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'''Keiunta Denard Span''' (born February 27, 1984) is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[center fielder]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Minnesota Twins]], [[Washington Nationals]], [[San Francisco Giants]], [[Tampa Bay Rays]] and [[Seattle Mariners]].
'''Keiunta Denard Span''' (born February 27, 1984) is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[center fielder]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Minnesota Twins]], [[Washington Nationals]], [[San Francisco Giants]], [[Tampa Bay Rays]] and [[Seattle Mariners]].


Span batted and threw left-handed and at the height of his career was known as one of the premier leadoff hitters in baseball due to his exceptional [[on-base percentage]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Neyer |first=Rob |url=http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/2685/how-denard-span-became-denard-span |title=How Denard Span became Denard Span – SweetSpot Blog – ESPN |date=March 10, 2010 |publisher=Espn.go.com |access-date=November 29, 2012}}</ref>
Span batted and threw left-handed and at the height of his career was known as one of the premier leadoff hitters in baseball due to his exceptional [[on-base percentage]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Neyer |first=Rob |date=March 10, 2010 |title=How Denard Span became Denard Span |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/2685/how-denard-span-became-denard-span |access-date=November 29, 2012 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Span was raised by his single mother, Wanda Wilson, in [[Tampa]]. Wilson, a [[Federal City College]] graduate, supported Span and his brother, Ray, by working variously as a [[claims adjuster]] and [[day care]] operator. Their father had very little presence in their lives.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Comack|first1=Amanda|title=Raised by a single mom, Denard Span pays tribute by helping others|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/mar/19/raised-single-mom-denard-span-pays-tribute-helping/|access-date=24 January 2018|work=[[The Washington Times]]|date=March 19, 2013}}</ref>
Span was raised by his single mother, Wanda Wilson, in [[Tampa]]. Wilson, a [[Federal City College]] graduate, supported Span and his brother, Ray, by working variously as a [[claims adjuster]] and [[day care]] operator. Their father had very little presence in their lives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Comack |first1=Amanda |date=March 19, 2013 |title=Raised by a single mom, Denard Span pays tribute by helping others |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/mar/19/raised-single-mom-denard-span-pays-tribute-helping/ |access-date=January 24, 2018 |work=[[The Washington Times]]}}</ref>


As a teenager, he attended [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] games at [[Tropicana Field]].<ref name="mooney">{{cite news|last1=Mooney|first1=Roger|title=Denard Span excited to play for hometown Rays — if they keep him|url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/Denard-Span-excited-to-play-for-hometown-Rays-if-they-keep-him_163861958|access-date=23 January 2018|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=22 December 2017}}</ref> He attended [[Tampa Catholic High School]] where he played [[American football|football]] and baseball. Span won a state baseball championship with Tampa Catholic as a junior in 2001. As a senior, he [[batting average (baseball)|hit]] .490.<ref name="tchof">{{cite web|title=Tampa Catholic High School :: Denard Span|url=https://www.tampacatholic.org/athletics/inductees/denard-span/|website=www.tampacatholic.org|publisher=[[Tampa Catholic High School]]|access-date=23 January 2018|language=en}}</ref> He committed to play [[college baseball]] at [[Florida Gators baseball|Florida]]. According to ''[[Baseball America]]'', he could have played [[college football]] as a wide receiver if he had not focused on baseball.<ref>{{cite news|title=Baseball America Online - 2002 Draft Preview|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/dspan.html|access-date=23 January 2018|work=[[Baseball America]]}}</ref>
As a teenager, he attended [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] games at [[Tropicana Field]].<ref name="mooney">{{cite news |last1=Mooney |first1=Roger |date=22 December 2017 |title=Denard Span excited to play for hometown Rays — if they keep him |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/Denard-Span-excited-to-play-for-hometown-Rays-if-they-keep-him_163861958/ |access-date=January 23, 2018 |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> He attended [[Tampa Catholic High School]] where he played [[American football|football]] and baseball. Span won a state baseball championship with Tampa Catholic as a junior in 2001. As a senior, he [[batting average (baseball)|hit]] .490 with 17 doubles, three triples, 20 RBI, 24 stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 28 games.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |date=June 4, 2002 |title=Twins make Span top pick |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/08/02/span-twins-turn-attention-to-2003/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321022337/http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020604&content_id=41864&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=March 21, 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref><ref name="tchof">{{cite web |title=Tampa Catholic High School :: Denard Span |url=https://www.tampacatholic.org/athletics/inductees/denard-span/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623082153/https://www.tampacatholic.org/athletics/inductees/denard-span/ |archive-date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2018 |website=[[Tampa Catholic High School]] |language=en}}</ref> He committed to play [[college baseball]] at [[Florida Gators baseball|Florida]]. According to ''[[Baseball America]]'', he could have played [[college football]] as a wide receiver if he had not focused on baseball.<ref>{{cite news|title=Baseball America Online - 2002 Draft Preview|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/dspan.html|access-date=23 January 2018|work=[[Baseball America]]|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195621/https://www.baseballamerica.com/online/draft/dspan.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
Span was selected by the Twins with the 20th overall pick [[2002 Major League Baseball draft]] from Tampa Catholic. Span turned down just over $2 million from the [[Colorado Rockies]] in a predraft deal (who instead drafted [[Jeff Francis]] with the eighth pick) and his fall to the 20th pick cost him around $800,000.<ref name=Law>[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2007/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=2892330 Talent emerging from 2002 draft", by Keith Law from Scouts, Inc. accessed on ESPN.com], accessed June 4, 2007</ref> Following his selection, Span signed with the Twins on August 15, 2002 which caused him to miss all of the 2002 minor league season.<ref name="baseball-reference.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/spande01.shtml |title=Denard Span Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 29, 2012}}</ref>
Span was selected by the [[Minnesota Twins]] in the first round (20th overall) of the [[2002 Major League Baseball draft]] from Tampa Catholic.<ref name=":0" /> Span turned down just over $2 million from the [[Colorado Rockies]] in a predraft deal (who instead drafted [[Jeff Francis]] with the eighth pick) and his fall to the 20th pick cost him around $800,000.<ref name="Law">{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Keith |date=June 3, 2007 |title=Law: Flashback to the 2002 draft |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/draft2007/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=2892330 |access-date=June 4, 2007 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> Following his selection, Span signed with the Twins on August 15, 2002, receiving a $1.7 million signing bonus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nipps |first=Emily |date=August 16, 2002 |title=Tampa's Span, Twins reach deal |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/08/16/tampa-s-span-twins-reach-deal/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |language=en}}</ref>


