History of Jacoby Ellsbury in Timeline
Jacoby Ellsbury is a retired American baseball player known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. He played center field professionally from 2007 to 2017, winning two World Series championships with the Red Sox. Ellsbury holds the distinction of being the first Major League Baseball player of Navajo descent, representing the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
1912: Tris Speaker's Stolen Base Record
Tris Speaker made his mark on the Red Sox franchise in 1912 by stealing 52 bases, a record at the time.
1924: Freddie Lindstrom's World Series Feat
In 1924, rookie Freddie Lindstrom achieved a remarkable feat by recording four hits in a World Series game.
1929: Earl Clark's Defensive Feat
In 1929, Earl Clark of the Boston Braves achieved a remarkable defensive feat by recording 12 putouts in a nine-inning game.
1946: Joe Garagiola's World Series Performance
In 1946, Joe Garagiola, a rookie, showcased his skills in the World Series by achieving four hits in a single game.
1973: Tommy Harper's Stolen Base Record
Tommy Harper set a Red Sox franchise record in 1973 by stealing 54 bases in a single season.
1977: Lyman Bostock's Defensive Record
Lyman Bostock, while playing for the Minnesota Twins in 1977, tied the major league record for outfielders with an impressive 12 putouts in a single game.
1979: Tim Raines' Stolen Base Record
Tim Raines set a major league record in 1979 by stealing an impressive number of consecutive bases.
1980: Jerry Remy's Stolen Base Feat
In 1980, Jerry Remy achieved a notable feat by stealing four bases in a single game for the Red Sox.
September 11, 1983: Birth of Jacoby Ellsbury
Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury was born on September 11, 1983. He is an American former professional baseball center fielder of Navajo descent.
1992: Roberto Kelly's Catcher's Interference Record
In 1992, Roberto Kelly set a single-season MLB record by reaching base eight times on catcher's interference, a record later surpassed by Jacoby Ellsbury.
2001: Derek Jeter's Straight Steal of Home
In 2001, Derek Jeter successfully executed a straight steal of home, the last such instance for the Yankees until Ellsbury's feat in 2016.
2002: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Collegiate Summer Baseball
Jacoby Ellsbury was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002 but opted to continue playing college baseball. That same year, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Bend Elks of the West Coast League.
2004: Collegiate Summer Baseball with the Falmouth Commodores
In 2004, Jacoby Ellsbury played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
July 14, 2005: Professional Debut with the Lowell Spinners
Jacoby Ellsbury began his professional baseball career on July 14, 2005, playing for the Lowell Spinners in the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League.
2005: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox
In 2005, Jacoby Ellsbury was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round as the 23rd overall pick.
July 12, 2006: Promotion to the Portland Sea Dogs
Ellsbury was promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs of the Class AA Eastern League on July 12, 2006. This followed a period of strong performance with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, including tying a franchise record by stealing four bases in a single game.
September 2007: First Major League Home Run and Rookie of the Month
In September 2007, Jacoby Ellsbury hit his first MLB home run in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. His performance during this month also earned him the title of MLB's American League Rookie of the Month.
2007: Postseason Breakthrough and World Series Triumph
During the 2007 postseason, Jacoby Ellsbury excelled as the Red Sox's starting center fielder. He hit .360 in 11 games, contributing significantly to their World Series victory against the Colorado Rockies. Notably, he became the first rookie to hit two doubles in a single World Series inning (Game 3). His four hits in that game put him among an elite group of rookies with such a performance in the World Series. This marked Ellsbury's first championship title.
2007: Major League Debut with the Boston Red Sox
In 2007, Jacoby Ellsbury made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox, becoming the first Native American of Navajo descent to play in MLB.
2007: Call-Up and Major League Debut, First Hit, and First Stolen Base
In 2007, after a period with the Pawtucket Red Sox, Jacoby Ellsbury was called up to the MLB. He made his debut in center field against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park, wearing number 46, and got his first hit, an infield single. His first career stolen base came off pitcher Brandon McCarthy and catcher Gerald Laird of the Rangers.
