Ian Desmond is a former professional baseball player who played primarily as a shortstop and outfielder. He was born on September 20, 1985, in Sarasota, Florida, and attended Sarasota High School. After high school, Desmond was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the third round of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft.
Desmond spent several years in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut with the Washington Nationals in 2009. He quickly established himself as a solid defensive player and a reliable hitter, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team in 2012. Desmond continued to play for the Nationals until 2015, when he became a free agent.
In 2016, Desmond signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Colorado Rockies. He played primarily as a first baseman and outfielder for the Rockies, but also saw some time at shortstop. Desmond struggled in his first season with the Rockies, hitting just .285 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI. However, he bounced back in 2017, hitting .274 with 24 home runs and 73 RBI.
Desmond's production declined in 2018 and 2019, as he hit just .236 with 22 home runs and 88 RBI over those two seasons. He also struggled defensively, committing a career-high 20 errors in 2019. Despite his struggles, Desmond remained a respected veteran presence in the Rockies' clubhouse and was known for his work ethic and leadership.
In February 2021, Desmond announced that he would be opting out of the 2021 season due to concerns about COVID-19 and the toll that playing baseball had taken on his body and mind. He has not yet announced whether he plans to return to baseball in the future.
Overall, Ian Desmond had a solid career as a Major League baseball player, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as a reliable defensive player and hitter. While his production declined in his later years, he remained a respected veteran presence and leader in the clubhouse.
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