He started his minor league career in 2003 at [[Elizabethton Twins|Elizabethton]], the Twins rookie-league affiliate.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> In 2004, Span was promoted first to the [[Gulf Coast League Twins]] in Fort Myers, Florida and, after only appearing in 5 games,<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> for the [[Quad Cities River Bandits|Quad Cities]] of the Low Single A [[Midwest League]]. In 2005, he was promoted to [[Fort Myers Miracle]], the Twins Advanced A affiliate, and then to the [[New Britain Rock Cats]], the Twins Double-A affiliate.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> In 2006, Span returned to the Rock Cats, but was promoted Triple-A [[Rochester Red Wings]] in 2007.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/>
Span started his minor league career in 2003 with the [[Elizabethton Twins]], the Twins' rookie-league affiliate. In 50 games, he batted .271 with a home run, 18 RBI and 14 stolen bases.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Denard Span Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=span--001kei |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref> In 2004, Span was promoted first to the [[Gulf Coast League Twins]] in Fort Myers, Florida and, after only appearing in five games,<ref name="baseball-reference.com">{{cite web |title=Denard Span Statistics and History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/spande01.shtml |access-date=November 29, 2012 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref> for the [[Quad Cities River Bandits]] of the Low-A [[Midwest League]]. Overall, in 2004, he hit a combined .273 with 15 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 69 games.<ref name=":1" /> In 2005, he was promoted to the [[Fort Myers Miracle]], the Twins Advanced-A affiliate, and then to the [[New Britain Rock Cats]], the Twins Double-A affiliate. Span batted .307 with a home run, 45 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 117 combined games in 2005. In 2006, Span returned to the Rock Cats and spent the entire season with the team, batting .285 with two home runs and 45 RBI in 134 games.<ref name=":1" /> He was later promoted to the Triple-A [[Rochester Red Wings]] for the 2007 season, and hit .267 with three home runs, 55 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 139 games.<ref name=":1" />


===Minnesota Twins===
===Minnesota Twins===
[[File:DenardSpan2.jpg|220px|thumb|Span batting for the [[2008 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins in 2008]]]]
[[File:DenardSpan2.jpg|220px|thumb|Span batting for the [[2008 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins in 2008]]]]
Throughout the 2008 [[spring training]], Span was competing with [[Carlos Gómez]] to be the Twins' starting [[center fielder]], but ultimately lost out to Gomez and was outrighted to AAA. However, on April 6, [[Michael Cuddyer]] was placed on the 15-day [[disabled list]] and Span was called up to make his Major League debut against the [[Kansas City Royals]]. Span failed to impress the Twins (hitting .258/.324/.258) and was sent back down to AAA.<ref name="minorleagueball.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/11/30/3710812/prospect-retrospective-denard-span-twins-nationals-trade|title=Prospect Retrospective and Career Profile: Denard Span|last=Sickels|first=John|date=November 30, 2012|website=MinorLeagueBall.com|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> However, he got hot over the next 40 games in AAA (.340/.434/.481) and was recalled to the Twins where he spent the rest of 2008 season. Span's 2008 season totals were .294/.387/.432 with 6 home runs, 47 RBI, and 7 triples in 93 games.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> Span was chosen to play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics but because he had been promoted, he was forced to skip the Olympics.
Throughout the 2008 [[spring training]], Span was competing with [[Carlos Gómez]] to be the Twins' starting [[center fielder]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=March 11, 2008 |title=Gomez, Span battling for starting role |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080311&content_id=2418786&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327094235/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080311&content_id=2418786&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> but ultimately lost out to Gómez and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Phil |date=March 24, 2008 |title=For his speed and potential, Minnesota Twins award Carlos Gomez starting center field, leadoff jobs |url=https://www.twincities.com/2008/03/24/for-his-speed-and-potential-minnesota-twins-award-carlos-gomez-starting-center-field-leadoff-jobs/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> However, on April 5, [[Michael Cuddyer]] was placed on the 15-day [[disabled list]] and Span was called up to make his Major League debut against the [[Kansas City Royals]] the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=April 5, 2008 |title=Cuddyer dislocates right index finger |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080404&content_id=2492194&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407201423/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080404&content_id=2492194&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=April 7, 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Span failed to impress the Twins (hitting .258/.324/.258) and was sent back down to Rochester.<ref name="minorleagueball.com">{{cite web |last=Sickels |first=John |date=November 30, 2012 |title=Prospect Retrospective and Career Profile: Denard Span |url=http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/11/30/3710812/prospect-retrospective-denard-span-twins-nationals-trade |access-date=February 18, 2014 |website=Minor League Ball |publisher=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref> However, he got hot over the next 40 games in AAA (.340/.434/.481) and was recalled to the Twins, where he spent the rest of 2008 season.<ref name="minorleagueball.com" /> Span's 2008 season totals were .294/.387/.432 with six home runs, 47 RBI, and seven triples in 93 games.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> Span was chosen to play in the [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Beijing Olympics]] but because he had been promoted, he was forced to skip the Olympics.


