Danny Ardoin
Encyclopedia
Daniel Wayne Ardoin is a retired catcher
in Major League Baseball
. He bats and throws right-handed.
in Ville Platte, Louisiana
where he played for Coach Scott Carter and helped lead the Trojans to a State Title in 1992. Danny was also a letterman in football, baseball, golf, and track. In baseball, he was named the Class AA Most Valuable Player as a senior. Ardoin was heavily recruited as a senior by the Seattle Mariners
and the Cincinnati Reds
, but chose to play JUCO ball at Texarkana Junior College
, and then attended McNeese State University
.
in the 5th round of the 1995 MLB Draft
, and made his professional baseball debut with the Southern Oregon A's
in the Northwest League
. He made his way up through the A's farm system between 1996 and 2000, playing for the Modesto A's
, Visalia Oaks, Huntsville Stars
, Vancouver Canadians
, and Sacramento River Cats
.
On July 31, 2000, the A's traded him to the Minnesota Twins
for Mario Valdez
, and he was assigned to the AAA Salt Lake Buzz
.
, going hitless in two at bats, with three walks and a run scored. He played in 15 games with the Twins that year, finishing with a .125 batting average. He hit his first major league home run (his only one of the season) in the 1st inning on August 10 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
pitcher Tanyon Sturtze
.
He spent the entire 2001 season at AAA with the Edmonton Trappers
, hitting .255 in 302 at bats and then became a free agent.
in December 2001 and played 25 games with the Omaha Royals
before they released him. He was soon picked up by the Texas Rangers
and played for their farm teams, the Tulsa Drillers
and Oklahoma RedHawks. He spent two more seasons with Oklahoma, before getting another shot at the majors in late 2004 with the Rangers, appearing in six games for the team and getting one hit in eight at bats.
as a free agent in 2005 and began the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox
. He was called up to the Rockies because of poor performance by the starting catcher J.D. Closser
and an injury to backup Todd Greene
. Ardoin set career highs in every offensive category, despite playing regularly in only the second half of the season. He compiled a .229 batting average
with 6 home runs and 22 runs batted in.
The season began with Ardoin slated for a platoon catching role with free agent
acquisition Yorvit Torrealba
; however, with Torrealba injuring his shoulder during spring training, Ardoin assumed the starting role. Although Ardoin was one of the top defensive catchers in baseball, his offense struggled during the first two months of the 2006 season. In his first 94 at-bats, Ardoin hit for a .191 batting average
with no home runs and two runs batted in.
Ardoin strained his left knee while tagging out Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder José Cruz, Jr.
on a play at home plate, and he was placed on the disabled list
on May 27. Closser was recalled from the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate to fill in during Ardoin's absence.
When Ardoin returned from his injury, the Rockies optioned Closser back to Triple-A; however, after being back with the Rockies for five games, Ardoin was designated for assignment on August 25, 2006, clearing a roster spot for rookie prospect Chris Iannetta
.
. He was immediately thrust into action with injuries to Orioles starting catcher Ramon Hernandez
and backup catcher Chris Widger
. He appeared in only five games with Baltimore and recorded one hit in 13 at bats before being released in September.
prior to the 2007 season and invited to spring training. However he did not make the club and was traded to the Houston Astros
for pitcher Wade Robinson on March 26. Ardoin spent the 2007 season in the minor league organizations of the Astros (Round Rock Express
) and the St. Louis Cardinals
(Memphis Redbirds
).
, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers
. On May 20, 2008, his contract was purchased by the Dodgers and he was recalled to the Major League club after backup catcher Gary Bennett was placed on the disabled list. Ardoin made his Dodgers debut on May 27, 2008
, in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs
. Ardoin remained at the Major League level as starting Dodger catcher Russell Martin
's lone backup. Ardoin was also named to the Dodgers postseason playoff roster after the Dodgers clinched the National League West
division title but did not play in the playoffs.
In the off-season, the Dodgers signed veteran 3-time Gold Glove winner Brad Ausmus
to be new backup catcher, and transferred Ardoin to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes
where he was scheduled to be the backup to prospect A. J. Ellis
in 2009, though he got hurt and spent most of the season on the minor league disabled list.
.
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. He bats and throws right-handed.
