Mike Napoli is a former professional baseball player who played as a first baseman and catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career in 2006 with the Los Angeles Angels and played for several teams throughout his career, including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians.
Napoli was known for his power hitting and ability to hit home runs. He hit a career-high 34 home runs in 2011 while playing for the Texas Rangers. He was also a key player in the Rangers' run to the World Series that year, hitting two home runs in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.
In addition to his power hitting, Napoli was also a solid defensive player. He played primarily as a catcher early in his career before transitioning to first base later on. He was known for his strong arm and ability to throw out runners attempting to steal bases.
Throughout his career, Napoli battled injuries, including a degenerative hip condition that required surgery in 2015. Despite these setbacks, he continued to play at a high level and was a valuable contributor to his teams.
Off the field, Napoli was known for his charitable work. He established the Mike Napoli Foundation, which supports various causes, including cancer research and programs for children with special needs.
Napoli announced his retirement from baseball in December 2018. He finished his career with a .246 batting average, 267 home runs, and 744 runs batted in. He also played in three World Series, winning a championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
Overall, Mike Napoli was a talented and respected player during his time in the MLB. He was known for his power hitting, solid defense, and charitable work off the field.
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