Miguel Tejada

On July 17, 1993, at the age of 19, Tejada was signed as an undrafted amateur free agent by the Oakland Athletics (although his age was believed to be 17). In 1995 he was placed with the Athletics' minor league affiliates, where he played for two and a half years before he was called up to the majors. Tejada made his MLB debut with the Athletics on August 27, 1997, playing in 26 games that season, hitting 10 runs and two homeruns in 99 attempts at bat. Tejada's numbers improved the following seasons, when he became a starter for the Athletics, playing in almost every regular season game. Tehaja helped the Athletics to his first post season appearance in 2000, where the Athletics lost the American League Divisional Series to the Minnesota Twins. In 2002, Tejada hit a career high 108 runs and 34 homeruns and was selected for his first All-Star Game. He was also selected as the American League Most Valuable Player the same year. Tejada continued to play well during the 2003 season, where he earned his first of two consecutive Silver Slugger Awards. Following the 2003 season he entered free agency.

On December 18, 2003 Tejada signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles to a $72 Million, six year contract. In 2004 he won in the Home Run Derby, hitting 27 homeruns. In 2005 he was selected as the All-Star MVP. Tejada continued to start every game with the Orioles over the next few seasons, playing 1,151 consecutive games, until he was injured in 2007.

Tejada was traded following the 2007 season to the Houston Astros on December 12, 2007.

In September 2005, Rafael Palmeiro, who was under investigation for steroid use himself, named Tejada as a steroid user and a full investigation into the claims was launched. He was initially reported innocent of these allegations, however was named in the 2007 Mitchell Report and is currently under investigation again for steroid use.

On April 17, 2008, Tejada admitted to lying about his age. When signing a contract with the Oakland in 1993, he claimed that his birth year was 1976. His actual year of birth is 1974. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Miguel Odalis Tejada
2. Born: May 25, 1974
3. Birthplace: Bani, Dominican Republic
4. American League MVP in 2002
5. All-Star Home Run Derby winner in 2004
6. Traded to the Houston Astros in 2007
7. Named in 2007 Mitchell Report