Eli Marrero is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for 10 seasons. He was primarily a catcher, but also played outfield and infield positions throughout his career. Marrero was known for his versatility and athleticism on the field.
Marrero was born on November 17, 1973 in Havana, Cuba. He moved to the United States with his family when he was a child and grew up in Florida. He attended Coral Gables High School, where he played baseball and football. Marrero was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 1993 MLB draft.
Marrero made his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 1997. He played for the Cardinals for six seasons, from 1997 to 2002. During his time with the Cardinals, Marrero was primarily a backup catcher and outfielder. He had his best season in 2001, when he hit .284 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 105 games.
In 2003, Marrero was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He played for the Braves for one season, appearing in 71 games as a backup catcher and outfielder. Marrero then signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent in 2004. He played for the Royals for two seasons, from 2004 to 2005. Marrero was primarily a backup catcher and outfielder for the Royals, but also played some infield positions.
Marrero played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2006, his final season in the Major Leagues. He appeared in 32 games for the Orioles, primarily as a backup catcher and outfielder.
Overall, Marrero played in 709 games in the Major Leagues. He had a career batting average of .224, with 46 home runs and 171 RBI. Marrero was known for his defensive skills, particularly his ability to play multiple positions.
After retiring from baseball, Marrero became a coach and instructor. He has worked with several Major League teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, and Atlanta Braves. Marrero has also worked as a broadcaster, providing analysis for Cardinals games on Fox Sports Midwest.
In addition to his baseball career, Marrero is also known for his charitable work. He has been involved with several organizations that support children and families in need, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Marrero has also been involved with the Cuban American National Foundation, which advocates for human rights and democracy in Cuba.
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