Joe Crede was a professional baseball player who played as a third baseman for the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins. He was born on April 26, 1978, in Jefferson City, Missouri, and grew up in Westphalia, Missouri. Crede was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the White Sox in the fifth round of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft.
Crede made his Major League debut with the White Sox in 2000 and quickly established himself as a solid defensive third baseman. He was known for his strong arm and quick reflexes, which made him a valuable asset to the team. Crede also had a knack for hitting clutch home runs, which helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series. He hit four home runs and drove in 10 runs during the postseason, including a game-winning home run in Game 2 of the World Series.
Crede played for the White Sox from 2000 to 2008, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive third basemen in the league. He won the American League Gold Glove Award in 2007, which is given to the best defensive player at each position. Crede was also a solid hitter, batting .252 with 140 home runs and 522 RBIs during his time with the White Sox.
In 2009, Crede signed with the Minnesota Twins as a free agent. He played in 90 games for the Twins that season, batting .225 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. However, he struggled with injuries throughout the season and was limited to just 333 plate appearances. Crede became a free agent after the season and decided to retire from baseball due to his ongoing health issues.
Overall, Joe Crede had a successful career as a Major League Baseball player. He was a key contributor to the White Sox's World Series championship in 2005 and was one of the best defensive third basemen of his era. Although his career was cut short by injuries, Crede will always be remembered as a talented player who gave his all on the field.
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