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{{short description|American baseball player (born 1976)}}
{{Infobox MLB player
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = A. J. Pierzynski
| name = A. J. Pierzynski
| image = A.J. Pierzynski April 2009.jpg
| image = A.J._Pierzynski_April_2009.jpg
| width = 300
| image_size =
| caption =
| caption = Pierzynski with the Chicago White Sox in 2009
| team = Chicago White Sox
| number = 12
| position = [[Catcher]]
| position = [[Catcher]]
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|1976|12|30}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|12|30}}
| birthplace = {{city-state|Bridgehampton|New York}}
| birth_place = [[Bridgehampton, New York]], U.S.
| bats = Left
| bats = Left
| throws = Right
| throws = Right
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = September 9
| debutdate = September 9
| debutyear = 1998
| debutyear = 1998
| debutteam = Minnesota Twins
| debutteam = Minnesota Twins
| statyear = July 27th, 2009
| finaldate = September 10
| finalyear = 2016
| stat1label = [[Batting average]]
| finalteam = Atlanta Braves
| stat1value = .285
| stat2label = [[Home run]]s
| statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat2value = 109
| stat1value = .280
| stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat2label = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
| stat3value = 529
| stat2value = 2,043
| teams = <nowiki></nowiki>
| stat3label = [[Home run]]s
*[[Minnesota Twins]] ({{by|1998}}-{{by|2003}})
| stat3value = 188
*[[San Francisco Giants]] ({{by|2004}})
| stat4label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
*[[Chicago White Sox]] ({{by|2005}}-present)
| stat4value = 909
| awards = <nowiki></nowiki>
| teams =
*2x [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] selection (2002, 2006)
*[[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|2005}})
* [[Minnesota Twins]] ({{mlby|1998}}–{{mlby|2003}})
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|2004}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2005}}–{{mlby|2012}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2014}})
* [[St. Louis Cardinals]] ({{mlby|2014}})
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2016}})
| awards =
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2002]], [[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2006]])
* [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|2005}})
* [[Silver Slugger Award]] (2012)
}}
}}
'''Anthony John Pierzynski''' ({{IPAc-en|p|ɪər|ˈ|z|ɪ|n|s|k|i}}; born December 30, 1976) is an American former professional [[baseball]] player and current television [[sports presenter]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) as a [[catcher]] with the [[Minnesota Twins]] (1998–2003), [[San Francisco Giants]] (2004), [[Chicago White Sox]] (2005–2012), [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] (2013), [[Boston Red Sox]] (2014), [[St. Louis Cardinals]] (2014) and [[Atlanta Braves]] (2015–2016). Pierzynski is one of only thirteen catchers in Major League history to reach 2,000 hits in his career.<ref name="AJP-2000">{{cite news |last1=Cunningham |first1=Michael |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Braves' Pierzynski is 10th catcher with 2,000 hits |work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-pierzynski-is-10th-catcher-with-2000-hits/nrC3X/ |url-status=dead |access-date=April 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501030704/http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-pierzynski-is-10th-catcher-with-2000-hits/nrC3X/ |archive-date=May 1, 2016}}</ref>
'''Anthony John "A. J." Pierzynski''' ({{pron-en|pɪərˈzɪnski}}) (born December 30, 1976 in [[Bridgehampton, New York]]) is an American [[Major League Baseball]] [[catcher]] who has played for the [[Chicago White Sox]] since {{mlby|2005}}. Pierzynski formerly played with the [[Minnesota Twins]] ({{mlby|1998}}-{{mlby|2003}}) and [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|2004}}). Pierzynski was also a [[wrestler]] for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]].

A two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] player and a [[Silver Slugger Award]] winner, Pierzynski was a member of the [[2005 World Series]] winning White Sox team. He is known for having a strong and colorful personality, a fact he acknowledges. During his turn at the microphone following the White Sox victory parade in 2005, he thanked team personnel for "putting up" with him. Former White Sox manager [[Ozzie Guillén]] summed up the situation by saying, "If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less."<ref>{{cite web |last=Keown |first=Tim |date=August 28, 2006 |title=Love him or hate him, you have to respect A.J. Pierzynski |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3657165 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[ESPN The Magazine]]}}</ref> Guillén also acknowledged Pierzynski's value to the club despite being relatively high-maintenance: "A.J.'s been great for me. He's worth the work because he always shows up for you."<ref>{{cite news |last=Keown |first=Tim |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3657165 |title=White Noise |work=ESPN |date=August 28, 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614012004/https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3657165 |archivedate=June 14, 2022 |accessdate=January 10, 2023 }}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Anthony John Pierzynski was born December 30, 1976, in [[Bridgehampton, New York]].<ref name=sox2>"[http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150229 A.J. Pierzynski]," Player File, Biography, ''Chicago White Sox'', official website. Retrieved May 18, 2007.</ref>
Pierzynski was born on December 30, 1976, in [[Bridgehampton, New York]].<ref name="sox2">{{Cite web |title=A. J. Pierzynski |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150229 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126143017/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150229 |archive-date=November 26, 2007 |access-date=May 18, 2007 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He attended [[Dr. Phillips High School]] in [[Orlando, Florida]], where he won All-State honors in baseball. Future Major Leaguer [[Johnny Damon]] was one of Pierzynski's high school teammates.<ref>Chris Berman during Game 1 of 2005 ALDS [[ESPN]] Telecast</ref> The [[National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame]] held its 48th Annual Induction Banquet in September 2021, inducting Pierzynski.
He attended [[Dr. Phillips High School]] in [[Orlando, Florida]], where he won All-State honors in baseball. New York Yankees outfielder [[Johnny Damon]] was one of Pierzynski's high school teammates. Pierzynski graduated high school in 1994 and also signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the [[University of Tennessee]].<ref name=sox2>.</ref> He was also drafted by the [[Minnesota Twins]] that year, and he chose to join the Twins. He began his minor league career with the [[Gulf Coast League Twins]] and spent the next four years playing for the minor-league [[Elizabethton Twins]], [[Fort Wayne Wizards]], [[Fort Myers Miracle]], [[New Britain Rock Cats]], and [[Salt Lake Buzz]].


==Major League career==
==Professional career==
Pierzynski was drafted by the [[Minnesota Twins]] on June 2, 1994, out of high school.<ref name=trans/> After four years in the Twins organization, he was called up to the Major League team, and made his debut on September 9, 1998. He spent the next five seasons, through the 2003 season, with Minnesota, though he was not a regular starter until 2001. From 1998-2000, he appeared in just 49 games for the Twins. In 2002 he made the American League All-Star Team as a reserve catcher. In the [[2002 American League Division Series]], Pierzynski hit an important home run in the ninth inning of the final game, in which the Twins clinched the series. In 2003, Pierzynski reached a .312 batting average, a career high that still stands.<ref name=career>"[http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?playerID=150229&statType=1 A.J. Pierzynski]," Career stats, Chicago White Sox, official website. Retrieved May 18, 2007.</ref>


===Minnesota Twins===
After the 2003 season, the Twins traded Pierzynski to the [[San Francisco Giants]] for [[Joe Nathan]], [[Francisco Liriano]], and [[Boof Bonser]]. He spent one season in San Francisco before being signed as a [[free agent]] by the [[Chicago White Sox]] on January 6, 2005.<ref name=trans>"[http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/pierza.01.shtml#TRANS A.J. Pierzynski]," Transactions, ''Baseball-reference.com'', Retrieved May 18, 2007.</ref>
Pierzynski graduated from high school in 1994 and signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the [[University of Tennessee]].<ref name="sox2"/> He was also selected by the [[Minnesota Twins]] in the third round (71st overall) of the [[1994 Major League Baseball draft]] and chose to sign with the ballclub on June 9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=3rd Round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1994&draft_round=3&draft_type=junreg |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He began his minor league career with the [[Gulf Coast League Twins]] and spent the next four years playing for the minor-league [[Elizabethton Twins]], [[Fort Wayne Wizards]], [[Fort Myers Miracle]], [[New Britain Rock Cats]], and [[Salt Lake Buzz]].