In 2009, Span got the nod to start as a [[left fielder]]. He also played center field and [[right field]] throughout the season. His 2009 stats showed some improvement from 2008, hitting .311/.392/.415 with 8 home runs, 68 RBI, and 10 triples in 145 games.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> He also stole bases 23 times while getting caught 10 times.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> Span earned the odd distinction of becoming the player to hit both the first regular and post season hits at [[Yankee Stadium]] in 2009.
In 2009, Span got the nod to start as a [[left fielder]]. He also played center field and [[right field]] throughout the season. His 2009 stats showed some improvement from 2008, hitting .311/.392/.415 with eight home runs, 68 RBI, and 10 triples in 145 games.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> He also stole bases 23 times while getting caught 10 times.<ref name="baseball-reference.com"/> Span earned the odd distinction of becoming the player to hit both the first regular and post season hits at [[Yankee Stadium]] in 2009.


On March 13, 2010, Span made public a five-year deal worth $16.5 million with the [[Minnesota Twins]] that included an option for the 2015 season worth $9 million with a $500,000 buyout.<ref name=Thesier>[http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100313&content_id=8778192&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min Twins reward Span with five-year contract", by Kelly Thesier from MLB.com. accessed on MLB.com], accessed March 13, 2010</ref> This contract effectively bought out all of Span's arbitration years but did not go beyond his available free agency. On March 31, he unintentionally hit his mother, who was sitting in the stands, with a foul ball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100331&content_id=9026878&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |title=Span hits mom with foul ball &#124; twinsbaseball.com: News |website=Minnesota Twins|publisher=MLB|access-date=November 29, 2012}}</ref> On April 2, Span collected the first hit (a triple) and the first home run in the Twins' new ballpark [[Target Field]] in an exhibition game against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]].
On March 13, 2010, Span signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract extension with the Twins that included an option for the 2015 season worth $9 million with a $500,000 buyout.<ref name="Thesier">{{Cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=March 13, 2010 |title=Twins reward Span with five-year contract |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100313&content_id=8778192&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316125332/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100313&content_id=8778192&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=March 16, 2010 |access-date=March 13, 2010 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> This contract effectively bought out all of Span's arbitration years but did not go beyond his available free agency. On March 31, he unintentionally hit his mother, who was sitting in the stands, with a foul ball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoch |first=Bryan |last2=DiComo |first2=Anthony |date=March 31, 2010 |title=Span hits mom with foul ball |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100331&content_id=9026878&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406184653/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100331&content_id=9026878&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On April 2, Span collected the first hit (a triple) and the first home run in the Twins' new ballpark [[Target Field]] in an exhibition game against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cardinals 8-4 Twins (Apr 2, 2010) Play-by-Play |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay/_/gameId/300402109 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref>


On June 29, Span tied the modern-day Major League Baseball record by hitting three [[Triple (baseball)|triples]] in one game against the [[2010 Detroit Tigers season|Detroit Tigers]] in an 11-4 victory. He became the 29th player since 1900 to accomplish this feat, the second Minnesota Twin (after [[Ken Landreaux]] in 1980), and the first player since [[Rafael Furcal]] performed the feat on April 21, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last=Maggio|first=Anthony|url=http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/29/10/Triple-threat-Spans-big-night-helps-Twin/landing.html?blockID=263275&feedID=3697|date=June 29, 2010|title=Triple threat: Span's big night helps Twins coast|access-date=June 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=ESPN.com|author-link=ESPN.com|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300629109|date=June 29, 2010|title=Span's outburst helps starter Blackburn get first win since May|access-date=June 30, 2010}}</ref> His night also included a single and five [[run batted in|runs batted in]].
On June 29, Span tied the modern-day Major League Baseball record by hitting three [[Triple (baseball)|triples]] in one game against the [[2010 Detroit Tigers season|Detroit Tigers]] in an 11–4 victory. He became the 29th player since 1900 to accomplish this feat, the second Minnesota Twin (after [[Ken Landreaux]] in 1980), and the first player since [[Rafael Furcal]] performed the feat on April 21, 2002.<ref>{{cite web |last=Maggio |first=Anthony |date=June 29, 2010 |title=Triple threat: Span's big night helps Twins coast |url=http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/29/10/Triple-threat-Spans-big-night-helps-Twin/landing.html?blockID=263275&feedID=3697 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731030916/http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/29/10/Triple-threat-Spans-big-night-helps-Twin/landing.html?blockID=263275&feedID=3697 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |website=[[Bally Sports North|Fox Sports North]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |author-link= |date=June 29, 2010 |title=Span's outburst helps starter Blackburn get first win since May |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300629109 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701213102/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300629109 |archive-date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> His night also included a single and five [[run batted in|runs batted in]].


Overall, Span hit .284/.357/.389 in his Minnesota career, with 254 walks and 321 strikeouts in 2354 at-bats and stole 90 bases in 118 attempts. Adding his strong defense gives him an overall [[wins above replacement]] of 15.9. He also became the first ever player on the 7-Day Disabled List in 2012.<ref name="minorleagueball.com"/>
Overall, Span hit .284/.357/.389 in his Minnesota career, with 254 walks and 321 strikeouts in 2,354 at-bats and stole 90 bases in 118 attempts.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" /> Adding his strong defense gives him an overall [[wins above replacement]] of 15.9. He also became the first ever player on the 7-day disabled list in 2012.<ref name="minorleagueball.com"/>


