Mark Grudzielanek is a former Major League Baseball player who played primarily as a second baseman. He had a successful career that spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams including the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Grudzielanek was born on June 30, 1970, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended J.I. Case High School in Racine, Wisconsin, where he played baseball and basketball. After high school, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 11th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.
Grudzielanek made his Major League debut with the Expos in 1995 and quickly established himself as a solid defensive player. He won a Gold Glove award in 1997 for his outstanding defensive play at second base. He also had a good offensive season that year, hitting .306 with 8 home runs and 53 RBIs.
In 1998, Grudzielanek was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be a reliable defensive player and had a career-high batting average of .326 in 1999. He also hit 16 home runs and drove in 69 runs that season.
After his time with the Dodgers, Grudzielanek signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent in 2003. He played two seasons with the Cubs before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005. He played a key role in the Cardinals' World Series championship that year, hitting .364 in the World Series and making several key defensive plays.
Grudzielanek played his final season in the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2010. He retired with a career batting average of .289, 90 home runs, and 640 RBIs. He was also known for his excellent defensive play, winning two Gold Glove awards during his career.
In addition to his success on the field, Grudzielanek was also known for his work off the field. He was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Mark Grudzielanek Charitable Fund, which supports children's charities in the Milwaukee area.
Overall, Mark Grudzielanek had a successful career in Major League Baseball, earning a reputation as a reliable defensive player and a solid hitter. He was a key contributor to several teams during his career and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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