After four years in the Twins organization, Pierzynski was called up to the major league team, and made his debut on September 9, 1998, against the [[Anaheim Angels]] at the age of 21.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 1998 |title=Minnesota Twins at Anaheim Angels Box Score, September 9, 1998 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA199809090.shtml |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Two days later, he singled off [[Oakland Athletics]] pitcher [[Billy Taylor (1990s pitcher)|Billy Taylor]] for his first major league hit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 1998 |title=Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins Box Score, September 12, 1998 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIN/MIN199809120.shtml |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He then spent the next five seasons, through the 2003 season, with Minnesota, though he was not a regular starter until 2001. From 1998 to 2000, Pierzynski appeared in just 49 games for the Twins.<ref name="BaseballRef" /> In 2002, he made the American League All-Star Team as a reserve catcher. In the [[2002 American League Division Series]], Pierzynski hit an important home run in the ninth inning of Game 5 against the Athletics, helping the Twins clinch the series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2002 |title=Twins win second straight game to eliminate A's |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/221006111 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2003, Pierzynski batted a career-high .312 with 11 home runs and 74 RBI in 137 games.<ref name="BaseballRef" />
In 2006, Pierzynski was named one of the five [[American League]] players in the [[All-Star Final Vote]]. Soon afterwards the Chicago White Sox organization began an election campaign using the slogan "Punch A.J." Pierzynski received 3.6 million votes, the most votes in the [[American League]], subsequently sending him to his second All-Star appearance.


===San Francisco Giants===
The "Punch A.J." campaign was inspired by an incident on May 20, 2006 between Pierzynski and Chicago Cubs catcher [[Michael Barrett (baseball)|Michael Barrett]]. After a fly ball out, Pierzynski tagged up at 3rd and tried to score on the throw. After a collision at home, where Pierzynski knocked Barrett from his feet, Pierzynski slapped home plate with his hand. After getting up, Barrett grabbed Pierzynski and punched him. A bench-clearing brawl ensued, and Pierzynski, Barrett, White Sox outfielder Brian Anderson and Cubs first baseman John Mabry were ejected. <ref name=May20>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2452050|title=Cubs' Barrett slugs Pierzynski, leads to melee|accessdate=2008-10-23 |work=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher= |date= }}</ref>
On November 14, 2003, the Twins traded Pierzynski to the [[San Francisco Giants]] for [[Joe Nathan]], [[Francisco Liriano]], and [[Boof Bonser]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 14, 2003 |title=Giants give up Nathan in deal for catcher |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1661751 |work=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> With the Giants, he hit .272 with 11 home runs and 77 RBI in 131 games.<ref name="BaseballRef" /> He spent one season in San Francisco before being non-tendered on December 15, 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=December 15, 2004 |title=Tuesday's Sports Transactions - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/dec/15/tuesdays-sports-transactions/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>


===Chicago White Sox===
Pierzynski holds the AL record for consecutive errorless chances with 962, breaking Yogi Berra's previous record of 950, set in 1959<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070929&content_id=2239176&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws|title=White Sox, A.J. Pierzynski agree on two-year extension|accessdate=2008-10-21 |work=[[MLB.com]]|publisher= |date= }}</ref>.
Pierzynski was signed as a [[free agent]] to a one-year, $2.25 million contract by the [[Chicago White Sox]] on January 6, 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Draper |first=Rich |date=January 7, 2005 |title=Pierzynski signs with White Sox |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050107&content_id=928602&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050314020416/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050107&content_id=928602&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-date=March 14, 2005 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[San Francisco Giants]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> When he signed with the White Sox, the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' ran a story claiming that the catcher had kneed Giants trainer Stan Conte in the groin during a spring training game in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2005/01/15/SPG6IAQNH81.DTL|title=Ballplayers still getting their edge|access-date=October 23, 2008 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date= January 15, 2005| first=Bruce | last=Jenkins}}</ref> Although the incident allegedly happened during the game, it went unreported for nearly a year in the press. Pierzynski has disputed the allegations publicly. "Don't you think if something like that happened, in spring training, you would have heard about it? I would have gotten in some sort of trouble?"<ref>{{cite web |last=Drehs |first=Wayne |date=March 13, 2006 |title=Bottom line: A.J.'s a gamer |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?id=2366973 |access-date=October 21, 2008 |work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>


Pierzynski would hit 18 home runs, a new career high,<ref name="BaseballRef" /> with his most memorable home run of the regular season coming on June 18, 2005, against the [[2005 Los Angeles Dodgers season|Los Angeles Dodgers]] (with both teams wearing their 1959 throwback jerseys to commemorate their meeting in the [[1959 World Series]]) in the bottom of the ninth to walk-off a 5–3 win.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 18, 2005 |title=Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago White Sox Box Score, June 18, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200506180.shtml |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref> He would also set the single-season AL records for consecutive errorless games (117) and chances (777) by a catcher.<ref name="almanac">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pierza01|title=A.J. Pierzynski Stats|publisher=[[Baseball Almanac]]|access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/catcher_errors_records.shtml|title=Error Records by Catchers|publisher=[[Baseball Almanac]]|access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref> The White Sox would go wire-to-wire in Pierzynski's first season with the team, winning the [[American League Central Division|AL Central]] on September 29, 2005, over the [[2005 Detroit Tigers season|Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2005 |title=White Sox clinch first AL Central title since 2000 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/250929106 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> However, Pierzynski's biggest contributions would come during the White Sox' 2005 playoff run.
==Pierzynski and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim==
Pierzynski was involved in a controversial play that occurred on October 12, 2005 in Game 2 of the [[2005 American League Championship Series]] versus the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]]. With the score tied and two out in the bottom of the ninth, with two strikes, Pierzynski swung at a low pitch from Angels pitcher [[Kelvim Escobar]] and missed, for strike three. [[Josh Paul]], the Angels catcher, rolled the ball to the mound and left the infield. Pierzynski realized strike three had been called, but he had not been called out and ran to first base in case the umpire had ruled that the Angels catcher had not legally caught the strike three pitch (see [[Uncaught third strike]] rule). Home plate umpire [[Doug Eddings]] indeed ruled that the ball hit the ground and then went into the catcher's glove,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051013&content_id=1248409&vkey=ps2005news&fext=.jsp|title=Umpires postgame interview|accessdate=2007-06-05|publisher=mlb.com}}</ref><!-- Comment: The link provided here is to MLB's story about the play. Please read that story before editing this section. Thank you, Justus_R --> meaning Pierzynski was safe at first. A [[pinch-runner]], [[Pablo Ozuna]], replaced Pierzynski and stole second base. [[Third baseman]] [[Joe Crede]] delivered a base hit three pitches later, scoring Ozuna for the winning run.