===Washington Nationals===
===Washington Nationals===
[[File:Denard Span on May 29, 2013.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Span during his tenure with the [[2013 Washington Nationals season|Washington Nationals in 2013]]]]
[[File:Denard Span on May 29, 2013.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Span during his tenure with the [[2013 Washington Nationals season|Washington Nationals in 2013]]]]
After being tied with the Nationals in trade rumors as far back as 2011, the Twins finally traded Span to the team on November 29, 2012 for Washington's 2011 first round pick (23rd overall), starting pitcher [[Alex Meyer (baseball)|Alex Meyer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121129&content_id=40463290&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins for Minor Leaguer Alex Meyer &#124; MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012}}</ref> After the trade, Span became the team's starting center fielder, moving [[MLB Rookie of the Year Award|2012 NL Rookie of the Year]] [[Bryce Harper]] to left field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8691791/minnesota-twins-send-denard-span-washington-nationals-minor-league-pitcher|title=Twins trade Denard Span to Nats|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 29, 2012|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> During the 2013 season, Span set a personal and league high with a 29-game hit streak (besting the previous 2013 season high of 27 games set by former Twins teammate [[Michael Cuddyer]]). The streak ended on September 19 following an 0-4 performance against the [[Miami Marlins]]. During the streak, Span raised his season average from .258 to .281 (46 for 128) while hitting two home runs, recording 9 RBI, and scoring 21 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/29087/denard-span|title=Denard Span Game-by-Game Stats and Performance|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> For the season he batted .279/.327/.380 and led the majors with 11 triples. On September 5, 2014, he earned his 1,000 career hit against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=508037454620680193|user=Nationals|title=WATCH: That's career hit No. 1,000 for Denard Span! Congrats, Denard!<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> He finished the 2014 season hitting .302/.355/.416 and led the National League with 184 hits, which also set the Nationals club record for hits in a single season.
After being tied with the Nationals in trade rumors as far back as 2011, the Twins finally traded Span to the team on November 29, 2012 for Washington's 2011 first round pick (23rd overall), starting pitcher [[Alex Meyer (baseball)|Alex Meyer]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=November 19, 2012 |title=Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins for Minor Leaguer Alex Meyer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121129&content_id=40463290&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201145727/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121129&content_id=40463290&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> After the trade, Span became the team's starting center fielder, moving [[MLB Rookie of the Year Award|2012 NL Rookie of the Year]] [[Bryce Harper]] to left field.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 29, 2012 |title=Twins trade Denard Span to Nats |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8691791/minnesota-twins-send-denard-span-washington-nationals-minor-league-pitcher |access-date=February 18, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> During the 2013 season, Span set a personal and league high with a 29-game hit streak (besting the previous 2013 season high of 27 games set by former Twins teammate [[Michael Cuddyer]]). The streak ended on September 19 following an 0-for-4 performance against the [[Miami Marlins]]. During the streak, Span raised his season average from .258 to .281 (46-for-128) while hitting two home runs, recording 9 RBI, and scoring 21 runs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Denard Span Game-by-Game Stats and Performance |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/29087/year/2013/category/batting |access-date=February 18, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> For the season, he batted .279/.327/.380 with four home runs and 47 RBI in 153 games, and he led the majors with 11 triples.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" /> On September 5, 2014, he earned his 1,000th career hit against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] at [[Nationals Park]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=508037454620680193|user=Nationals|title=WATCH: That's career hit No. 1,000 for Denard Span! Congrats, Denard!<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> Span finished the 2014 season hitting .302/.355/.416 with five home runs, 37 RBI and a career-high 31 stolen bases in 147 games.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" /> He also led the National League with 184 hits, which also set the Nationals club record for hits in a single season.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagner |first=James |date=March 10, 2016 |title=Denard Span on his time with Nationals: ‘That was the right place for me at the right time’ |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/03/10/denard-span-on-his-time-with-nationals-a-lot-better-than-id-hoped/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref>


On December 3, 2014, Span underwent a sports hernia surgery. He claimed that he suffered this injury toward the end of the 2014 season but didn't miss any games.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} Recovery time required 6 weeks, giving him enough time to be ready for 2015 spring training. During March 2015, Span underwent core muscle surgery. He began the 2015 season on the 15-day disabled list and made his season debut on April 19, 2015.
On December 3, 2014, Span underwent a sports hernia surgery. He claimed that he suffered this injury toward the end of the 2014 season but didn't miss any games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wile |first=Brandon |date=December 3, 2014 |title=Nationals' Span undergoes successful sports hernia surgery |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/647883 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Score Media and Gaming|theScore]] |language=en}}</ref> Recovery time required six weeks, giving him enough time to be ready for 2015 spring training. During March 2015, Span underwent core muscle surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=R.J. |date=March 9, 2015 |title=Nationals' Denard Span undergoes surgery on core muscle |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/nationals-denard-span-undergoes-surgery-on-core-muscle/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[CBS Sports]] |language=en}}</ref> He began the 2015 season on the 15-day disabled list and made his season debut on April 19, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2015 |title=Nationals' Span returns from DL, bats leadoff vs. Phillies |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/04/19/nationals-span-returns-from-dl/24842407007/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[Erie Times-News]] |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Span was limited to just 61 games in 2015, posting a slash line of .301/.365/.431 with five home runs and 22 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" />


===San Francisco Giants===
===San Francisco Giants===
On January 7, 2016, Span signed a three-year, $31 million, contract with the [[San Francisco Giants]] that included a mutual option for 2019 and $5 million in performance bonuses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Denard-Span-joining-Giants-outfield-6744032.php|title=Denard Span joining Giants' outfield|first=John|last=Shea|work=SF Gate|date=January 8, 2016|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> On June 13 at [[AT&T Park]], Span became the first [[San Francisco Giants|San Francisco Giant]] to hit a leadoff splash hit home run in the first inning into [[McCovey Cove]] and joined the [[San Diego Padres]]' [[Brian Giles]] ({{mlby|2008}}) as the only two players in the history of the ballpark to accomplish the feat. He batted .268/.330/.402 for San Francisco (2016, 2017 seasons).<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=span--001kei Denard Span Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On January 7, 2016, Span signed a three-year, $31 million contract with the [[San Francisco Giants]] that included a mutual option for 2019 and $5 million in performance bonuses.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shea |first=John |date=January 8, 2016 |title=Denard Span joining Giants' outfield |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Denard-Span-joining-Giants-outfield-6744032.php |access-date=January 8, 2016 |work=[[SFGate]]}}</ref> On June 13 at [[AT&T Park]], Span became the first Giant to hit a leadoff splash hit home run in the first inning into [[McCovey Cove]] and joined the [[San Diego Padres]]' [[Brian Giles]] ({{mlby|2008}}) as the only two players in the history of the ballpark to accomplish the feat.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2016 |title=Crawford has 3 RBIs to lead Giants in 11-5 win over Brewers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360613126 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He batted .268/.330/.402 in his two seasons for San Francisco.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" />


