Ryan Freel

Major League Baseball center fielder Ryan Freel is currently signed with the Chicago Cubs. Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1995, he made his MLB debut in 2001 and later played with the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles for two and three seasons, respectively. Freel was acquired by the Cubs on May 8, 2009 in exchange for outfielder Joey Gathright.Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs trade Gathright to Baltimore for Ryan Freel (May 8, 2009)

Freel played six years in Toronto's minor league system before making his Major League debut in 2001. He would eventually sign with the Reds as a free agent on November 18, 2002. In 2004, Freel played in 143 games and hit for an average of .277 with 3 home runs, 28 RBI, 37 stolen bases, and 74 runs scored. He signed with the Cubs in 2009.

Freel is one of the most versatile players in baseball. He can play all three outfield positions, as well as second and third base. He is known for going all out (sometimes to a fault) on every play, which has caused him to take some hard hits as a result. He has a high on-base percentage and has quick speed for stealing bases.

• Mahalo's Guide to the Cincinnati Reds
• MLB.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 5-10
  • Weight: 185
  • Rookie Year: 2001

• 1976: Born on March 8, in Jacksonville, Florida

• 1995: Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays

• 2002: Signs with the Cincinnati Reds

• 2005: Arrested for DUI