2008: Breakout Season and Stolen Base Prowess
Ellsbury started the 2008 season as a top prospect and made his mark with a strong performance. He hit his first career multi-home run game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on April 22. His exceptional base-stealing ability was on full display, as he stole 25 consecutive bases before being caught in May. He finished the season with an American League-leading 50 stolen bases, setting a new Red Sox rookie record and solidifying his place among the franchise's all-time single-season stolen base leaders.
2008: Mixed Postseason Performance
Ellsbury's performance in the 2008 postseason was a mix of highs and lows. He excelled in the ALDS, hitting .333 with a .400 OBP and three stolen bases, including a historic three-run single in Game 3. However, his production dipped in the ALCS, where he went hitless in the first three games and was eventually benched.
2008: Representing Native American Heritage
In 2008, Jacoby Ellsbury stood as one of only three active non-Hispanic Native American players in Major League Baseball, sharing this distinction with Kyle Lohse and Joba Chamberlain. His presence in the league served as a source of pride and representation for Native American communities.
2008: Religious Beliefs
In 2008, The Boston Globe reported on Jacoby Ellsbury's religious background, stating that while he was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he and his brothers stopped attending services during his teenage years.
2008: First American League Stolen Base Title
Jacoby Ellsbury achieved his first American League stolen base title in 2008.
April 12, 2009: Defensive Prowess and Franchise Records
Jacoby Ellsbury's exceptional defense in center field was on full display in 2009. He played his 179th consecutive regular-season game without an error on April 12, 2009, setting a new franchise record for outfielders. He went on to break Coco Crisp's record for most errorless total chances by a Red Sox center fielder. His remarkable defensive consistency continued until June 17 when he committed his first error after a streak of 232 errorless games.
2009: Second American League Stolen Base Title
Ellsbury won his second consecutive American League stolen base title in 2009.
2009: First Career Steal of Home
In 2009, Jacoby Ellsbury accomplished his first career steal of home while playing against Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees.
2009: Stolen Base Crown and Defensive Accolades
Jacoby Ellsbury's speed and defensive prowess earned him accolades in 2009. He led the American League with an impressive 70 stolen bases, further cementing his reputation as one of the game's premier base stealers. His exceptional defense earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award in MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards. He also led the league with 10 triples.
2010: Charity Wine Release
In 2010, Jacoby Ellsbury released a Zinfandel wine called ZinfandEllsbury through Charity Wines, donating 100% of the proceeds to The Navajo Relief Fund, Project Bread: The Walk for Hunger, and the Ellsbury Read Project.
2010: Injury-Plagued Season
Jacoby Ellsbury's 2010 season was marred by a significant injury. A collision with teammate Adrián Beltré in April resulted in hairline fractures to four of his left ribs. Despite attempts to return, he was placed on the disabled list multiple times due to lingering pain and soreness. This injury ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season, cutting short his promising year.
2011: Career High Home Run Season
In 2011, Jacoby Ellsbury had the highest home run count of his career, surpassing his totals from all other seasons.
2011: American League Comeback Player of the Year and Other Accolades
In 2011, Jacoby Ellsbury was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year. He was also named to the American League All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award, and became the first Red Sox player in history to join the 30–30 club. He was runner-up to Justin Verlander for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
2011: Career-Best Season and Accolades
Jacoby Ellsbury had a phenomenal 2011 season, setting career highs in several offensive categories, including home runs (32), hits (212), RBIs (105), runs (119), and batting average (.321). He led the American League in several offensive categories, showcasing his power-speed combination. Ellsbury's exceptional season earned him numerous accolades, including his first Gold Glove Award, a Silver Slugger Award, and the American League Comeback Player of the Year award. He also finished second in the AL MVP voting.
April 13, 2012: Shoulder Injury Sidelines Ellsbury
On April 13, 2012, while attempting to break up a double play, Jacoby Ellsbury collided with Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Reid Brignac. This collision resulted in a shoulder injury that forced him to miss significant time. He was placed on the disabled list with a subluxation of the shoulder, marking another setback in his career.