In the 2005 playoffs, Pierzynski was a major player for the White Sox. In Game 1 of the [[2005 American League Division Series|ALDS]] against the defending champion [[2005 Boston Red Sox season|Red Sox]], Pierzynski would start the White Sox off strong with a three-run homer in the first inning off [[Matt Clement]]. He would add a second home run in the bottom of the eighth off [[Bronson Arroyo]] to help lead the White Sox to a 14–2 win. Pierzynski finished the game 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 4, 2005 |title=2005 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 1, Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, October 4, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200510040.shtml |access-date=February 24, 2019}}</ref> Pierzynski also hit a double and scored an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox defeated the Red Sox 5–3 to clinch the series and move on to the [[2005 American League Championship Series|ALCS]].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2005 |title=2005 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 3, Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox, October 7, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200510070.shtml |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref> Perhaps Pierzynski's biggest and most well-known play came in Game 2 of the ALCS against the then [[2005 Los Angeles Angels season|Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]]. Down 0–1 in the series and with the game tied at 1–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Pierzynski famously struck out on a low ball in the dirt from [[Kelvim Escobar]]. Thinking they had ended the inning, the Angels proceeded to walk off the field; however, noting that home plate umpire [[Doug Eddings]] had not made the out call, Pierzynski ran down the line to first base and was called safe. Angels catcher [[Josh Paul]] and manager [[Mike Scioscia]] argued with Eddings but the call stood, and Pierzynski was replaced by [[Pablo Ozuna]], who promptly stole second base. [[Joe Crede]] would end the game on a walk-off double to tie the series at 1–1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2005 |title=Called third strike but not third out sparks controversy |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/251012104 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> The White Sox did not lose again, winning the next three games in Anaheim to advance to their first World Series since 1959.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 16, 2005 |title=White Sox reach first World Series since 1959 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/251016103 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> The White Sox would then sweep the [[2005 Houston Astros season|Houston Astros]] to win their first championship in 88 years, as Pierzynski won the World Series the only time in his career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Tom |date=October 27, 2005 |title=White Sox Win First World Series Since 1917 |language=en |work=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2005/10/27/4976721/white-sox-win-first-world-series-since-1917 |access-date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> Pierzynski batted .262 with three home runs and 9 RBI, catching all 11 games for the White Sox during their championship run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A.J. Pierzynski Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/3948/aj-pierzynski |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref>
==Controversies==
In January 2005, after Pierzynski had been dealt to the White Sox, the [[San Francisco Chronicle]] ran a story claiming that the catcher had kneed Giants trainer Stan Conte (no relation to [[BALCO]] co-founder [[Victor Conte]]) in the groin during a spring training game in 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2005/01/15/SPG6IAQNH81.DTL|title=Ballplayers still getting their edge|accessdate=2008-10-23 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|publisher= |date= }}</ref>. Although the incident allegedly happened during the game, it went completely unreported for nearly an entire year in the press. Pierzynski has disputed the allegations publicly. "Don't you think if something like that happened, in spring training, you would have heard about it? I would have gotten in some sort of trouble?" <ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=2366973|title=Bottom line: A.J.'s a gamer|accessdate=2008-10-21 |work=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher= |date= }}</ref>


In 2006, Pierzynski continued his errorless streak, ending with 962 consecutive chances and breaking the AL record of 950 set by [[Yogi Berra]] in 1959.<ref name="almanac" /><ref name="extension07">{{cite web |date=September 29, 2007 |title=White Sox, A.J. Pierzynski agree on two-year extension |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070929&content_id=2239176&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325023928/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070929&content_id=2239176&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2008 |work=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref> (The new record would later be broken by [[Mike Redmond]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsch04|title=Charles Johnson Stats|publisher=[[Baseball Almanac]]|access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref>) He was named one of the five [[American League]] players in the [[All-Star Final Vote]]. Soon afterwards, the White Sox organization began an election campaign using the slogan "Punch A.J.". Pierzynski received 3.6 million votes, the most votes in the [[American League]], subsequently sending him to his second All-Star appearance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Newman |first1=Mark |date=July 6, 2006 |title=Nomar, A.J. named Final Vote winners |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060706&content_id=1542976&vkey=allstar2006&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225015745/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060706&content_id=1542976&vkey=allstar2006&fext=.jsp |archive-date=February 25, 2007}}</ref> The "Punch A.J." campaign was inspired by an incident on May 20, 2006, between Pierzynski and Chicago Cubs catcher [[Michael Barrett (baseball)|Michael Barrett]]. After a fly ball out, Pierzynski tagged up at third base and tried to score on the throw. After a collision at home, where Pierzynski knocked Barrett from his feet, Pierzynski slapped home plate with his hand. After getting up, Barrett grabbed Pierzynski and punched him in the face. A bench-clearing brawl ensued, and Pierzynski, Barrett, White Sox outfielder [[Brian Anderson (outfielder)|Brian Anderson]] and Cubs first baseman [[John Mabry]] were ejected.<ref name="May20">{{cite web |date=May 20, 2006 |title=Cubs' Barrett slugs Pierzynski, leads to melee |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2452050 |access-date=October 23, 2008 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> When play finally resumed, outfielder [[Scott Podsednik]] promptly got on base, loading the bases up, and second baseman [[Tadahito Iguchi]] cleared them with a grand-slam. The White Sox won the game, 7&ndash;0.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2006 |title=Cubs' tempers boil, bats fizzle as ChiSox win |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260520104 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017015021/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260520104 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=May 20, 2006 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Barrett was suspended for 10 games, while Anderson was suspended for five, and Pierzynski was fined.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 26, 2006 |title=Barrett suspended 10 games for igniting brawl |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=2459060&type=story |access-date=May 26, 2006 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
On May 28, 2007, in a game versus the Minnesota Twins, Pierzynski twice ran down the first base line with his feet on the inside of the base, possibly nipping Twins first baseman [[Justin Morneau]] with his spikes. Twins manager [[Ron Gardenhire]] was furious with the umpires, which resulted in a long tirade. However, he was not ejected. Pierzynski denied any attempt to step on Morneau.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070528&content_id=1991531&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|title=Twins upset about Pierzynski's play|accessdate=2007-05-29|publisher=mlb.com}}</ref>


Pierzynski caught [[Mark Buehrle]]'s [[no-hitter]] on April 18, 2007,<ref>{{cite web |date=April 18, 2007 |title=Retrosheet Boxscore: Chicago White Sox 6, Texas Rangers 0 |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2007/B04180CHA2007.htm |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[Retrosheet]]}}</ref> but not his [[Mark Buehrle's perfect game|perfect game]] on July 23, 2009. He caught [[Philip Humber's perfect game]] on April 21, 2012, against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, as well.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 21, 2012 |title=Philip Humber throws 21st perfect game in MLB history |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320421112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423044340/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320421112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On May 28, 2007, in a game versus the Minnesota Twins, Pierzynski twice ran down the first base line with his feet on the inside of the base, possibly nipping Twins first baseman [[Justin Morneau]] with his spikes. Twins manager [[Ron Gardenhire]] was furious with the umpires, which resulted in a long tirade. However, he was not ejected. Pierzynski denied any attempt to step on Morneau.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parker |first=Leslie |date=May 28, 2007 |title=Twins upset about Pierzynski's play |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070528&content_id=1991531&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226063417/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070528&content_id=1991531&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=December 26, 2007 |access-date=May 29, 2007 |work=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>
Pierzynski is known for having a strong and colorful personality, a fact he acknowledges. During his turn at the microphone following the White Sox victory parade in 2005, he thanked team personnel "for putting up with me." His Chicago manager, Ozzie Guillen, summed up the situation as, "If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less." [http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3657165] Guillen also acknowledged Pierzynki's value to the club, despite being relatively high-maintenance: "A.J.'s been great for me. He's worth the work because he always shows up for you."