===Tampa Bay Rays===
===Tampa Bay Rays===
On December 20, 2017, the Giants traded Span, [[Christian Arroyo]], [[Matt Krook]], and [[Stephen Woods (baseball)|Stephen Woods]] to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] for [[Evan Longoria]] and cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/giants-acquire-evan-longoria-from-rays/c-263811454|title=Giants acquire Longoria from Rays|work=MLB.com|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> On March 29, 2018, Span hit a three-run triple on [[2018 Major League Baseball season|Opening Day 2018]] against [[Carson Smith (baseball)|Carson Smith]] of the [[Boston Red Sox]] to give the Rays a 5-4 lead. He became the third player to triple in his Rays debut.<ref>[https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/979783442429771776/video/1 Tampa Bay Rays on Twitter: "Meet the man, Denard Span. #RaysUp… "<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[https://www.mlb.com/news/denard-span-lifts-rays-over-red-sox-in-opener/c-270031878 Denard Span lifts Rays over Red Sox in opener | MLB.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He batted .238/.364/.385 for Tampa Bay.<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=span--001kei Denard Span Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On December 20, 2017, the Giants traded Span, [[Christian Arroyo]], [[Matt Krook]], and [[Stephen Woods (baseball)|Stephen Woods]] to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] for [[Evan Longoria]] and cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kramer |first=Daniel |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Giants acquire Longoria from Rays |url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/giants-acquire-evan-longoria-from-rays/c-263811454 |access-date=December 20, 2017 |work=[[San Francisco Giants]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On March 29, 2018, Span hit a three-run triple on [[2018 Major League Baseball season|Opening Day 2018]] against [[Carson Smith (baseball)|Carson Smith]] of the [[Boston Red Sox]] to give the Rays a 5–4 lead. He became the third player to triple in his Rays debut.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=979783442429771776 |user=RaysBaseball |title=Meet the man, Denard Span. #RaysUp |last=Tampa Bay Rays |date=March 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chastain |first=Bill |date=March 29, 2018 |title=Span trips up Red Sox in wild six-run 8th |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/denard-span-lifts-rays-over-red-sox-in-opener-c270031878 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref> He batted .238/.364/.385 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games with Tampa Bay.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" />


===Seattle Mariners ===
===Seattle Mariners ===
On May 25, [[2018 Tampa Bay Rays season|2018]], the Rays traded Span and [[Relief pitcher|reliever]] [[Álex Colomé]] to the [[2018 Seattle Mariners season|Seattle Mariners]] in exchange for minor leaguers [[Andrew Moore (baseball)|Andrew Moore]] and [[Tommy Romero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-colome-denard-span-traded-to-mariners/c-278282934|title=Mariners acquire Colome, Span from Rays: Club sends out young arms Moore, Romero in deal to bolster depth|work=MLB.com|first=Greg|last=Johns|date=May 25, 2018|access-date=May 25, 2018}}</ref> He hit .272 in 94 games for Seattle, hitting seven home runs. The Mariners declined the 2019 option on his contract, making him a free agent, on October 30, 2018.<ref>[https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/mariners-decline-denard-span-option.html Mariners To Decline Denard Span's Option – MLB Trade Rumors<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On May 25, [[2018 Tampa Bay Rays season|2018]], the Rays traded Span and [[Relief pitcher|reliever]] [[Álex Colomé]] to the [[2018 Seattle Mariners season|Seattle Mariners]] in exchange for minor leaguers [[Andrew Moore (baseball)|Andrew Moore]] and [[Tommy Romero]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Johns |first=Greg |date=May 25, 2018 |title=Mariners acquire Colome, Span from Rays: Club sends out young arms Moore, Romero in deal to bolster depth |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-colome-denard-span-traded-to-mariners/c-278282934 |access-date=May 25, 2018 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> He hit .272/.329/.435 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in 94 games for Seattle.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" /> The Mariners declined the 2019 option on his contract, making him a free agent, on October 30, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Mariners To Decline Denard Span's Option |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/mariners-decline-denard-span-option.html |access-date=October 31, 2018 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>


On June 8, 2020, Span confirmed that he had played his final game in the major leagues.
On June 8, 2020, Span confirmed that he had played his final game in the major leagues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=June 8, 2020 |title=Denard Span Discusses His Decision To Walk Away |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/denard-span-retirement-principles.html |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Career statistics===
===Career statistics===
In 1359 games over 11 seasons, Span posted a .281 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (1498-for-5326) with 773 [[run (baseball)|runs]], 265 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], 72 [[triple (baseball)|triples]], 71 [[home runs]], 490 [[RBIs]], 185 [[stolen bases]], 515 [[bases on balls]], .347 [[on-base percentage]] and .398 [[slugging percentage]]. He finished his career with a .991 [[fielding percentage]] playing at all three outfield positions. In 14 postseason games, he hit .258 (17-for-66) with four runs, three doubles, one triple, two RBI, two stolen bases and two walks.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" />
In 1,359 games over 11 seasons, Span posted a .281 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (1,498-for-5,326) with 773 [[run (baseball)|runs]], 265 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], 72 [[triple (baseball)|triples]], 71 [[home runs]], 490 [[RBIs]], 185 [[stolen bases]], 515 [[bases on balls]], .347 [[on-base percentage]] and .398 [[slugging percentage]]. He finished his career with a .991 [[fielding percentage]] playing at all three outfield positions. In 14 postseason games, he hit .258 (17-for-66) with four runs, three doubles, one triple, two RBI, two stolen bases and two walks.<ref name="baseball-reference.com" />


