Chris Woodward is a former Major League Baseball player who played for various teams during his career. He was born on June 27, 1976, in Covina, California, and attended Northview High School in Covina. After high school, he attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, where he played baseball for two years before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Woodward was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 54th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 1999 and played for the team until 2004. During his time with the Blue Jays, he played primarily as a utility infielder and was known for his versatility and defensive skills.
In 2005, Woodward signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. He played for the Mets for two seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2007. He played for the Braves for one season before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2008. He played for the Mariners for one season before being traded back to the Mets in 2009.
After the 2009 season, Woodward became a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox. He played for the Red Sox for one season before being released in 2011. He then signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played for the team for one season before retiring from baseball in 2012.
Throughout his career, Woodward was known for his defensive skills and versatility. He played multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, third base, and outfield. He was also known for his leadership and work ethic, and was often praised by his coaches and teammates for his professionalism and dedication to the game.
After retiring from baseball, Woodward became a coach. He served as a minor league coach for the Seattle Mariners from 2013 to 2015 before being hired as the third base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He served as the Dodgers' third base coach for three seasons before being hired as the manager of the Texas Rangers in 2019.
As a manager, Woodward has focused on developing young players and building a strong team culture. He has been praised by his players and coaches for his leadership and communication skills, and has been credited with helping to turn around the Rangers' struggling franchise.
Overall, Chris Woodward had a successful career as a Major League Baseball player and has continued to make an impact in the game as a coach and manager. He is known for his versatility, defensive skills, and leadership, and has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues throughout his career.
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