On September 29, 2007, Pierzynski signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the White Sox.<ref name="extension07" />
==Professional wrestling ==
On December 8, 2005, A.J. Pierzynski appeared on [[TNA Impact!|TNA iMPACT!]], a [[professional wrestling]] [[television program]] aired by the [[professional wrestling promotion]] [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]. Accompanied by White Sox strength trainer [[Dale Torborg]], Pierzynski presented TNA wrestlers [[A.J. Styles]], [[Chris Sabin]] and [[Retesh Bhalla|Sonjay Dutt]] with memorabilia from the [[2005 World Series]]. At the ceremony, an incident was staged to include Pierzynski in a controversy with the wrestlers. Pierzynski then made his [[professional wrestling]] [[manager (professional wrestling)|managerial]] debut at [[TNA Turning Point#2005|TNA Turning Point 2005]] on December 11, 2005, accompanying Torborg, Sabin and Dutt to ringside for their match against the Diamonds in the Rough.


On December 3, 2010, Pierzynski agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract to remain with the White Sox.<ref>{{cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=December 3, 2010 |title=Pierzynski, White Sox renew partnership |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101202&content_id=16245462&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109125246/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101202&content_id=16245462&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |archive-date=January 9, 2011 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Padilla |first=Doug |date=December 3, 2010 |title=Pierzynski re-signs with White Sox for 2 years |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5877817 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>
On October 10, 2006, Pierzynski appeared on [[ESPN2]]'s [[Cold Pizza]], wearing the X-Division Championship belt, and challenged [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]], who was also a guest that morning, to a [[Championship unification|Title vs. Title]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]] whenever Cena wanted to have it. Cena responded asking if Pierzynski got his championship belt out of a gumball machine outside.

On June 13, 2012, Pierzynski was rated the most hated MLB player.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |date=June 13, 2012 |title=Men's Journal survey: A.J. Pierzynski is baseball's most hated player. Philly has the most obnoxious fans |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/13/mens-journal-survey-a-j-pierzynski-is-baseballs-most-hated-player-philly-has-the-most-obnoxious-fans/ |access-date=June 13, 2012 |website=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> In 2012, Pierzynski homered in five consecutive games, tying the franchise record and becoming the sixth player to achieve this feat. His teammate [[Paul Konerko]] was the most recent Sox player to achieve this feat in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 5, 2012 |title=A.J. Pierzynski hits pinch-hit homer as White Sox shake Angels |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320805104 |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Pierzynski had a career offensive year, winning a [[Silver Slugger Award]] at catcher for the first time in his career. He posted a slash line of .278/.326/.501, and hit 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games.<ref name="BaseballRef" />

===Texas Rangers===
[[File:A. J. Pierzynski on July 8, 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Pierzynski with the Texas Rangers in 2013]]

On December 26, 2012, Pierzynski agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] for the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=December 26, 2012 |title=Rangers, catcher A.J. Pierzynski officially agree to one-year, $7.5 million deal |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121220&content_id=40765530&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230185843/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121220&content_id=40765530&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex |archive-date=December 30, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |website=[[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref> He enjoyed a solid year for Texas, hitting .272 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs in 134 games.<ref name=BaseballRef>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pierza.01.shtml |title=A.J. Pierzynski Statistics and History |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

===Boston Red Sox===
On December 3, 2013, Pierzynski agreed to a one-year contract with the [[Boston Red Sox]], pending the completion of a physical examination.<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |date=December 3, 2013 |title=Pierzynski agrees to one-year deal with Red Sox |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/64348798/boston-red-sox-sign-aj-pierzynski-to-one-year-contract |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113114659/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/64348798/boston-red-sox-sign-aj-pierzynski-to-one-year-contract |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> The deal became official the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Ken |date=December 3, 2013 |title=Ken Rosenthal on Twitter: Pierzynski passed physical with #RedSox, one-year deal is official. |url=https://twitter.com/ken_rosenthal/status/408065811111489536 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |website=[[Twitter]] |language=en}}</ref> On June 4, 2014, Pierzynski was ejected by umpire [[Quinn Wolcott]] after a leadoff walk by pitcher [[Brandon Workman]] because he asked Wolcott to "give me a new ball. One you can see."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Castrovince |first1=Anthony |date=June 26, 2014 |title=Ejections are actually on the rise this season |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140626&content_id=81728520&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=July 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630083515/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140626&content_id=81728520&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> This was Pierzynski's ninth career ejection.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Ian |date=June 5, 2014 |title=Pierzynski tossed by plate umpire in series finale |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/red-sox-catcher-aj-pierzynski-tossed-by-home-plate-umpire-in-series-finale?ymd=20140604&content_id=78299418 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714135323/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/red-sox-catcher-aj-pierzynski-tossed-by-home-plate-umpire-in-series-finale?ymd=20140604&content_id=78299418 |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref> Pierzynski's offense regressed with Boston as he hit .254/.286/.348 in 256 at-bats.<ref name=BaseballRef />

On July 9, 2014, Pierzynski was [[designated for assignment]] and [[Christian Vázquez]] was promoted from AAA Pawtucket.<ref name="Perry">{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Phil |date=July 9, 2014 |title=Reports: Sox designate Pierzynski for assignment |work=[[Comcast SportsNet New England]] |url=https://www.csnne.com/blog/red-sox-talk/reports-sox-designate-pierzynski-assignment |url-status=dead |access-date=July 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140711191126/https://www.csnne.com/blog/red-sox-talk/reports-sox-designate-pierzynski-assignment |archive-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref> A sports column in a Boston newspaper cited disgruntled anonymous Red Sox teammates who disliked Pierzynski, blaming him for the team's overall woes.<ref name="Bradford">{{cite news |last=Bradford |first=Rob |date=July 10, 2014 |title=The A.J. Pierzynski Problem was Worse than Anybody Could Have Imagined |work=[[WEEI-FM]] |url=http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/rob-bradford/2014/07/10/aj-pierzynski-problem-was-worse-anybody-could |url-status=dead |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710175917/http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/rob-bradford/2014/07/10/aj-pierzynski-problem-was-worse-anybody-could |archive-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref> On July 16, the Red Sox officially released Pierzynski.<ref>{{cite news |author=Speier |first=Alex |date=July 16, 2014 |title=Red Sox release A.J. Pierzynski |work=[[WEEI-FM]] |url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/07/16/red-sox-release-a-j-pierzynski/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726035621/http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/07/16/red-sox-release-a-j-pierzynski/ |archive-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> The Red Sox continued a disastrous slide after Pierzynski departed, and finished 2014 with a record of 71–91.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Boston Red Sox Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2014.shtml |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

