JockBio: Carl Crawford Facts

JockBio Vital Stats
• Tampa Bay Rays	• Outfield	• #13
• Height: 6' 2"	• Weight: 219	• Born:8/5/81

When Carl joined the Tampa Bay organization, he became one of six potential college quarterbacks in the minor-league system. The others were Kenny Kelly (Miami), Doug Johnson (Florida), Jason Standridge (Auburn), Marquis Roberts (Fresno State) and Doug Waechter (South Florida).
During Carl’s stint on Team USA in 2001, he became friends with Reds outfielder Austin Kearns.
Carl blamed his so-so 2001 season on not working out hard enough in the off-season. He has vowed never to make that mistake again.
Carl’s first pro at bat was an infield chopper that he beat out by a full stride. From that day on, he has always batted leadoff.
Carl led AL rookies in triples in 2002, despite playing only half a season. He was leading all minor leaguers in triples when he was called up.
In 2003, Carl’s 55 stolen bases made him the first Devil Ray to lead the league in an offensive category.
In 2008, Carl became only the eighth player to get 1000 hits and 250 steals before his 27th birthday.
In 2008, Carl homered in his second World Series at-bat.
Carl’s seventh-inning single in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS broke up a no-hitter by Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Carl was the fourth-youngest player in history to win a stolen base title. Only Ty Cobb, Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines were younger..
Carl and Rogers Hornsby are the only players in history to increase their home runs and batting average in each of their first five seasons.
Carl is the only player since Arky Vaughn to reach 70 triples before age 26.
Upon Carl’s return to Houston for the 2004 All-Star Game, he was honored at City Hall by Mayor Bill White.
Carl moved his home from Houston to Phoenix in 2004 so he could workout more frequently with trainer Mark Verstegen, whose other clients include Curt Schilling and Nomar Garciaparra.
Carl is only they 8th American Leaguer to club a walk-off homer on Opening Day.
Carl is just the eighth player in history to amass 200 steals before his 25th birthday.
Carl has said is goal is to become the #1 Fantasy Baseball player.
Carl no longer uses weights in his off-season training. He prefers elastic bands so as not to bulk up. If he were still playing football, he estimates his weight would be over 230 pounds.
Carl is a graduate of Houston’s RBI program.

Austin Kearns, 2002 Bowman

Ty Cobb playing card