Eric Chavez is a former American professional baseball player who played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons. He was born on December 7, 1977, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in San Diego. Chavez was a standout high school baseball player and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1996 MLB draft.
Chavez made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 1998 and quickly established himself as one of the best third basemen in the league. He won six Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding defensive play and was also a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2002. Chavez was known for his smooth fielding, strong arm, and quick reflexes, which made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to his team.
Throughout his career, Chavez played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He was a three-time All-Star and helped lead the Athletics to four playoff appearances. Chavez was also a member of the United States national baseball team, winning a gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games.
Despite his success on the field, Chavez struggled with injuries throughout his career. He underwent multiple surgeries on his back, shoulder, and neck, which limited his playing time and affected his performance. In 2014, Chavez announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 36.
Since retiring, Chavez has remained involved in baseball as a coach and analyst. He served as a special assistant to the general manager for the New York Yankees and was a studio analyst for ESPN. In 2018, Chavez was named the bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels, where he currently works alongside manager Joe Maddon.
Overall, Eric Chavez had a successful career as a third baseman in MLB, earning numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding play. Despite his injury struggles, he remained a valuable player and a respected member of the baseball community. Today, he continues to contribute to the sport as a coach and analyst, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players.
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