===St. Louis Cardinals===
On July 26, 2014, the [[2014 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals]] signed Pierzynski to a major league deal.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 26, 2014 |title=Cardinals sign veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11267815 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> Later that day, he debuted for St. Louis with a 3-for-4 outing and an RBI, helping to defeat the [[2014 Chicago Cubs season|Cubs]] 6–3.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 26, 2014 |title=A.J. Pierzynski has 3 hits in debut to help Cardinals break 4-game skid |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340726116 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> Former Boston teammate [[John Lackey]] soon arrived via trade, and Pierzynski caught him for the 19th time in 22 starts in 2014 when he debuted for the Cardinals on August 3. It was the pitcher's 150th career win.<ref>{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=August 3, 2014 |title=Cards rally behind Lackey's debut to stun Brewers |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/08/03/87772648/cards-rally-behind-lackeys-debut-to-stun-brewers |url-status=dead |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808061019/http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/08/03/87772648/cards-rally-behind-lackeys-debut-to-stun-brewers |archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref> Pierzynski's first home run with St. Louis came in a loss to [[2014 Baltimore Orioles season|Baltimore]] on August 8.<ref>{{cite web |last=Boarman |first=John |date=August 8, 2014 |title=A. J. Pierzynski hits first home run with St. Louis, Cardinals lose to Orioles |url=http://tireball.com/mlb/2014/08/08/a-j-pierzynski-hits-first-home-run-with-st-louis-cardinals-lose-to-orioles/ |access-date=July 26, 2015 |website=Tireball Sports}}</ref> He hit .244/.295/.305 in 82 at-bats along with a home run and 6 RBI.<ref name="BaseballRef" /> He mostly serving as a replacement catcher for [[Yadier Molina]], who was on the [[Injured list|disabled list]] from July 10 through August 28, though he did play as a backup after Molina's return. The Cardinals left Pierzynski off the playoff roster for the [[2014 National League Division Series|NLDS]] against the [[2014 Los Angeles Dodgers season|Dodgers]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Ricky |date=October 7, 2014 |title=A.J. Pierzynski Videobombs Mike Matheny During Cardinals' Win (GIF) |url=http://nesn.com/2014/10/a-j-pierzynski-videobombs-mike-matheny-during-cardinals-win-gif/ |access-date=October 7, 2014 |website=[[New England Sports Network|NESN]]}}</ref> but added him for the [[2014 National League Championship Series|NLCS]] against the [[2014 San Francisco Giants season|Giants]].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 10, 2014 |title=Cards add A.J. Pierzynski for NLCS |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11676500/2014-nlcs-st-louis-cardinals-add-aj-pierzynski-lose-sam-freeman |access-date=July 26, 2015 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves===
[[File:AJ_Pierzynski_catching_during_spring_training_2015.jpg|thumb|left|Pierzynski with the [[2015 Atlanta Braves season|Atlanta Braves in 2015]] spring training]]
Pierzynski and the Atlanta Braves finalized a one-year deal worth $2 million on January 7, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |date=January 7, 2015 |title=Fiery Pierzynski ready to be mentor in Atlanta |work=[[Atlanta Braves]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/fiery-aj-pierzynski-ready-to-be-catching-mentor-with-atlanta-braves/c-105876596 |access-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> The Braves had intended to use him as a backup catcher and mentor to [[Christian Bethancourt]]. However, Bethancourt struggled defensively and was eventually sent down to Gwinnett in the hope that he would improve, forcing Pierzynski into a starting role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Terence |date=July 1, 2016 |title=Braves have a manager behind the plate |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-j-pierzynski-wants-to-be-a-manager-c187329946 |access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref> On July 18, 2015, in a game against the [[Chicago Cubs]], Pierzynski broke up [[Jon Lester]]'s no-hit bid in the eighth inning of the Braves' 4–0 loss.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Mark |date=July 19, 2015 |title=Jon Lester misses no-hitter, but notches 4-0 victory over the Braves |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jon-lester-report-cubs-braves-spt-0719-20150718-story.html |access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref>

On April 27, 2016, Pierzynski recorded his 2,000th career hit off [[Steven Wright (baseball)|Steven Wright]] of the [[Boston Red Sox]], becoming the tenth catcher to reach the 2,000 hit mark.<ref name=AJP-2000/> He was placed on 15-day disabled list on August 17, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transactions |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions/2016/08 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> On March 28, 2017, Pierzynski announced he was retiring.<ref>{{cite web |author=Cotillo |first=Chris |date=March 28, 2017 |title=A.J. Pierzynski retires - The catcher will be a full-time analyst for FOX this upcoming season. |url=http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2017/3/28/15093766/aj-pierzynski-retires |access-date=March 29, 2017 |website=MLB Daily Dish |publisher=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>

Pierzynski was included on the ballot for the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame]] class of {{bhofy|2022}} when it was announced on November 22, 2021. He received only two votes and fell off the ballot.<ref>{{cite news |last=Randhawa |first=Manny |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Every player making HOF ballot debut in '22 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |accessdate=November 22, 2021}}</ref>

==Broadcasting career==
[[File:Chris Rose, A. J. Pierzynski and Eric Karros, 2011 World Series FOX pregame.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Chris Rose]] ''(left)'', Pierzynski ''(center)'', and [[Eric Karros]] ''(right)'' during the pregame show of the [[2011 World Series]]]]
Pierzynski was hired by [[Fox Major League Baseball|Fox]] to be an analyst for the [[2011 Major League Baseball season|2011 MLB postseason]] on the pregame and postgame show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hiestand |first=Michael |date=October 2, 2011 |title=Fox to give A.J. Pierzynski playoff shot |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/story/2011-10-02/fox-mlb-pierzynski-playoffs-nfl-action/50639420/1 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003223550/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/story/2011-10-02/fox-mlb-pierzynski-playoffs-nfl-action/50639420/1 |archive-date=October 3, 2011}}</ref> He joined Fox again for the 2012, 2013, and 2015 postseasons. In 2017, Fox announced he would be a full-time analyst.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rosenthal |first=Phil |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Fox Sports hires A.J. Pierzynski to be full-time analyst |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/ct-aj-pierzynski-fox-sports-20170328-story.html |access-date=October 9, 2017}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling==
On December 8, 2005, Pierzynski appeared on ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', a [[professional wrestling]] [[television program]] aired by the [[professional wrestling promotion]] [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]. Accompanied by White Sox strength trainer [[Dale Torborg]], Pierzynski presented TNA wrestlers [[A.J. Styles]], [[Chris Sabin]] and [[Retesh Bhalla|Sonjay Dutt]] with memorabilia from the [[2005 World Series]]. At the ceremony, an incident was staged to include Pierzynski in a controversy with the wrestlers. Pierzynski then made his [[professional wrestling]] [[manager (professional wrestling)|managerial]] debut at [[TNA Turning Point 2005]] on December 11, 2005, accompanying Torborg, Sabin and Dutt to ringside for their match against the Diamonds in the Rough.

On October 10, 2006, Pierzynski appeared on [[ESPN2]]'s [[Cold Pizza]], wearing the X-Division Championship belt,{{clarify|date=March 2014}} and challenged [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]], who was also a guest that morning, to a [[Championship unification|Title vs. Title]] [[steel cage match]] whenever Cena wanted to have it. Cena responded asking if Pierzynski got his championship belt out of a gumball machine outside.

