History of Sean Casey (baseball) in Timeline

Sean Casey, nicknamed "the Mayor", is a former MLB first baseman, coach, and current media personality. He played for several teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Boston Red Sox, earning three All-Star selections. In 2023 he was the hitting coach for the New York Yankees. Since retiring, Casey has worked as an analyst for MLB Network since 2009. He also hosts "The Mayor’s Office with Sean Casey" podcast, interviewing figures from sports and entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2, 1974: Sean Casey's birth

On July 2, 1974, Sean Thomas Casey, later nicknamed "the Mayor," was born. He became a professional baseball player, coach, and media personality.

1993: Freshman Year at Richmond

In 1993, during his freshman year at Richmond, Sean Casey achieved a .386 batting average, a .447 on-base percentage, and a .526 slugging percentage, along with two home runs. He was recognized as a freshman All-American and second team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

1994: Sophomore Year at Richmond

In 1994, during his sophomore year, Sean Casey batted .371 with a .656 slugging percentage, hit 13 home runs, and recorded 57 runs batted in. He earned first team All-CAA honors.

1995: Junior Year Achievements

During the 1995 season as a junior, Sean Casey achieved a .461 batting average, leading all Division I players. He was named first team All-CAA, won the CAA Player of the Year, and was also named a Second Team All-American and ECAC Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the CAA Triple Crown.

1995: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians

In 1995, Sean Casey was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the second round as the 53rd overall selection. He started his professional career with the Watertown Indians.

1996: Promotion to Kinston Indians

In 1996, Sean Casey was promoted to the Kinston Indians of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, where he hit .331 with twelve home runs.

1997: Promotion to Cleveland Indians

In 1997, Sean Casey started with the Akron Aeros and was later promoted to the Buffalo Bisons before being called up to the Cleveland Indians in September. He also won the Lou Boudreau Award.

March 30, 1998: Trade to the Cincinnati Reds

On March 30, 1998, Sean Casey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Dave Burba.

April 3, 1998: Injury During Batting Practice

On April 3, 1998, Sean Casey suffered an orbital fracture after being hit in the eye with a ball during batting practice with the Cincinnati Reds, leading to surgery and a rehab assignment.

1998: Ranked as a top prospect

Prior to the 1998 season, Baseball America ranked Sean Casey as the No. 20 prospect in baseball.

May 19, 1999: All-Star Game Selection and Breakout Season

In 1999, Sean Casey was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time and had a breakout offensive season, batting .332 with 25 home runs and 99 RBIs. He also won the Hutch Award.

May 19, 1999: Reds Defeat Rockies in High-Scoring Game

On May 19, 1999, Sean Casey contributed significantly to the Reds' 24-12 victory over the Colorado Rockies, hitting two home runs and reaching base seven times. The Reds' 24 runs tied for the fourth-highest run-scoring output in MLB history.

2003: Induction into the CCBL Hall of Fame

In 2003, Sean Casey was inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the league during his time with the Brewster Whitecaps.

December 8, 2005: Trade to Pittsburgh Pirates

On December 8, 2005, Sean Casey was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed pitcher Dave Williams.

2005: Grounded into Double Plays

During the 2005 season, Sean Casey grounded into 27 double plays, tying him with A. J. Pierzynski for the most grounding into double plays by a National League left-handed batter in a season.

April 14, 2006: Back Injury

On April 14, 2006, Sean Casey left a game due to two fractures of the transverse process in his lower left back and was subsequently placed on the disabled list.

July 31, 2006: Trade to Detroit Tigers

On July 31, 2006, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Sean Casey to the Detroit Tigers for minor league pitcher Brian Rogers.

May 16, 2007: Voted Friendliest Player

On May 16, 2007, Sean Casey was voted "the friendliest player in baseball" by fellow players in a Sports Illustrated poll, garnering 46% of the vote.

February 5, 2008: Signing with the Boston Red Sox

On February 5, 2008, Sean Casey signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox.

April 9, 2008: Starting First Baseman for Red Sox

On April 9, 2008, after Mike Lowell's injury, Sean Casey became the starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, performing well both defensively and offensively.

August 26, 2008: Induction into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame

On August 26, 2008, Sean Casey was inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame.

January 25, 2009: Retirement Announcement and MLB Network Position

On January 25, 2009, Sean Casey announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 34. He then accepted a position as a baseball analyst for MLB Network.

January 29, 2009: Induction into Kinston Professional Baseball Hall of Fame

On January 29, 2009, Sean Casey was inducted into the Kinston Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.

July 3, 2009: Color Commentator for Red Sox

On July 3, 2009, Sean Casey filled in as a color commentator for Jerry Remy, calling a game for his former team, the Boston Red Sox.

2009: Broadcasting career with MLB Network

In 2009, Sean Casey transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a commentator for MLB Network. This role continues to this day.

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January 14, 2011: Color Commentary for Reds Telecasts

On January 14, 2011, the Cincinnati Reds announced that Sean Casey would provide color commentary for 15 telecasts on Fox Sports Ohio during the 2011 season.