Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau
Morneau with the Colorado Rockies
Free agent
First baseman / Designated hitter
Born: (1981-05-15) May 15, 1981 (age 35) New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Bats: Left Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 10, 2003, for the Minnesota Twins
MLB statistics (through 2016 season)
Batting average	.281
Hits	1,603
Home runs	247
Runs batted in	985
Teams
Minnesota Twins (2003–2013) Pittsburgh Pirates (2013) Colorado Rockies (2014–2015) Chicago White Sox (2016)
Career highlights and awards
4× All-Star (2007–2010) 2× Silver Slugger Award (2006, 2008) AL MVP (2006) Home Run Derby Champion (2008) NL batting champion (2014)

Justin Ernest George Morneau (born May 15, 1981) is a Canadian professional baseball designated hitter who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. At 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 220 pounds (100 kg), Morneau was drafted as a catcher by the Twins in 1999. He converted to first base in the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2003. Morneau has held that position throughout his career and in 2007 became the first Twin since Gary Gaetti in 1987–1988 to hit 30 home runs in consecutive seasons.

A four-time All-Star, Morneau was named the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the 2006 season by helping the Twins win their fourth division title in five years. He finished runner-up for MVP in 2008 and won two Silver Slugger Awards. Additionally, Morneau won the 2008 Home Run Derby and the 2014 National League (NL) batting title. Internationally, Morneau represented Canada at the 2006, 2009, and 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Midway through the 2010 season, Morneau suffered a concussion while sliding into second base. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Up to that point, he was the fan voted leader to start the All-Star Game at first base and a leading candidate for his second AL MVP award. Despite making the opening day roster in 2011, Morneau dealt with numerous injuries and sustained another concussion during the season that limited his production. Morneau has recovered from his ailments and has since split time between designated hitter and first base.