Remembering Jose Reyes
Steven Ryan (Getty Images)
Every kid had that one player they loved growing up. For me that was Jose Reyes. His energy, charisma, and flashiness always had me glued to the tv. Born on June 11, 1983, in Villa Gonzalez, Dominican Republic, Reyes emerged as one of the most exciting players to watch in the modern era of baseball. Reyes began his Major League Baseball journey with the New York Mets in 2003, and from the very start, he showcased skills that made him stand out. One of the defining aspects of Reyes' career was his incredible speed. He led the National League in stolen bases for three consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2007, with 60, 64, and 78 steals, respectively.
One of the most memorable moments in Reyes' career came on September 24, 2011, when he became the first New York Mets player to win the NL batting title with a remarkable .337 average. Reyes was a four-time All-Star and won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Silver Slugger Award (2006, 2007), and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (2011). Over his 16-year MLB career, which included stints with the Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Colorado Rockies, he accumulated 2,138 hits, 145 home runs, 719 runs batted in, and an impressive .283 batting average.
(Kathy Willens) (AP Photo)
Off the field, Jose Reyes was also known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to his community. He established the Jose Reyes Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children and families in the Dominican Republic and beyond. He announced his retirement from baseball in 2018 leaving behind many great memories.