High school years
Ardoin attended Sacred Heart High SchoolSacred Heart High School (Ville Platte, Louisiana)
Sacred Heart High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Ville Platte, Louisiana. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette.-Mission:...
in Ville Platte, Louisiana
Ville Platte, Louisiana
Ville Platte is a city in and the parish seat of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,145 at the 2000 census. Its name is derived from the French ville plate, or "flat town."-History:...
where he played for Coach Scott Carter and helped lead the Trojans to a State Title in 1992. Danny was also a letterman in football, baseball, golf, and track. In baseball, he was named the Class AA Most Valuable Player as a senior. Ardoin was heavily recruited as a senior by the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
and the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, but chose to play JUCO ball at Texarkana Junior College
Texarkana College
Texarkana College is a community college located in Texarkana, Texas.-Location:Texarkana College is located at , in the northeast border of Texarkana, Texas, at the junction of Robison and Tucker streets, which is approximately one mile south of Interstate 30.The twin cities of Texarkana,...
, and then attended McNeese State University
McNeese State University
McNeese State University is a public university located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. Founded in 1939 as a junior college, McNeese experienced growth due to economic activity in the region. It adopted its present name in 1970....
.
Early career
Ardoin was drafted by the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in the 5th round of the 1995 MLB Draft
MLB Draft
The First-Year Player Draft, also known as the Rule 4 Draft, is Major League Baseball's primary mechanism for assigning amateur baseball players, from high schools, colleges, and other amateur baseball clubs, to its teams. The draft order is determined based on the previous season's standings, with...
, and made his professional baseball debut with the Southern Oregon A's
Southern Oregon Timberjacks
The Southern Oregon Timberjacks were a minor league baseball team based in Medford, Oregon. The team played in the short-season single-A Northwest League from 1979 to 1999 and were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics...
in the Northwest League
Northwest League
The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
. He made his way up through the A's farm system between 1996 and 2000, playing for the Modesto A's
Modesto Nuts
The Modesto Nuts are a minor league baseball team in Modesto, California, USA. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the California League and a farm team of the Colorado Rockies. The Modesto Nuts play home games at John Thurman Field. Opened in 1955 and renovated in 1997, the park seats 4,000 fans...
, Visalia Oaks, Huntsville Stars
Huntsville Stars
The Huntsville Stars are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and are the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Huntsville, Alabama and are named for the space industry with which Huntsville is economically tied .The Stars play their home games at Joe W...
, Vancouver Canadians
Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the...
, and Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento River Cats
The Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
.
On July 31, 2000, the A's traded him to the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
for Mario Valdez
Mario Valdez
Mario Ayelar Valdez is a retired Major League Baseball first baseman. He played during three seasons at the major league level for the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics. He also played one season in Japan for the Kintetsu Buffaloes in 2004.Valdez was drafted by the White Sox in the 48th...
, and he was assigned to the AAA Salt Lake Buzz
Salt Lake Bees
The Salt Lake Bees are a Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bees serve as the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They play their home games at Spring Mobile Ballpark, known to fans as the Apiary, which was...
.
Minnesota Twins
After only three games with the Buzz, Ardoin made his major league debut with the Twins on August 2, 2000 against the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, going hitless in two at bats, with three walks and a run scored. He played in 15 games with the Twins that year, finishing with a .125 batting average. He hit his first major league home run (his only one of the season) in the 1st inning on August 10 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
pitcher Tanyon Sturtze
Tanyon Sturtze
Tanyon James Sturtze is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.He attended Saint Peter-Marian High School then Quinsigamond Community College and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft. In , he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the minor league portion of...
.
He spent the entire 2001 season at AAA with the Edmonton Trappers
Edmonton Trappers
The Edmonton Trappers were a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, ending with the 2004 season. Home games were played at Telus Field in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada....
, hitting .255 in 302 at bats and then became a free agent.
Kansas City Royals/Texas Rangers
Ardoin signed with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
in December 2001 and played 25 games with the Omaha Royals
Omaha Royals
The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,...
before they released him. He was soon picked up by the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
and played for their farm teams, the Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies major-league club.-Stadium:...
and Oklahoma RedHawks. He spent two more seasons with Oklahoma, before getting another shot at the majors in late 2004 with the Rangers, appearing in six games for the team and getting one hit in eight at bats.
Colorado Rockies
Ardoin next signed with the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
as a free agent in 2005 and began the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox
Colorado Springs Sky Sox
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team's colors are red and blue. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Colorado Rockies...
. He was called up to the Rockies because of poor performance by the starting catcher J.D. Closser
J.D. Closser
JD Closser is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently playing for the Edmonton Capitals of the North American Baseball League.-Arizona Diamondbacks:...
and an injury to backup Todd Greene
Todd Greene
Todd Anthony Greene is a former Major League Baseball catcher. In an 11 year career, he played for the Anaheim Angels , Toronto Blue Jays , New York Yankees , Texas Rangers , Colorado Rockies , and San Francisco Giants . He batted and threw right-handed. Greene allegedly received steroids from Dr...
. Ardoin set career highs in every offensive category, despite playing regularly in only the second half of the season. He compiled a .229 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
with 6 home runs and 22 runs batted in.
