John Jaso is a former American professional baseball player who played as a catcher and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on September 19, 1983, in Chula Vista, California, and attended McKinleyville High School in McKinleyville, California.
Jaso began his professional baseball career in 2003 when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 12th round of the MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Devil Rays in 2008. Jaso played for the Devil Rays (later renamed the Tampa Bay Rays), the Seattle Mariners, the Oakland Athletics, and the Pittsburgh Pirates during his career.
Jaso was known for his versatility as a player, as he could play both catcher and outfield positions. He was also known for his ability to get on base, as he had a career on-base percentage of .359. Jaso was a solid defensive player as well, with a career fielding percentage of .994.
One of Jaso's most memorable moments came in 2011 when he hit a walk-off home run for the Rays in the 10th inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox. The home run helped the Rays clinch a playoff spot that year.
Jaso's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered several concussions throughout his career, which ultimately led to his retirement in 2017. Jaso cited concerns about his long-term health as the reason for his retirement.
Despite his relatively short career, Jaso was a respected player in the league and was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He was also known for his charitable work off the field, including his support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In conclusion, John Jaso was a versatile and talented player who had a solid career in Major League Baseball. While his career was cut short due to health concerns, he will be remembered as a respected player and a positive influence on the game.
⚾