A.J. Ellis is a former professional baseball player who played as a catcher for various teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on April 9, 1981, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and attended Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, where he played college baseball.
Ellis was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2008. He played for the Dodgers for nine seasons, from 2008 to 2016, and was known for his strong defensive skills and ability to work well with pitchers.
During his time with the Dodgers, Ellis was a fan favorite and a respected leader in the clubhouse. He was known for his work ethic and his willingness to mentor younger players. He was also active in the community, participating in various charitable events and initiatives.
In 2016, Ellis was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played for the remainder of the season. He then signed with the Miami Marlins for the 2017 season, where he served as a backup catcher and mentor to the team's younger players.
Ellis announced his retirement from baseball in 2018, after playing for 11 seasons in the MLB. Over the course of his career, he played in 821 games, with a batting average of .239, 69 home runs, and 301 RBIs. He was also known for his ability to draw walks and get on base, with a career on-base percentage of .340.
Off the field, Ellis was known for his strong Christian faith and his commitment to his family. He and his wife, Cindy, have three children together. After retiring from baseball, Ellis became a broadcaster for the San Diego Padres, providing color commentary for the team's radio broadcasts.
Overall, A.J. Ellis had a successful career as a catcher in the MLB, known for his strong defensive skills, leadership, and work ethic. He was a respected player and mentor, both on and off the field, and continues to be involved in the sport as a broadcaster.
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