Pierzynski returned to TNA in January 2007, when he and Torborg confronted [[Lance Hoyt]]. At [[Against All Odds 2007]] Pierzynski was in Torborg's corner when he was defeated by Hoyt, who had [[David Eckstein]] in his corner.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dale Torborg's profile |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dale-torborg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816164558/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dale-torborg.html |archive-date=August 16, 2009 |access-date=May 3, 2010 |website=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

On the September 7, 2009, edition of [[WWE Raw]], Pierzynski made his first appearance on WWE television, replacing [[Chris Jericho]] in a game show called The Price is Raw, with [[Bob Barker]] hosting.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Pierzynski is married to Lisa Pierzynski.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Tim |date=April 16, 2014 |title=A.J. Pierzynski has second father figure in White Sox broadcaster, Hawk Harrelson |work=[[The Providence Journal]] |url=http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20140416-a.j.-pierzynski-has-second-father-figure-in-white-sox-broadcaster-hawk-harrelson.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195847/http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20140416-a.j.-pierzynski-has-second-father-figure-in-white-sox-broadcaster-hawk-harrelson.ece |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref> The couple has two children, Ava and Austin.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dorsey |first1=David |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Pierzynski glad to be back |work=[[The News-Press]] |url=http://www.news-press.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/02/18/pierzynski-glad-to-be-back/5570625/ |access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref>
Pierzynski is currently married to Lisa Pierzynski. The couple have two children, Ava and Austin.

AJ is a main host on the Foul Territory Podcast with [[Erik Kratz]] and [[Scott Braun]]. He is known for his blunt takes and his fun banter with senior insider [[Ken Rosenthal]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Baseball|New York City|Biography}}
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a catcher leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career putouts leaders]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|1}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat|A.J. Pierzynski}}
{{Commons category|A.J. Pierzynski}}
*{{baseballstats | mlb=150229 | espn=3948 | br=p/pierza.01 | fangraphs=746 | cube=P/A.J.-Pierzynski}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=150229|espn=3948|br=p/pierza.01|fangraphs=746|brm=pierzy001ant|retro=P/Ppiera001}}
*{{IMDb name|1797448}}
*[http://members.tripod.com/bb_catchers/catchers/pierzynski.htm Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1797448/ A.J. Pierzynski] at [[The Internet Movie Database]]


{{2005 Chicago White Sox}}
{{2005 Chicago White Sox}}
{{Chicago White Sox roster navbox}}
{{AL C Silver Slugger Award}}
{{Major League Baseball on Fox}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pierzynski, A.J.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pierzynski, A.J.}}
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[[Category:Baseball players from Suffolk County, New York]]
[[fr:A.J. Pierzynski]]
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[[Category:Silver Slugger Award winners]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Texas Rangers players]]

Latest revision as of 17:01, 25 October 2024

A. J. Pierzynski
Pierzynski with the Chicago White Sox in 2009
Catcher
Born: (1976-12-30) December 30, 1976 (age 47)
Bridgehampton, New York, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 9, 1998, for the Minnesota Twins
Last appearance
September 10, 2016, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
Batting average.280
Hits2,043
Home runs188
Runs batted in909
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Anthony John Pierzynski (/pɪərˈzɪnski/; born December 30, 1976) is an American former professional baseball player and current television sports presenter. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a catcher with the Minnesota Twins (1998–2003), San Francisco Giants (2004), Chicago White Sox (2005–2012), Texas Rangers (2013), Boston Red Sox (2014), St. Louis Cardinals (2014) and Atlanta Braves (2015–2016). Pierzynski is one of only thirteen catchers in Major League history to reach 2,000 hits in his career.[1]

A two-time All-Star player and a Silver Slugger Award winner, Pierzynski was a member of the 2005 World Series winning White Sox team. He is known for having a strong and colorful personality, a fact he acknowledges. During his turn at the microphone following the White Sox victory parade in 2005, he thanked team personnel for "putting up" with him. Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén summed up the situation by saying, "If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less."[2] Guillén also acknowledged Pierzynski's value to the club despite being relatively high-maintenance: "A.J.'s been great for me. He's worth the work because he always shows up for you."[3]

Early life

[edit]

Pierzynski was born on December 30, 1976, in Bridgehampton, New York.[4] He attended Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, where he won All-State honors in baseball. Future Major Leaguer Johnny Damon was one of Pierzynski's high school teammates.[5] The National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame held its 48th Annual Induction Banquet in September 2021, inducting Pierzynski.

Professional career

[edit]

Minnesota Twins

[edit]

Pierzynski graduated from high school in 1994 and signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Tennessee.[4] He was also selected by the Minnesota Twins in the third round (71st overall) of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft and chose to sign with the ballclub on June 9.[6] He began his minor league career with the Gulf Coast League Twins and spent the next four years playing for the minor-league Elizabethton Twins, Fort Wayne Wizards, Fort Myers Miracle, New Britain Rock Cats, and Salt Lake Buzz.

After four years in the Twins organization, Pierzynski was called up to the major league team, and made his debut on September 9, 1998, against the Anaheim Angels at the age of 21.[7] Two days later, he singled off Oakland Athletics pitcher Billy Taylor for his first major league hit.[8] He then spent the next five seasons, through the 2003 season, with Minnesota, though he was not a regular starter until 2001. From 1998 to 2000, Pierzynski appeared in just 49 games for the Twins.[9] In 2002, he made the American League All-Star Team as a reserve catcher. In the 2002 American League Division Series, Pierzynski hit an important home run in the ninth inning of Game 5 against the Athletics, helping the Twins clinch the series.[10] In 2003, Pierzynski batted a career-high .312 with 11 home runs and 74 RBI in 137 games.[9]

San Francisco Giants

[edit]

On November 14, 2003, the Twins traded Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, and Boof Bonser.[11] With the Giants, he hit .272 with 11 home runs and 77 RBI in 131 games.[9] He spent one season in San Francisco before being non-tendered on December 15, 2004.[12]

Chicago White Sox

[edit]

Pierzynski was signed as a free agent to a one-year, $2.25 million contract by the Chicago White Sox on January 6, 2005.[13] When he signed with the White Sox, the San Francisco Chronicle ran a story claiming that the catcher had kneed Giants trainer Stan Conte in the groin during a spring training game in 2004.[14] Although the incident allegedly happened during the game, it went unreported for nearly a year in the press. Pierzynski has disputed the allegations publicly. "Don't you think if something like that happened, in spring training, you would have heard about it? I would have gotten in some sort of trouble?"[15]

Pierzynski would hit 18 home runs, a new career high,[9] with his most memorable home run of the regular season coming on June 18, 2005, against the Los Angeles Dodgers (with both teams wearing their 1959 throwback jerseys to commemorate their meeting in the 1959 World Series) in the bottom of the ninth to walk-off a 5–3 win.[16] He would also set the single-season AL records for consecutive errorless games (117) and chances (777) by a catcher.[17][18] The White Sox would go wire-to-wire in Pierzynski's first season with the team, winning the AL Central on September 29, 2005, over the Detroit Tigers.[19] However, Pierzynski's biggest contributions would come during the White Sox' 2005 playoff run.