The season began with Ardoin slated for a platoon catching role with free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
acquisition Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. He bats and throws right-handed.-San Francisco Giants:...
; however, with Torrealba injuring his shoulder during spring training, Ardoin assumed the starting role. Although Ardoin was one of the top defensive catchers in baseball, his offense struggled during the first two months of the 2006 season. In his first 94 at-bats, Ardoin hit for a .191 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
with no home runs and two runs batted in.
Ardoin strained his left knee while tagging out Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder José Cruz, Jr.
José Cruz, Jr.
José Luis Cruz, Jr. is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. Over his nine year playing career, Cruz played for eight different teams. Standing 6'0" tall and weighing 210 pounds, Cruz was a right-handed switch hitter...
on a play at home plate, and he was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
on May 27. Closser was recalled from the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate to fill in during Ardoin's absence.
When Ardoin returned from his injury, the Rockies optioned Closser back to Triple-A; however, after being back with the Rockies for five games, Ardoin was designated for assignment on August 25, 2006, clearing a roster spot for rookie prospect Chris Iannetta
Chris Iannetta
Christopher Domenic Iannetta is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball.-High school:...
.
Baltimore Orioles
On August 30, Ardoin was claimed by the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. He was immediately thrust into action with injuries to Orioles starting catcher Ramon Hernandez
Ramón Hernández
Ramón José Hernández Marin is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher who plays for the Colorado Rockies. Previously, he played with the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres , Baltimore Orioles , and Cincinnati Reds .-Career:Hernández is a career .263 hitter with 144 home runs, 651 RBI, and 455...
and backup catcher Chris Widger
Chris Widger
Christopher Jon Widger is a former Major League Baseball catcher.-Career:A third round pick in the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft, Widger played for the Seattle Mariners , Montréal Expos , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago White Sox , and Baltimore Orioles...
. He appeared in only five games with Baltimore and recorded one hit in 13 at bats before being released in September.
Nationals/Astros/Cardinals
Ardoin was signed to a minor league contract by the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
prior to the 2007 season and invited to spring training. However he did not make the club and was traded to the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for pitcher Wade Robinson on March 26. Ardoin spent the 2007 season in the minor league organizations of the Astros (Round Rock Express
Round Rock Express
The Round Rock Express is a class Triple-A Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team in Round Rock, Texas, owned by RSR Sports and founded by Reid Ryan, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. The team is affiliated with the Texas Rangers, for whom Nolan Ryan serves as the president and...
) and the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
(Memphis Redbirds
Memphis Redbirds
The Memphis Redbirds are the Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They play their home games at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The stadium's capacity is 14,320. They entered the Pacific Coast League as an expansion team in 1998, and were owned as a...
).
Los Angeles Dodgers
Ardoin began the 2008 season with the Las Vegas 51sLas Vegas 51s
The Las Vegas 51s, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, are a minor league baseball team. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League...
, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. On May 20, 2008, his contract was purchased by the Dodgers and he was recalled to the Major League club after backup catcher Gary Bennett was placed on the disabled list. Ardoin made his Dodgers debut on May 27, 2008
2008 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:* Regular Season Champions* World Series Champions – Philadelphia Phillies** American League Champions – Tampa Bay Rays** National League Champions – Philadelphia Phillies* Postseason – October 1 to October 29...
, in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. Ardoin remained at the Major League level as starting Dodger catcher Russell Martin
Russell Martin
Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin, Jr is a Canadian Major League Baseball catcher for the New York Yankees.Martin became the everyday catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers immediately upon his Major League debut, and continued in that role for nearly 5 years...
's lone backup. Ardoin was also named to the Dodgers postseason playoff roster after the Dodgers clinched the National League West
National League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
division title but did not play in the playoffs.
In the off-season, the Dodgers signed veteran 3-time Gold Glove winner Brad Ausmus
Brad Ausmus
Bradley David "Brad" Ausmus is a former All Star catcher in Major League Baseball, and currently a special assistant for the San Diego Padres....
to be new backup catcher, and transferred Ardoin to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
where he was scheduled to be the backup to prospect A. J. Ellis
A. J. Ellis
Andrew James Ellis is a catcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-High school:...
in 2009, though he got hurt and spent most of the season on the minor league disabled list.
Personal life
In the offseason, Ardoin lives with his wife Hope and four children in his hometown Ville Platte, LouisianaVille Platte, Louisiana
Ville Platte is a city in and the parish seat of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,145 at the 2000 census. Its name is derived from the French ville plate, or "flat town."-History:...
.
External links
- http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080527&content_id=2780528&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la Ardoin sees no barrier in debut