==Career after baseball==
==Career after baseball==
On January 24, 2021, it was announced that Span was hired by the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] as a special assistant in baseball operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/east-notes-mets-hand-bradley-yankees-rays.html|title = East Notes: Mets, Hand, Bradley, Yankees, Rays}}</ref> Span joined [[Bally Sports Sun]] as an analyst for the Rays in February 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Why you won't see Dewayne Staats as much on Rays telecasts this year |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/02/22/rays-television-broadcasts-dewayne-staats-bally-sports-brian-anderson/ |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |access-date=February 23, 2023}}</ref>
On January 24, 2021, it was announced that Span was hired by the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] as a special assistant in baseball operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=January 24, 2021 |title=East Notes: Mets, Hand, Bradley, Yankees, Rays |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/east-notes-mets-hand-bradley-yankees-rays.html |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> Span joined [[Bally Sports Sun]] as an analyst for the Rays in February 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Why you won't see Dewayne Staats as much on Rays telecasts this year |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/02/22/rays-television-broadcasts-dewayne-staats-bally-sports-brian-anderson/ |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Span is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Jason |title=Mariners' Denard Span shines for Christ in transition to Seattle |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/baseball/2018/08/10/mariners-denard-span-shines-for-christ-in-transition-to-seattle/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> Span proposed to [[Anne Schleper]], who won a silver medal for ice hockey with the [[United States women's national ice hockey team|United States]] in the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], on December 31, 2016. They married in January 2017 in [[Naples, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-Denard-Span-center-fielder-actor-10941162.php|title=Giants' Denard Span marries Olympian after adorable proposal|work=SF Gate|date=February 17, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in October 2017.
Span is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Jason |date=August 10, 2018 |title=Mariners' Denard Span shines for Christ in transition to Seattle |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/baseball/2018/08/10/mariners-denard-span-shines-for-christ-in-transition-to-seattle/ |access-date=December 5, 2021 |website=Sports Spectrum}}</ref> Span proposed to [[Anne Schleper]], who won a silver medal for ice hockey with the [[United States women's national ice hockey team|United States]] in the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], on December 31, 2016. They married in January 2017 in [[Naples, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Giants' Denard Span marries Olympian after adorable proposal |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-Denard-Span-center-fielder-actor-10941162.php |access-date=December 22, 2017 |work=[[SFGate]]}}</ref> The couple had their first child, a son, in October 2017.


Span founded a non-profit, The Denard Span Foundation, to aid [[single parent]] families.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ferrell|first1=Kandice|title=Nationals Centerfielder Denard Span Empowers Single Parents|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kandice-ferrell/nationals-centerfielder-d_b_7926812.html|access-date=23 January 2018|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=5 August 2015}}</ref>
Span founded a non-profit, The Denard Span Foundation, to aid [[single parent]] families.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ferrell |first1=Kandice |date=August 5, 2015 |title=Nationals Centerfielder Denard Span Empowers Single Parents |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kandice-ferrell/nationals-centerfielder-d_b_7926812.html |access-date=January 23, 2018 |work=[[HuffPost|Huffington Post]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 125: Line 125:
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Venezuela]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Venezuela]]
[[Category:Grand Canyon Rafters players]]
[[Category:Grand Canyon Rafters players]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Tampa Catholic High School alumni]]

Latest revision as of 21:29, 6 November 2024

Denard Span
Span with the Seattle Mariners in 2018
Center fielder
Born: (1984-02-27) February 27, 1984 (age 40)
Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 6, 2008, for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
September 30, 2018, for the Seattle Mariners
MLB statistics
Batting average.281
Home runs71
Runs batted in490
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Keiunta Denard Span (born February 27, 1984) is an American former professional baseball center fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners.

Span batted and threw left-handed and at the height of his career was known as one of the premier leadoff hitters in baseball due to his exceptional on-base percentage.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Span was raised by his single mother, Wanda Wilson, in Tampa. Wilson, a Federal City College graduate, supported Span and his brother, Ray, by working variously as a claims adjuster and day care operator. Their father had very little presence in their lives.[2]

As a teenager, he attended Tampa Bay Devil Rays games at Tropicana Field.[3] He attended Tampa Catholic High School where he played football and baseball. Span won a state baseball championship with Tampa Catholic as a junior in 2001. As a senior, he hit .490 with 17 doubles, three triples, 20 RBI, 24 stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 28 games.[4][5] He committed to play college baseball at Florida. According to Baseball America, he could have played college football as a wide receiver if he had not focused on baseball.[6]

Professional career

[edit]

Span was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the first round (20th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft from Tampa Catholic.[4] Span turned down just over $2 million from the Colorado Rockies in a predraft deal (who instead drafted Jeff Francis with the eighth pick) and his fall to the 20th pick cost him around $800,000.[7] Following his selection, Span signed with the Twins on August 15, 2002, receiving a $1.7 million signing bonus.[8]

