Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Carl Crawford

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Carl Crawford made an impact.

Carl Crawford, nicknamed "the Perfect Storm," is a former MLB left fielder. He played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a left-handed batter and thrower.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Drafted by the Devil Rays

In 1999, Carl Crawford was drafted by the Devil Rays in the second round as the 52nd overall pick during the Major League Baseball draft.

July 20, 2002: MLB Debut

On July 20, 2002, Carl Crawford made his Major League Baseball debut at age 20 against the Toronto Blue Jays. In that game, he recorded his first hit, a two-RBI single off Steve Parris.

2002: Most Outstanding Rookie and International League Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Carl Crawford was named the Devil Rays' Most Outstanding Rookie by the Tampa Bay chapter of the BBWAA. He also earned the International League Rookie of the Year award while playing for the AAA Durham Bulls.

2003: Breakout Season and Award

In 2003, Carl Crawford had a breakout season, batting .281 with 54 RBI and leading the league with 55 steals. He was also co-winner of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum James "Cool Papa" Bell Legacy Award for 2003, along with Juan Pierre.

2004: All-Star Selection and Devil Rays MVP

In 2004, Carl Crawford led the league with 59 stolen bases and 19 triples. He was selected for the All-Star Game played in Houston and named Devil Rays team MVP by the BBWAA for 2004.

2005: Career Highs and League Leading Triples

In 2005, Carl Crawford batted .301, becoming the third .300 hitter in Devil Rays history. He also posted career highs in hits (194), home runs (15), and RBI (81). Crawford led the league with 15 triples and placed third in steals with 46 in 2005.

July 5, 2006: 200 Stolen Bases Before 25th Birthday

On July 5, 2006, Carl Crawford became the eighth player in history to achieve 200 stolen bases before turning 25.

2007: Second All-Star Selection

In 2007, Carl Crawford was named an All-Star for the second time, marking him as the first Devil Ray to receive the honor more than once. He also homered in the 6th inning of the All-Star Game from Francisco Cordero's pitch.

April 11, 2008: 1,000th Career Hit

On April 11, 2008, Carl Crawford achieved his 1,000th career hit, becoming the eighth player to reach 1,000 hits and 250 stolen bases before the age of 27.

May 3, 2009: Six Stolen Bases in a Game

On May 3, 2009, Carl Crawford tied a modern-era record by stealing six bases in a single game against the Boston Red Sox.

July 14, 2009: All-Star Game MVP

On July 14, 2009, Carl Crawford represented Tampa Bay in the 2009 All-Star Game and was named MVP for a leaping catch that prevented a potential go-ahead home run by Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe.

2009: Career-High Stolen Bases and Fielding Bible Award

In 2009, Carl Crawford stole a career-high 60 bases and had the best range factor among major league left fielders. He also won his second consecutive and third overall Fielding Bible Award at left field.

July 31, 2010: 400 Stolen Bases

On July 31, 2010, Carl Crawford reached 400 stolen bases, becoming the 7th player in history to reach that mark before his 29th birthday.

August 17, 2010: 100th Career Triple

On August 17, 2010, Carl Crawford hit the 100th triple of his career, joining Ty Cobb as the only major league players to hit 100 triples and steal 400 bases before the age of 30.

December 8, 2010: Signed with the Boston Red Sox

On December 8, 2010, Carl Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

2010: MVP, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards

In 2010, Carl Crawford was voted the Most Valuable Player for the Rays by the Tampa Bay chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Following the season's conclusion, he received the Gold Glove Award and the Silver Slugger Award.

July 16, 2012: 2012 Season Debut

On July 16, 2012, Carl Crawford made his regular season debut against the Chicago White Sox, after recovering from injuries.

August 25, 2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On August 25, 2012, Carl Crawford was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Josh Beckett, Adrián González, Nick Punto, and $11 million in cash for James Loney, Iván DeJesús, Jr., Allen Webster, and two players to be named later (Jerry Sands and Rubby De La Rosa).

2013: Dodger Debut

Despite concerns over his injury, Carl Crawford made his Dodger debut as the starting left fielder and lead off hitter on Opening Day in 2013.

2013: Home Runs in NLDS

During the 2013 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, Carl Crawford hit three home runs, including two in Game 4, which significantly helped the Dodgers defeat the Braves in four games.

2013: Solid Performance with the Dodgers

In 2013, Carl Crawford hit .308 in April with the Dodgers. Despite missing nearly a month due to a hamstring injury, he played 116 games and hit .283 with 6 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.

2014: Injuries and Strong Performance

In 2014, Carl Crawford had a slow start, but recovered with a strong May, hitting .333. After a sprained ankle in a May 27th game, he was placed on the disabled list, returning on July 10. He finished the season with a .300 batting average, 8 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases.

2016: Designated for Assignment and Release

In 2016, Carl Crawford served as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter for the first two months. On June 5, he was designated for assignment and later released by the Dodgers on June 13 with approximately $35 million remaining on his contract.

2018: 1501 Certified Entertainment

In early 2018, Megan Thee Stallion signed to 1501 Certified Entertainment, an independent record label owned by Carl Crawford.

March 2020: Megan Thee Stallion Lawsuit

In March 2020, Megan Thee Stallion sued Carl Crawford and 1501 Certified Entertainment, alleging they were blocking her music releases while refusing to renegotiate or terminate her contract. Crawford denied any wrongdoing, stating that the contract was generous and characterizing the lawsuit as an intimidation tactic.