Placido Polanco is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 seasons. He was born on October 10, 1975, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Polanco started his professional career in 1994 when he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent. He spent four seasons in the Cardinals' minor league system before making his MLB debut in 1998.
Polanco played for several teams during his career, including the Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Miami Marlins. He was primarily a second baseman but also played third base and shortstop. Polanco was known for his excellent defensive skills, winning three Gold Glove Awards during his career.
Polanco's best season came in 2007 when he played for the Detroit Tigers. He batted .341 with 9 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 105 runs scored. He also won his first and only Silver Slugger Award that year. Polanco helped lead the Tigers to the World Series that season, but they lost to the Boston Red Sox in five games.
Polanco was a consistent hitter throughout his career, batting over .300 in six different seasons. He finished his career with a .297 batting average, 2,142 hits, 104 home runs, and 723 RBIs. He also had a career on-base percentage of .343 and a slugging percentage of .399.
In addition to his defensive skills, Polanco was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a respected veteran in the clubhouse and was often praised by his teammates and coaches for his professionalism and dedication to the game.
Polanco retired from baseball in 2013 after playing in just 90 games for the Miami Marlins that season. He cited injuries and a desire to spend more time with his family as the reasons for his retirement. Polanco currently resides in Miami with his wife and children.
Overall, Polanco had a successful career in the MLB, earning two All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and one Silver Slugger Award. He was a reliable and consistent player who was respected by his peers and fans alike.
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