Span started his minor league career in 2003 with the Elizabethton Twins, the Twins' rookie-league affiliate. In 50 games, he batted .271 with a home run, 18 RBI and 14 stolen bases.[9] In 2004, Span was promoted first to the Gulf Coast League Twins in Fort Myers, Florida and, after only appearing in five games,[10] for the Quad Cities River Bandits of the Low-A Midwest League. Overall, in 2004, he hit a combined .273 with 15 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 69 games.[9] In 2005, he was promoted to the Fort Myers Miracle, the Twins Advanced-A affiliate, and then to the New Britain Rock Cats, the Twins Double-A affiliate. Span batted .307 with a home run, 45 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 117 combined games in 2005. In 2006, Span returned to the Rock Cats and spent the entire season with the team, batting .285 with two home runs and 45 RBI in 134 games.[9] He was later promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings for the 2007 season, and hit .267 with three home runs, 55 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 139 games.[9]

Minnesota Twins

[edit]
Span batting for the Minnesota Twins in 2008

Throughout the 2008 spring training, Span was competing with Carlos Gómez to be the Twins' starting center fielder,[11] but ultimately lost out to Gómez and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester.[12] However, on April 5, Michael Cuddyer was placed on the 15-day disabled list and Span was called up to make his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals the next day.[13] Span failed to impress the Twins (hitting .258/.324/.258) and was sent back down to Rochester.[14] However, he got hot over the next 40 games in AAA (.340/.434/.481) and was recalled to the Twins, where he spent the rest of 2008 season.[14] Span's 2008 season totals were .294/.387/.432 with six home runs, 47 RBI, and seven triples in 93 games.[10] Span was chosen to play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics but because he had been promoted, he was forced to skip the Olympics.

In 2009, Span got the nod to start as a left fielder. He also played center field and right field throughout the season. His 2009 stats showed some improvement from 2008, hitting .311/.392/.415 with eight home runs, 68 RBI, and 10 triples in 145 games.[10] He also stole bases 23 times while getting caught 10 times.[10] Span earned the odd distinction of becoming the player to hit both the first regular and post season hits at Yankee Stadium in 2009.

On March 13, 2010, Span signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract extension with the Twins that included an option for the 2015 season worth $9 million with a $500,000 buyout.[15] This contract effectively bought out all of Span's arbitration years but did not go beyond his available free agency. On March 31, he unintentionally hit his mother, who was sitting in the stands, with a foul ball.[16] On April 2, Span collected the first hit (a triple) and the first home run in the Twins' new ballpark Target Field in an exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals.[17]

On June 29, Span tied the modern-day Major League Baseball record by hitting three triples in one game against the Detroit Tigers in an 11–4 victory. He became the 29th player since 1900 to accomplish this feat, the second Minnesota Twin (after Ken Landreaux in 1980), and the first player since Rafael Furcal performed the feat on April 21, 2002.[18][19] His night also included a single and five runs batted in.

Overall, Span hit .284/.357/.389 in his Minnesota career, with 254 walks and 321 strikeouts in 2,354 at-bats and stole 90 bases in 118 attempts.[10] Adding his strong defense gives him an overall wins above replacement of 15.9. He also became the first ever player on the 7-day disabled list in 2012.[14]

Washington Nationals

[edit]
Span during his tenure with the Washington Nationals in 2013

After being tied with the Nationals in trade rumors as far back as 2011, the Twins finally traded Span to the team on November 29, 2012 for Washington's 2011 first round pick (23rd overall), starting pitcher Alex Meyer.[20] After the trade, Span became the team's starting center fielder, moving 2012 NL Rookie of the Year Bryce Harper to left field.[21] During the 2013 season, Span set a personal and league high with a 29-game hit streak (besting the previous 2013 season high of 27 games set by former Twins teammate Michael Cuddyer). The streak ended on September 19 following an 0-for-4 performance against the Miami Marlins. During the streak, Span raised his season average from .258 to .281 (46-for-128) while hitting two home runs, recording 9 RBI, and scoring 21 runs.[22] For the season, he batted .279/.327/.380 with four home runs and 47 RBI in 153 games, and he led the majors with 11 triples.[10] On September 5, 2014, he earned his 1,000th career hit against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park.[23] Span finished the 2014 season hitting .302/.355/.416 with five home runs, 37 RBI and a career-high 31 stolen bases in 147 games.[10] He also led the National League with 184 hits, which also set the Nationals club record for hits in a single season.[10][24]

On December 3, 2014, Span underwent a sports hernia surgery. He claimed that he suffered this injury toward the end of the 2014 season but didn't miss any games.[25] Recovery time required six weeks, giving him enough time to be ready for 2015 spring training. During March 2015, Span underwent core muscle surgery.[26] He began the 2015 season on the 15-day disabled list and made his season debut on April 19, 2015.[27] Span was limited to just 61 games in 2015, posting a slash line of .301/.365/.431 with five home runs and 22 RBI.[10]

San Francisco Giants

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On January 7, 2016, Span signed a three-year, $31 million contract with the San Francisco Giants that included a mutual option for 2019 and $5 million in performance bonuses.[28] On June 13 at AT&T Park, Span became the first Giant to hit a leadoff splash hit home run in the first inning into McCovey Cove and joined the San Diego Padres' Brian Giles (2008) as the only two players in the history of the ballpark to accomplish the feat.[29] He batted .268/.330/.402 in his two seasons for San Francisco.[10]

Tampa Bay Rays

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On December 20, 2017, the Giants traded Span, Christian Arroyo, Matt Krook, and Stephen Woods to the Tampa Bay Rays for Evan Longoria and cash considerations.[30] On March 29, 2018, Span hit a three-run triple on Opening Day 2018 against Carson Smith of the Boston Red Sox to give the Rays a 5–4 lead. He became the third player to triple in his Rays debut.[31][32] He batted .238/.364/.385 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games with Tampa Bay.[10]

Seattle Mariners

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On May 25, 2018, the Rays traded Span and reliever Álex Colomé to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor leaguers Andrew Moore and Tommy Romero.[33] He hit .272/.329/.435 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in 94 games for Seattle.[10] The Mariners declined the 2019 option on his contract, making him a free agent, on October 30, 2018.[34]