In the 2005 playoffs, Pierzynski was a major player for the White Sox. In Game 1 of the ALDS against the defending champion Red Sox, Pierzynski would start the White Sox off strong with a three-run homer in the first inning off Matt Clement. He would add a second home run in the bottom of the eighth off Bronson Arroyo to help lead the White Sox to a 14–2 win. Pierzynski finished the game 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs.[20] Pierzynski also hit a double and scored an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox defeated the Red Sox 5–3 to clinch the series and move on to the ALCS.[21] Perhaps Pierzynski's biggest and most well-known play came in Game 2 of the ALCS against the then Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Down 0–1 in the series and with the game tied at 1–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Pierzynski famously struck out on a low ball in the dirt from Kelvim Escobar. Thinking they had ended the inning, the Angels proceeded to walk off the field; however, noting that home plate umpire Doug Eddings had not made the out call, Pierzynski ran down the line to first base and was called safe. Angels catcher Josh Paul and manager Mike Scioscia argued with Eddings but the call stood, and Pierzynski was replaced by Pablo Ozuna, who promptly stole second base. Joe Crede would end the game on a walk-off double to tie the series at 1–1.[22] The White Sox did not lose again, winning the next three games in Anaheim to advance to their first World Series since 1959.[23] The White Sox would then sweep the Houston Astros to win their first championship in 88 years, as Pierzynski won the World Series the only time in his career.[24] Pierzynski batted .262 with three home runs and 9 RBI, catching all 11 games for the White Sox during their championship run.[25]

In 2006, Pierzynski continued his errorless streak, ending with 962 consecutive chances and breaking the AL record of 950 set by Yogi Berra in 1959.[17][26] (The new record would later be broken by Mike Redmond.[27]) He was named one of the five American League players in the All-Star Final Vote. Soon afterwards, the White Sox organization began an election campaign using the slogan "Punch A.J.". Pierzynski received 3.6 million votes, the most votes in the American League, subsequently sending him to his second All-Star appearance.[28] The "Punch A.J." campaign was inspired by an incident on May 20, 2006, between Pierzynski and Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. After a fly ball out, Pierzynski tagged up at third base and tried to score on the throw. After a collision at home, where Pierzynski knocked Barrett from his feet, Pierzynski slapped home plate with his hand. After getting up, Barrett grabbed Pierzynski and punched him in the face. A bench-clearing brawl ensued, and Pierzynski, Barrett, White Sox outfielder Brian Anderson and Cubs first baseman John Mabry were ejected.[29] When play finally resumed, outfielder Scott Podsednik promptly got on base, loading the bases up, and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi cleared them with a grand-slam. The White Sox won the game, 7–0.[30] Barrett was suspended for 10 games, while Anderson was suspended for five, and Pierzynski was fined.[31]

Pierzynski caught Mark Buehrle's no-hitter on April 18, 2007,[32] but not his perfect game on July 23, 2009. He caught Philip Humber's perfect game on April 21, 2012, against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, as well.[33] On May 28, 2007, in a game versus the Minnesota Twins, Pierzynski twice ran down the first base line with his feet on the inside of the base, possibly nipping Twins first baseman Justin Morneau with his spikes. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was furious with the umpires, which resulted in a long tirade. However, he was not ejected. Pierzynski denied any attempt to step on Morneau.[34]

On September 29, 2007, Pierzynski signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the White Sox.[26]

On December 3, 2010, Pierzynski agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract to remain with the White Sox.[35][36]

On June 13, 2012, Pierzynski was rated the most hated MLB player.[37] In 2012, Pierzynski homered in five consecutive games, tying the franchise record and becoming the sixth player to achieve this feat. His teammate Paul Konerko was the most recent Sox player to achieve this feat in 2011.[38] Pierzynski had a career offensive year, winning a Silver Slugger Award at catcher for the first time in his career. He posted a slash line of .278/.326/.501, and hit 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games.[9]

Texas Rangers

[edit]
Pierzynski with the Texas Rangers in 2013

On December 26, 2012, Pierzynski agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers for the 2013 season.[39] He enjoyed a solid year for Texas, hitting .272 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs in 134 games.[9]

Boston Red Sox

[edit]

On December 3, 2013, Pierzynski agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, pending the completion of a physical examination.[40] The deal became official the next day.[41] On June 4, 2014, Pierzynski was ejected by umpire Quinn Wolcott after a leadoff walk by pitcher Brandon Workman because he asked Wolcott to "give me a new ball. One you can see."[42] This was Pierzynski's ninth career ejection.[43] Pierzynski's offense regressed with Boston as he hit .254/.286/.348 in 256 at-bats.[9]

On July 9, 2014, Pierzynski was designated for assignment and Christian Vázquez was promoted from AAA Pawtucket.[44] A sports column in a Boston newspaper cited disgruntled anonymous Red Sox teammates who disliked Pierzynski, blaming him for the team's overall woes.[45] On July 16, the Red Sox officially released Pierzynski.[46] The Red Sox continued a disastrous slide after Pierzynski departed, and finished 2014 with a record of 71–91.[47]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

On July 26, 2014, the St. Louis Cardinals signed Pierzynski to a major league deal.[48] Later that day, he debuted for St. Louis with a 3-for-4 outing and an RBI, helping to defeat the Cubs 6–3.[49] Former Boston teammate John Lackey soon arrived via trade, and Pierzynski caught him for the 19th time in 22 starts in 2014 when he debuted for the Cardinals on August 3. It was the pitcher's 150th career win.[50] Pierzynski's first home run with St. Louis came in a loss to Baltimore on August 8.[51] He hit .244/.295/.305 in 82 at-bats along with a home run and 6 RBI.[9] He mostly serving as a replacement catcher for Yadier Molina, who was on the disabled list from July 10 through August 28, though he did play as a backup after Molina's return. The Cardinals left Pierzynski off the playoff roster for the NLDS against the Dodgers,[52] but added him for the NLCS against the Giants.[53]

Atlanta Braves

[edit]
Pierzynski with the Atlanta Braves in 2015 spring training

Pierzynski and the Atlanta Braves finalized a one-year deal worth $2 million on January 7, 2015.[54] The Braves had intended to use him as a backup catcher and mentor to Christian Bethancourt. However, Bethancourt struggled defensively and was eventually sent down to Gwinnett in the hope that he would improve, forcing Pierzynski into a starting role.[55] On July 18, 2015, in a game against the Chicago Cubs, Pierzynski broke up Jon Lester's no-hit bid in the eighth inning of the Braves' 4–0 loss.[56]

On April 27, 2016, Pierzynski recorded his 2,000th career hit off Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox, becoming the tenth catcher to reach the 2,000 hit mark.[1] He was placed on 15-day disabled list on August 17, 2016.[57] On March 28, 2017, Pierzynski announced he was retiring.[58]

Pierzynski was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022 when it was announced on November 22, 2021. He received only two votes and fell off the ballot.[59]

Broadcasting career

[edit]
Chris Rose (left), Pierzynski (center), and Eric Karros (right) during the pregame show of the 2011 World Series

Pierzynski was hired by Fox to be an analyst for the 2011 MLB postseason on the pregame and postgame show.[60] He joined Fox again for the 2012, 2013, and 2015 postseasons. In 2017, Fox announced he would be a full-time analyst.[61]

Professional wrestling

[edit]

On December 8, 2005, Pierzynski appeared on TNA Impact!, a professional wrestling television program aired by the professional wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Accompanied by White Sox strength trainer Dale Torborg, Pierzynski presented TNA wrestlers A.J. Styles, Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt with memorabilia from the 2005 World Series. At the ceremony, an incident was staged to include Pierzynski in a controversy with the wrestlers. Pierzynski then made his professional wrestling managerial debut at TNA Turning Point 2005 on December 11, 2005, accompanying Torborg, Sabin and Dutt to ringside for their match against the Diamonds in the Rough.

