Hunter Pence, nicknamed "The Reverend," is a retired American professional baseball player. Primarily a right fielder and designated hitter, he played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers. Drafted by the Astros in the second round of the 2004 MLB Draft, Pence debuted in 2007. A four-time All-Star, he notably contributed to two World Series championships with the Giants in 2012 and 2014. His career was marked by consistent performance and contributions to winning teams.
1912: Snodgrass's Consecutive Four-Run Games
In 1912, Fred Snodgrass scored four runs in consecutive games for the Giants, a feat matched by Hunter Pence more than 100 years later in September 2016.
1954: Alvin Dark's 154-Game Streak
In 1954, Alvin Dark played in all 154 games of the season for the San Francisco Giants. This was a notable achievement, and Hunter Pence matched the feat (with the increased number of games) in 2013.
April 13, 1983: Birth of Hunter Pence
Hunter Andrew Pence was born on April 13, 1983.
1998: Barry Bonds' 20-20 Season
In 1998, Barry Bonds became the last San Francisco Giant before Hunter Pence (in 2013) to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in the same season.
2002: Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers
Hunter Pence was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 but did not sign.
2003: College Success at UTA
In 2003, while playing for the University of Texas at Arlington, Pence hit .347 as a sophomore and was named a first-team all-conference outfielder.
2004: Southland Conference Player of the Year
Despite an injury, Hunter Pence was named the 2004 Southland Conference player of the year, hitting .395. He also set a conference record for doubles in a single series (5).
2004: Drafted by the Houston Astros
In 2004, Hunter Pence was drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round of the MLB draft.
2004: Drafted by the Houston Astros and Minor League Season
In 2004, he was drafted by the Houston Astros and played for the Tri-City ValleyCats, contributing to a 50-win season.
2006: Strong Minor League Performance
Pence had a successful season with the Corpus Christi Hooks in 2006, batting .283 with 28 home runs and 95 RBIs.
April 28, 2007: Major League Debut and First Hit
Hunter Pence made his major league debut on April 28, 2007, against the Milwaukee Brewers, getting his first major league hit and run.
2007: Start of AAA Season
In 2007, Pence began the season with the AAA Round Rock Express.
2007: Rookie All-Star Selection
In 2007, Pence was unanimously selected to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team. He also finished third in voting for NL Rookie of the Year.
2007: Major League Debut
Hunter Pence made his MLB debut in 2007 with the Houston Astros.
2009: First All-Star Selection
Hunter Pence was named an All-Star for the first time in 2009.
September 5, 2010: National League Player of the Week
For the week of August 30 - September 5, 2010, Pence was named National League Player of the Week.
July 29, 2011: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
On July 29, 2011, Hunter Pence was traded from the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies.
2011: Strong Finish to the Season and First Playoff Appearance
In 2011, Pence finished fourth in the NL in batting average (.314) and eighth in RBIs (97). He also made his first playoff appearance.
2011: Second All-Star Selection
Pence was selected to the All-Star game for the second time in 2011. He threw out José Bautista from the outfield and scored a run.
July 31, 2012: Traded to the San Francisco Giants
On July 31, 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants.
2012: First World Series Championship
Hunter Pence won his first World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2012.
2012: Inspirational Speeches and World Series Victory
In 2012, Pence's motivational speeches inspired the Giants, ultimately leading to their World Series win.
July 13, 2013: Five-RBI Game and Preserving a No-Hitter
On July 13, 2013, Pence had a five-RBI game and made a diving catch to help preserve Tim Lincecum's no-hitter.
2013: Playing All 162 Games
In 2013, Hunter Pence became the first San Francisco Giants player to start all 162 games since Alvin Dark in 1954 (when the season consisted of 154 games). In 2013, his batting average was .283/.339/.483 and also had 91 runs scored, 27 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases.
2013: Scheuermann's Disease Diagnosis
In 2013, during his physical before signing a lucrative contract with the Giants, Hunter Pence was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease, a spinal condition typically arising in adolescence.
2013: Paleolithic Diet
During the 2013 season, Hunter Pence adhered to a strict Paleolithic diet. There have been varying reports since then regarding his continued adherence to this diet.