On June 8, 2020, Span confirmed that he had played his final game in the major leagues.[35]

Career statistics

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In 1,359 games over 11 seasons, Span posted a .281 batting average (1,498-for-5,326) with 773 runs, 265 doubles, 72 triples, 71 home runs, 490 RBIs, 185 stolen bases, 515 bases on balls, .347 on-base percentage and .398 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .991 fielding percentage playing at all three outfield positions. In 14 postseason games, he hit .258 (17-for-66) with four runs, three doubles, one triple, two RBI, two stolen bases and two walks.[10]

Career after baseball

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On January 24, 2021, it was announced that Span was hired by the Tampa Bay Rays as a special assistant in baseball operations.[36] Span joined Bally Sports Sun as an analyst for the Rays in February 2023.[37]

Personal life

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Span is a Christian.[38] Span proposed to Anne Schleper, who won a silver medal for ice hockey with the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympics, on December 31, 2016. They married in January 2017 in Naples, Florida.[39] The couple had their first child, a son, in October 2017.

Span founded a non-profit, The Denard Span Foundation, to aid single parent families.[40]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Neyer, Rob (March 10, 2010). "How Denard Span became Denard Span". ESPN. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  2. ^ Comack, Amanda (March 19, 2013). "Raised by a single mom, Denard Span pays tribute by helping others". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  3. ^ Mooney, Roger (December 22, 2017). "Denard Span excited to play for hometown Rays — if they keep him". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Sheldon, Mark (June 4, 2002). "Twins make Span top pick". Minnesota Twins. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  5. ^ "Tampa Catholic High School :: Denard Span". Tampa Catholic High School. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  6. ^ "Baseball America Online - 2002 Draft Preview". Baseball America. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  7. ^ Law, Keith (June 3, 2007). "Law: Flashback to the 2002 draft". ESPN. Retrieved June 4, 2007.
  8. ^ Nipps, Emily (August 16, 2002). "Tampa's Span, Twins reach deal". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d "Denard Span Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Denard Span Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  11. ^ Thesier, Kelly (March 11, 2008). "Gomez, Span battling for starting role". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 27, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  12. ^ Miller, Phil (March 24, 2008). "For his speed and potential, Minnesota Twins award Carlos Gomez starting center field, leadoff jobs". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  13. ^ Thesier, Kelly (April 5, 2008). "Cuddyer dislocates right index finger". Minnesota Twins. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Sickels, John (November 30, 2012). "Prospect Retrospective and Career Profile: Denard Span". Minor League Ball. SB Nation. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  15. ^ Thesier, Kelly (March 13, 2010). "Twins reward Span with five-year contract". Minnesota Twins. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  16. ^ Hoch, Bryan; DiComo, Anthony (March 31, 2010). "Span hits mom with foul ball". Minnesota Twins. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  17. ^ "Cardinals 8-4 Twins (Apr 2, 2010) Play-by-Play". ESPN. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  18. ^ Maggio, Anthony (June 29, 2010). "Triple threat: Span's big night helps Twins coast". Fox Sports North. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2010.
  19. ^ "Span's outburst helps starter Blackburn get first win since May". ESPN. Associated Press. June 29, 2010. Archived from the original on July 1, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2010.
  20. ^ Ladson, Bill (November 19, 2012). "Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins for Minor Leaguer Alex Meyer". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on December 1, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  21. ^ "Twins trade Denard Span to Nats". ESPN. Associated Press. November 29, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  22. ^ "Denard Span Game-by-Game Stats and Performance". ESPN. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  23. ^ @Nationals (September 5, 2014). "WATCH: That's career hit No. 1,000 for Denard Span! Congrats, Denard!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Wagner, James (March 10, 2016). "Denard Span on his time with Nationals: 'That was the right place for me at the right time'". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  25. ^ Wile, Brandon (December 3, 2014). "Nationals' Span undergoes successful sports hernia surgery". theScore. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  26. ^ White, R.J. (March 9, 2015). "Nationals' Denard Span undergoes surgery on core muscle". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  27. ^ "Nationals' Span returns from DL, bats leadoff vs. Phillies". Erie Times-News. Associated Press. April 19, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  28. ^ Shea, John (January 8, 2016). "Denard Span joining Giants' outfield". SFGate. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  29. ^ "Crawford has 3 RBIs to lead Giants in 11-5 win over Brewers". ESPN. Associated Press. June 13, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  30. ^ Kramer, Daniel (December 20, 2017). "Giants acquire Longoria from Rays". San Francisco Giants. MLB.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  31. ^ Tampa Bay Rays [@RaysBaseball] (March 30, 2018). "Meet the man, Denard Span. #RaysUp" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Chastain, Bill (March 29, 2018). "Span trips up Red Sox in wild six-run 8th". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  33. ^ Johns, Greg (May 25, 2018). "Mariners acquire Colome, Span from Rays: Club sends out young arms Moore, Romero in deal to bolster depth". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  34. ^ Adams, Steve (October 30, 2018). "Mariners To Decline Denard Span's Option". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  35. ^ Adams, Steve (June 8, 2020). "Denard Span Discusses His Decision To Walk Away". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  36. ^ Franco, Anthony (January 24, 2021). "East Notes: Mets, Hand, Bradley, Yankees, Rays". MLB Trade Rumors.
  37. ^ Topkin, Marc (February 22, 2023). "Why you won't see Dewayne Staats as much on Rays telecasts this year". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  38. ^ Romano, Jason (August 10, 2018). "Mariners' Denard Span shines for Christ in transition to Seattle". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  39. ^ Schulman, Henry (February 17, 2017). "Giants' Denard Span marries Olympian after adorable proposal". SFGate. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  40. ^ Ferrell, Kandice (August 5, 2015). "Nationals Centerfielder Denard Span Empowers Single Parents". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
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