Jason LaRue was a professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on March 19, 1974, in Houston, Texas, and attended Dallas Baptist University, where he played college baseball.
LaRue was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round of the 1995 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1999 and played for them until 2006. During his time with the Reds, LaRue was known for his strong defensive skills and his ability to handle pitchers. He was also a fan favorite for his gritty style of play and his willingness to stand up for his teammates.
In 2007, LaRue signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent. He played for the Royals for two seasons before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009. LaRue played his final season with the Cardinals in 2010 before retiring from baseball.
Throughout his career, LaRue was a solid defensive catcher who was known for his ability to throw out baserunners. He was also a decent hitter, finishing his career with a .231 batting average, 96 home runs, and 369 runs batted in (RBIs).
One of the highlights of LaRue's career came in 2005 when he was selected to the National League All-Star team. He had a strong first half of the season, hitting .281 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. Although he did not play in the All-Star Game, it was a significant achievement for LaRue and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Another memorable moment in LaRue's career came in 2010 when he was involved in a brawl with the Cincinnati Reds. LaRue, who was playing for the Cardinals at the time, was punched in the face by Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto during the melee. The incident resulted in a seven-game suspension for Cueto and a concussion for LaRue, who was forced to retire from baseball due to the injury.
Overall, Jason LaRue had a solid career as a catcher in MLB. He was known for his strong defensive skills, his gritty style of play, and his ability to handle pitchers. Although he never won a championship or received any major awards, he was a respected player who was admired by his teammates and fans alike.
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