Brian McCann (baseball)

Brian McCann
File:Brian McCann.jpg
Atlanta Braves – No. 16
Catcher
Bats: Left Throws: Right
debut
June 10, 2005, for the Atlanta Braves
Career statistics (through July 9, 2006)
Batting average	.313
Home runs	11
Runs batted in	52
Stats at Baseball Reference
Former teams
none

Brian Michael McCann, (born February 20, 1984 in Athens, Georgia), is a Major League Baseball player for the Atlanta Braves

Career

Brian McCann was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 2nd Round of the 2002 June free agent baseball draft. McCann advanced steadily through the Braves' minor league system playing for the Rome Braves (Low A) in 2003, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A) in 2004, and the Mississippi Braves (AA) in 2005.

McCann made his major league debut with the Atlanta Braves on June 10, 2005. McCann, a personal catcher for John Smoltz for most of the 2005 season, hit his first home run in just his second regular-season game, and became the first Braves player in franchise history to hit a home run in his first playoff at-bat on October 6, 2005, accomplishing the feat in the second inning of a 7-1 victory over Roger Clemens and the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the 2005 NLDS Series.

With fellow catcher Johnny Estrada being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, McCann became the Braves' starting catcher in 2006.

Even at this early stage in his career, McCann has gained the respect of his teammates and counterparts around the league. Aside from already being one of the top hitting catchers in the game, pitchers' have cited his knowledge, maturity and ability to call a game as reasons why McCann is a valuable teammate.

It was announced on July 2nd that McCann was selected to represent the Atlanta Braves in the 2006 All-Star Game.

Personal life

Brian grew up as a Braves fan. He particularly remembers rooting his team on in the 1991 World Series.

He lives with teammates Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson.

External Links

• Brian McCann Player Information at MLB.com