2014: NLDS Game 4 Key Play
During Game 4 of the 2014 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Washington Nationals on October 7, Hunter Pence made a crucial leaping catch against the right field wall in the 6th inning, preventing Jayson Werth from getting an extra-base hit. Pence's play helped preserve the Giants' 2-1 lead, contributing to their eventual 3-2 victory.
2014: Second World Series Championship
Hunter Pence won his second World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2014.
2014: World Series Game 4 Performance
On October 26th, 2014 Hunter Pence contributed significantly to the Giants' success in Game 4 of the 2014 World Series. He went 3-for-5 with a double, scored two runs, and had three RBIs. One RBI came from beating out a double play in the first inning, leading to a run. He scored another run on a shallow fly ball caught by Jarrod Dyson, and he made a skillful sliding catch of a bloop hit by Lorenzo Cain in the ninth inning.
March 5, 2015: Forearm Fracture and DL Stint
On March 5, 2015, during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs, Hunter Pence suffered a fractured left forearm after being hit by a pitch. This injury placed him on the disabled list, ending his impressive streak of 383 consecutive games played.
December 3, 2015: Engagement Announcement
On December 3, 2015, Hunter Pence announced his engagement to Alexis Cozombolidis, after proposing at Walt Disney World.
2015: Big League Impact
In 2015, Hunter Pence served as the San Francisco host for Big League Impact, a multi-city fantasy football network founded by Adam Wainwright. The organization raised over $1 million for charitable causes that year.
May 1, 2016: Player of the Week and 200th Home Run
During the week of April 25th to May 1st, 2016, Hunter Pence's performance earned him the title of National League Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career. He hit .421 with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs. Later, on May 14, 2016, he hit his 200th career home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
November 26, 2016: Marriage
Hunter Pence and Alexis Cozombolidis married on November 26, 2016, and reside in San Francisco.
2016: Fuller House Appearance
In 2016, Hunter Pence made a guest appearance as himself on the television show "Fuller House".
May 15, 2017: Hamstring Injury and DL Stint
On May 15, 2017, Hunter Pence was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a left hamstring injury. During the 2017 season, he also recorded the lowest line drive percentage of all major league hitters (13.4%).
2017: Bill Nye Saves the World Appearance
Hunter Pence appeared as a guest on an episode of "Bill Nye Saves the World" in 2017.
April 3, 2018: Thumb Injury and DL Stint
On April 3, 2018, Hunter Pence sprained his thumb while diving for a ball during a game. This injury resulted in him being placed on the 10-day disabled list.
September 30, 2018: Tribute at AT&T Park
On September 30, 2018, the San Francisco Giants held a special tribute for Hunter Pence at AT&T Park during Fan Appreciation Day and Weekend. The event, broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, included speeches from manager Bruce Bochy and Pence himself, reflecting on the season and honoring Pence's contributions to the team.
2018: Willie Mac Award and Contract Extension
On September 27, 2018, Hunter Pence won the Willie Mac Award. The following day, he signed a 5-year, $90 million contract extension with the San Francisco Giants, securing his place with the team through the 2018 season.
February 7, 2019: Signing with Texas Rangers
On February 7, 2019, Hunter Pence signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers, including an invitation to spring training.
February 7, 2020: Return to the Giants
Hunter Pence rejoined the San Francisco Giants on February 7, 2020, signing a one-year, $3 million contract.
August 23, 2020: Designated for Assignment
On August 23, 2020, the Giants designated Hunter Pence for assignment following their acquisition of Daniel Robertson. He was released the next day.
September 26, 2020: Retirement Announcement
On September 26, 2020, Hunter Pence officially announced his retirement from professional baseball.
September 27, 2020: Retirement Celebration
Hunter Pence celebrated his first day of retirement on September 27, 2020, with his wife and friends on a boat in McCovey Cove, near Oracle Park.
July 18, 2021: Broadcasting Debut
On July 18, 2021, Hunter Pence began his broadcasting career as a color analyst for the San Francisco Giants on NBC Sports Bay Area.
March 2022: Joining MLB Network
In March 2022, Hunter Pence furthered his broadcasting career by becoming an analyst for MLB Network.