Danny Graves was a professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for various teams in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on August 7, 1973, in Saigon, Vietnam, and grew up in the United States. Graves began his baseball career in the minor leagues in 1994, playing for the Gulf Coast Reds, Charleston Wheelers, and Winston-Salem Spirits.
Graves made his MLB debut on April 28, 1996, for the Cincinnati Reds, where he played for the majority of his career. He quickly established himself as a reliable relief pitcher, earning his first save on May 11, 1997, against the San Francisco Giants. Graves continued to improve his performance, becoming the Reds' closer in 1999 and earning 27 saves that season.
In 2000, Graves had a breakout year, recording 33 saves and earning his first All-Star selection. He continued to perform well in the following years, earning another All-Star selection in 2004. Graves was known for his durability and consistency, appearing in over 70 games in six different seasons.
After spending nine seasons with the Reds, Graves was traded to the New York Mets in 2005. He struggled with the Mets, posting a 5.75 ERA in 49 games. Graves was released by the Mets in August 2005 and signed with the Cleveland Indians for the remainder of the season.
Graves signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2006 but was released after just six appearances. He then signed with the Cleveland Indians for a second time but was released again after just one appearance. Graves retired from baseball in 2006 with a career record of 43-44, 182 saves, and a 4.03 ERA.
Despite his solid career, Graves was involved in a controversial incident in 2004 when he was caught on camera making an obscene gesture towards fans during a game. He later apologized for his actions and was fined by the league.
In addition to his baseball career, Graves was also known for his charitable work. He established the Danny Graves Foundation in 2000, which aimed to provide educational and athletic opportunities for underprivileged children.
Overall, Danny Graves had a successful career as a relief pitcher in the MLB, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as a reliable closer. Despite his controversial incident, Graves was respected by his teammates and fans for his consistency and durability on the field.
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