Curtis Granderson
The leadoff man for the 2006 American League champion Detroit Tigers, popular Curtis Granderson is a left-handed line-drive hitter who has delivered clutch hits and stellar defense in center field. He didn't commit his first error until his 150th major league game. In 2007, he became the third player in major league history to collect 20 doubles, triples, homers, and stolen bases in the same season.
Quotes About Granderson
"He is a unique, unique individual. One, he happens to be a pretty special baseball player. But also, everyone knows he's bright. He's very well educated. He's a family guy. His parents are both educators. But without question, everyone - whether it's media, former coaches, kids, my wife, my other players - everyone who meets him says the same exact thing." — his agent, Matt Brown, in 2006.
"He chases balls down. He cuts off the balls. He's got an accurate, strong arm. He does everything that you need to be a great center fielder." — teammate Craig Monroe, April of 2007
Played For
Detroit Tigers (2004-2005)
Best Season: 2006
Led the American League with 174 strikeouts -- third highest single-season strikeout total in club history, but topped all AL outfielders with a .997 fielding percentage, while he finished second with 389 total chances and 385 putouts.
Where He Played
Center field
Born
Curtis Granderson was born on March 16, 1981, in Blue Island, IL.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: CF
Primary Team: DET
College: Ill-Chicago
Major League Debut
September 13, 2004
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 2004
Joe Mauer
Terrmel Sledge
Kaz Matsui
Chris Shelton
Chad Tracy
Daniel Cabrera
Zack Greinke
Grady Sizemore
Scott Kazmir
Nicknames
Grandy
Family Tree
Both of Granderson's parents are educators, and Curtis is extremely articulate and intelligent. During the 2006 off-season, he represented Major League Baseball in Europe during a promotional tour.
Related Players
His best friend on the Tigers is left fielder Craig Monroe.
Post-Season Notes
Granderson hit two homers against the Yankees in the 2006 ALDS, and added another in the ALCS against the A's.
Feats
On September 23, 2006, Granderson homered and tripled in the first inning against the Royals in Kansas City. He became just the fifth player to do that in the last 20 years.
Notes
Granderson was recommended and scouted for the Tigers by Jerome Cochran.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Granderson broke a finger on his right hand in spring training in 2008, and started the season on the 15-day disabled list. He returned three weeks into the season.
Home Run Facts
Granderson hit seven leadoff homers in 2007, a record for the Detroit Tigers.
Replaced
Nook Logan
Best Strength as a Player
Defense in center field.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting left-handers. In his first full season (2006), he batted .218 against southpaws. Granderson also needs to make better contact if he's going to remain a leadoff man, he fanned 174 times in '06.
Learn More about Curtis Granderson
Search Amazon.com for Books about Curtis Granderson ⇒
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
Sources used for the Curtis Granderson Player Page:
"Granderson represents MLB in Europe," Nov. 15, 2006, Jason Beck, MLB.com