On October 10, 2006, Pierzynski appeared on ESPN2's Cold Pizza, wearing the X-Division Championship belt,[clarification needed] and challenged WWE Champion John Cena, who was also a guest that morning, to a Title vs. Title steel cage match whenever Cena wanted to have it. Cena responded asking if Pierzynski got his championship belt out of a gumball machine outside.

Pierzynski returned to TNA in January 2007, when he and Torborg confronted Lance Hoyt. At Against All Odds 2007 Pierzynski was in Torborg's corner when he was defeated by Hoyt, who had David Eckstein in his corner.[62]

On the September 7, 2009, edition of WWE Raw, Pierzynski made his first appearance on WWE television, replacing Chris Jericho in a game show called The Price is Raw, with Bob Barker hosting.

Personal life

[edit]

Pierzynski is married to Lisa Pierzynski.[63] The couple has two children, Ava and Austin.[64]

AJ is a main host on the Foul Territory Podcast with Erik Kratz and Scott Braun. He is known for his blunt takes and his fun banter with senior insider Ken Rosenthal.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Cunningham, Michael (April 27, 2016). "Braves' Pierzynski is 10th catcher with 2,000 hits". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  2. ^ Keown, Tim (August 28, 2006). "Love him or hate him, you have to respect A.J. Pierzynski". ESPN. ESPN The Magazine. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  3. ^ Keown, Tim (August 28, 2006). "White Noise". ESPN. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "A. J. Pierzynski". Chicago White Sox. MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 26, 2007. Retrieved May 18, 2007.
  5. ^ Chris Berman during Game 1 of 2005 ALDS ESPN Telecast
  6. ^ "3rd Round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  7. ^ "Minnesota Twins at Anaheim Angels Box Score, September 9, 1998". Baseball-Reference.com. September 9, 1998. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  8. ^ "Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins Box Score, September 12, 1998". Baseball-Reference.com. September 12, 1998. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h "A.J. Pierzynski Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  10. ^ "Twins win second straight game to eliminate A's". ESPN. Associated Press. October 6, 2002. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  11. ^ "Giants give up Nathan in deal for catcher". ESPN. Associated Press. November 14, 2003.
  12. ^ "Tuesday's Sports Transactions - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper". Las Vegas Sun. Associated Press. December 15, 2004. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Draper, Rich (January 7, 2005). "Pierzynski signs with White Sox". San Francisco Giants. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2005. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  14. ^ Jenkins, Bruce (January 15, 2005). "Ballplayers still getting their edge". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
  15. ^ Drehs, Wayne (March 13, 2006). "Bottom line: A.J.'s a gamer". ESPN. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  16. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago White Sox Box Score, June 18, 2005". Baseball-Reference.com. June 18, 2005. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  17. ^ a b "A.J. Pierzynski Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  18. ^ "Error Records by Catchers". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  19. ^ "White Sox clinch first AL Central title since 2000". ESPN. Associated Press. September 29, 2005. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  20. ^ "2005 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 1, Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, October 4, 2005". October 4, 2005. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  21. ^ "2005 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 3, Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox, October 7, 2005". Baseball-Reference.com. October 7, 2005. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  22. ^ "Called third strike but not third out sparks controversy". ESPN. Associated Press. October 12, 2005. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  23. ^ "White Sox reach first World Series since 1959". ESPN. Associated Press. October 16, 2005. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  24. ^ Goldman, Tom (October 27, 2005). "White Sox Win First World Series Since 1917". NPR. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  25. ^ "A.J. Pierzynski Stats". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  26. ^ a b "White Sox, A.J. Pierzynski agree on two-year extension". Chicago White Sox. MLB.com. September 29, 2007. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  27. ^ "Charles Johnson Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  28. ^ Newman, Mark (July 6, 2006). "Nomar, A.J. named Final Vote winners". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on February 25, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  29. ^ "Cubs' Barrett slugs Pierzynski, leads to melee". ESPN. Associated Press. May 20, 2006. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
  30. ^ "Cubs' tempers boil, bats fizzle as ChiSox win". ESPN. Associated Press. May 20, 2006. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2006.
  31. ^ "Barrett suspended 10 games for igniting brawl". ESPN. Associated Press. May 26, 2006. Retrieved May 26, 2006.
  32. ^ "Retrosheet Boxscore: Chicago White Sox 6, Texas Rangers 0". Retrosheet. April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  33. ^ "Philip Humber throws 21st perfect game in MLB history". ESPN. Associated Press. April 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  34. ^ Parker, Leslie (May 28, 2007). "Twins upset about Pierzynski's play". Minnesota Twins. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2007.
  35. ^ Merkin, Scott (December 3, 2010). "Pierzynski, White Sox renew partnership". Chicago White Sox. MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  36. ^ Padilla, Doug (December 3, 2010). "Pierzynski re-signs with White Sox for 2 years". ESPN. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  37. ^ Calcaterra, Craig (June 13, 2012). "Men's Journal survey: A.J. Pierzynski is baseball's most hated player. Philly has the most obnoxious fans". NBC Sports. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
  38. ^ "A.J. Pierzynski hits pinch-hit homer as White Sox shake Angels". ESPN. Associated Press. August 5, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  39. ^ Sullivan, T.R. (December 26, 2012). "Rangers, catcher A.J. Pierzynski officially agree to one-year, $7.5 million deal". Texas Rangers. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  40. ^ Browne, Ian (December 3, 2013). "Pierzynski agrees to one-year deal with Red Sox". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  41. ^ Rosenthal, Ken (December 3, 2013). "Ken Rosenthal on Twitter: Pierzynski passed physical with #RedSox, one-year deal is official". Twitter. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  42. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (June 26, 2014). "Ejections are actually on the rise this season". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on June 30, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  43. ^ Browne, Ian (June 5, 2014). "Pierzynski tossed by plate umpire in series finale". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  44. ^ Perry, Phil (July 9, 2014). "Reports: Sox designate Pierzynski for assignment". Comcast SportsNet New England. Archived from the original on July 11, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  45. ^ Bradford, Rob (July 10, 2014). "The A.J. Pierzynski Problem was Worse than Anybody Could Have Imagined". WEEI-FM. Archived from the original on July 10, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  46. ^ Speier, Alex (July 16, 2014). "Red Sox release A.J. Pierzynski". WEEI-FM. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  47. ^ "2014 Boston Red Sox Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  48. ^ "Cardinals sign veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski". ESPN. Associated Press. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  49. ^ "A.J. Pierzynski has 3 hits in debut to help Cardinals break 4-game skid". ESPN. Associated Press. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  50. ^ Langosch, Jenifer (August 3, 2014). "Cards rally behind Lackey's debut to stun Brewers". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  51. ^ Boarman, John (August 8, 2014). "A. J. Pierzynski hits first home run with St. Louis, Cardinals lose to Orioles". Tireball Sports. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  52. ^ Doyle, Ricky (October 7, 2014). "A.J. Pierzynski Videobombs Mike Matheny During Cardinals' Win (GIF)". NESN. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  53. ^ "Cards add A.J. Pierzynski for NLCS". ESPN. Associated Press. October 10, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  54. ^ Bowman, Mark (January 7, 2015). "Fiery Pierzynski ready to be mentor in Atlanta". Atlanta Braves. MLB.com. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
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