December 2012: Marriage to Kelsey Hawkins
Jacoby Ellsbury married Kelsey Hawkins in December 2012.
October 31, 2013: Strong Postseason Run and Free Agency
Jacoby Ellsbury played a crucial role in the Red Sox's 2013 World Series victory. He hit .500 in the ALDS, .318 in the ALCS, and contributed to their championship run with timely hitting in the World Series. Following the season, on October 31, 2013, his contract with the Red Sox expired, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.
December 3, 2013: Yankees Sign Ellsbury to Lucrative Deal
On December 3, 2013, Jacoby Ellsbury agreed to terms with the New York Yankees on a seven-year, $153 million contract, a testament to his talent and value as a player. This deal made him one of the highest-paid outfielders in baseball and marked a new chapter in his career.
2013: World Series Championship with the Red Sox and Move to the Yankees
Ellsbury won his second World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. Following this victory, he signed a seven-year, $153 million contract with the New York Yankees.
April 22, 2014: Return to Fenway Park
On April 22, 2014, Jacoby Ellsbury played against his former team, the Boston Red Sox, at Fenway Park for the first time since joining the Yankees, receiving a negative reception from Red Sox fans.
June 2014: Donation to Oregon State University
In June 2014, Jacoby Ellsbury donated $1 million to his alma mater, Oregon State University, contributing to a $3 million renovation project at Goss Stadium, leading to the Beavers' new home locker room being named the Jacoby Ellsbury Locker Room in his honor.
2014: Chris Young's Steal of Home
In 2014, Chris Young successfully executed a steal of home as part of a double steal, marking the last successful attempt by a Yankee before Ellsbury's straight steal in 2016.
2014: Start of Time with the New York Yankees
Jacoby Ellsbury began playing for the New York Yankees in 2014 after signing with them following the 2013 season.
May 20, 2015: Right Knee Sprain and Disabled List Placement
On May 20, 2015, Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a right knee sprain, having batted .324 in 148 at-bats prior to the injury.
July 8, 2015: Return from Injury and Struggles
Jacoby Ellsbury returned from a right knee sprain on July 8, 2015, but experienced a difficult end to the season, batting .224 in 74 games and losing his starting position.
April 22, 2016: Straight Steal of Home
On April 22, 2016, Jacoby Ellsbury achieved a straight steal of home against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the first successful attempt by a Yankee since Chris Young in 2014 and the first straight steal of home since Derek Jeter in 2001.
April 28, 2017: First Career Grand Slam
On April 28, 2017, Jacoby Ellsbury hit his first career grand slam, contributing to a Yankees victory against the Baltimore Orioles, marking his 100th career home run.
2017: Last Season with the New York Yankees
Ellsbury's last season playing for the New York Yankees was in 2017.
March 19, 2018: Sidelined with Injuries
The Yankees announced on March 19, 2018, that Jacoby Ellsbury wouldn't be ready for Opening Day due to a right oblique strain, later revealing diagnoses of a hip ailment and requiring surgery for a torn labrum in his left hip, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
2018: Sidelined by Injury
Jacoby Ellsbury was unable to play in 2018 due to injury.
November 20, 2019: Release from the Yankees
On November 20, 2019, Jacoby Ellsbury was released by the New York Yankees.
2019: Season-Ending Injuries
Jacoby Ellsbury spent the 2019 year battling injuries, starting on the injured list due to a foot injury, later dealing with plantar fasciitis and a shoulder injury, ultimately leading the Yankees to rule him out for the entire season.
2020: Contract Dispute and Release
The Yankees released Jacoby Ellsbury in 2020, leading to a contract dispute over his $21 million salary, which they initially refused to pay, claiming he received unauthorized medical care.
2021: Contract Dispute Resolution
In 2021, the contract dispute between Jacoby Ellsbury and the Yankees was resolved, with arbiters siding with Ellsbury, resulting in the team paying the remaining owed money on his contract, which was widely criticized as one of the worst in Yankees history.
