent and signed with the Houston Astros on January 4, 2007, where he currently plays. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Mark David Loretta
2. Born: August 14, 1971
3. Birthplace: Santa Monica, California
4. Nickname: "Get Back"
5. Made MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers
6. 2001: Pitched the 8th inning in an 11-3 loss against the Cincinnati Reds

Categories