J.J. Hardy is a former American professional baseball player who played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. Hardy was born on August 19, 1982, in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in California. He attended Sabino High School in Tucson, where he played baseball and basketball.
Hardy was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2001 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2005 and played with the team until 2009. During his time with the Brewers, Hardy established himself as a solid defensive shortstop and a consistent hitter. In 2007, he was named an All-Star and won a Gold Glove award for his defensive prowess.
In 2010, Hardy was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he played for one season before being traded again to the Baltimore Orioles. It was with the Orioles that Hardy had the most success of his career. He played with the team from 2011 to 2017 and was a key member of the team's resurgence during that time.
Hardy was known for his excellent defense at shortstop, as well as his ability to hit for power. He hit 30 or more home runs in a season twice in his career, and he was a two-time All-Star. In addition to his defensive and offensive skills, Hardy was also a respected leader in the clubhouse and was known for his work ethic and professionalism.
Injuries began to take a toll on Hardy in the later years of his career, and he announced his retirement from baseball in 2018. He finished his career with a .259 batting average, 188 home runs, and 1,045 RBIs.
Overall, J.J. Hardy had a successful career in MLB, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops of his era. He was a key contributor to several successful teams and was respected by his peers for his work ethic and leadership.
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