Ryan Klesko was a professional baseball player who played for 16 seasons in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on June 12, 1971, in Westminster, California, and grew up in Georgia. Klesko was a left-handed first baseman and outfielder who played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
Klesko was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the 1989 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 1992 and played for the Braves until 1999. During his time with the Braves, Klesko was a key player in the team's success, helping them win the National League pennant in 1995 and 1999. He was also named to the All-Star team in 2001.
In 2000, Klesko was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he played for six seasons. He continued to be a productive player, hitting 20 or more home runs in five of his six seasons with the Padres. In 2001, he hit a career-high 30 home runs and drove in 113 runs, earning him a second All-Star selection.
Klesko's final season in the MLB was in 2007, when he played for the San Francisco Giants. He retired with a career batting average of .279, 278 home runs, and 987 runs batted in (RBIs). He was known for his power hitting and ability to drive in runs, as well as his versatility in playing both first base and the outfield.
Off the field, Klesko was known for his philanthropic work. He established the Klesko Family Foundation, which supports various charities and organizations in the San Diego area. He also participated in numerous community events and was known for his friendly and approachable personality.
In conclusion, Ryan Klesko was a successful and productive player during his 16-year career in the MLB. He was a key player for the Atlanta Braves and helped lead them to two National League pennants. He continued to be a productive player with the San Diego Padres and was known for his power hitting and ability to drive in runs. Klesko retired with impressive career statistics and was also known for his philanthropic work off the field.
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