Alcides Escobar is a former professional baseball player who played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on December 16, 1986, in La Sabana, Venezuela. Escobar began his professional baseball career in 2003 when he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an international free agent. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2008.
Escobar played for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2008 to 2010. During his time with the Brewers, he established himself as a solid defensive player and a reliable hitter. In 2010, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he spent the next seven seasons of his career.
Escobar's time with the Royals was the most successful period of his career. He was a key player in the team's run to the World Series in 2014 and their championship win in 2015. Escobar was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 American League Championship Series, where he hit .478 with six runs scored and five RBI.
Throughout his career, Escobar was known for his excellent defensive skills. He won the American League Gold Glove Award for shortstop in 2015 and was a finalist for the award in several other seasons. Escobar was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .258 and a career-high of .293 in 2012.
In addition to his success on the field, Escobar was known for his leadership and positive attitude. He was a popular teammate and a fan favorite in Kansas City. Escobar was also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Royals Charities and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Escobar played his final season in MLB in 2020, when he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. He announced his retirement from baseball in March 2021, ending a 17-year career in professional baseball.
Overall, Alcides Escobar was a talented and respected player in MLB. He was known for his excellent defensive skills, solid hitting, and positive attitude. Escobar's contributions to the Kansas City Royals' championship team in 2015 will be remembered as one of the highlights of his career.
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