Sample Player Profile Page

HUDSON, ORLANDO


Nickname:	N/A	Position:	Player Develop.
Home:	Darlington, South Carolina	Team:	DIAMONDBACKS ORG.
Height:	6' 0"	Bats:	S
Weight:	190	Throws:	R
DOB:	12/12/1977	Agent:	Greg Genske
Birth City:	Darlington, South Carolina	Draft:	Blue Jays #43 - 1997 - Spartanburg Methodist College (S.C.)
Uniform #:	N/A		Blue Jays #43 - 1997 - Spartanburg Methodist College (S.C.)

YR	LEA	TEAM	SAL(K)	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	OBP	SLG	AVG
1999	SAL	HAGERSTOWN		132	513	66	137	36	6	7	74	8		42	85			.267
2000	SL	TENNESSEE			134	17	32	4	3	2	15	3		15	18			.239
2000	FSL	DUNEDIN			358	54	102	16	2	7	48	9		37	42			.285
2001	SL	TENNESSEE		84	306	51	94	22	8	4	52	8		37	42			.307
2001	IL	SYRACUSE		55	194	31	59	14	3	4	27	11		23	34			.304
2002	IL	SYRACUSE		100	417	63	127	27	3	10	37	8		35	54			.305
2002	AL	BLUE JAYS	$200.00	54	192	20	53	10	5	4	23	0	1	11	27	.319	.443	.276
2003	AL	BLUE JAYS	$313.00	142	474	54	127	21	6	9	57	5	4	39	87	.328	.395	.268
2004	AL	BLUE JAYS	$322.00	135	489	73	132	32	7	12	58	7	3	51	98	.341	.438	.270
2005	AL	BLUE JAYS	$365.00	131	461	62	125	25	5	10	63	7	1	30	65	.315	.412	.271
2006	NL	DIAMONDBACKS	$2,300.00	157	579	87	166	34	9	15	67	9	6	61	78	.354	.454	.287
2007	NL	DIAMONDBACKS	$3,900.00	139	517	69	152	28	9	10	63	10	2	70	87	.376	.441	.294
2008	NL	DIAMONDBACKS	$6,250.00	107	407	54	124	29	3	8	41	4	1	40	62	.367	.450	.305
2009	NL	DODGERS	$3,365.00	149	551	74	156	35	6	9	62	8	1	62	99	.357	.417	.283
2010	AL	TWINS	$5,000.00	126	497	80	133	24	5	6	37	10	3	50	87	.338	.372	.268
2011	PCL	TUCSON		2	4	4	3	2	0	0	1	0	0	3	0	.857	1.250	.750
2011	CAL	LAKE ELSINORE		4	7	6	4	0	0	1	3	2	0	6	0	.769	1.000	.571
2011	NL	PADRES	$4,000.00	119	398	54	98	15	3	7	43	19	3	49	84	.329	.352	.246
2012	AL	PADRES	$5,500.00	35	123	11	26	0	5	1	11	3	2	8	27	.260	.317	.211
2012	IL	CHARLOTTE		5	16	1	5	1	0	0	1	2	0	1	2	.353	.375	.313
2012	AL	WHITE SOX		51	137	10	27	3	3	2	17	3	1	12	24	.262	.307	.197

Growing up in Darlington, South Carolina, Hudson played "bush league" hardball every weekend with his Dad, Marcus, and his uncles and cousins. But the weekday hours were spent more on schoolwork than ball. "Studying always came first," he said.

Had he not turned pro, Hudson planned to major in sports management and become a coach. That remains his post-baseball plan so he can work more closely with the kids in his community.

Marcus Hudson remembers sitting in his Darlington, S.C., living room, watching a baseball game on television with his family, when his youngest son stood up and said something that stays with the father to this day.

"Mom and Dad, I'm going to be on TV one day, playing baseball."

Orlando Hudson was all of 4 when he blurted out his bold prediction, a dream so many young boys like to share with their parents. But Marcus had an eerie sense that his youngest son's declaration would come true.

He had a feeling earlier that year when he gave little Orlando his first baseball mitt, a "K-mart special," he called it. It came with an Easter basket full of candy, but Orlando shoved the sweets aside and cradled the glove. He'd use it to catch tennis balls bounced off the walls. He'd use it to snag pecans flung into the air from the family tree. He slept with it at night, like other youngsters might with a stuffed animal.

"He fell in love with the game of baseball," Marcus said, smiling proudly. "And now he's one of the best there is in the game." (Bob McManaman-Arizona Republic-2/21/06)
When Orlando was a small guy, he was given the nickname "Headquarters." The reason: "I had a big head and small body," Hudson said.
He was captain of the baseball team in college.
Hudson has an excellent attitude and work ethic. He always gives an all-out, gritty effort when playing�a gamer who shows up to beat you. You want guys like Orlando on your team; he has that determination and believing that it takes to win games, along with joy and passion for the sport itself. Everybody on the team plays better because Hudson is there.
Orlando credits his parents with giving him a great home environment and instilling in him values that would stay with him throughout his life.

"God blessed me with two unvelievable parents," Hudson said. "They taught me that no matter how far you go or how big you are, you are just like everybody else. You are not bigger than the game and you are not bigger than the next man. If you have $100 million you are not bigger than the man who only has two pennies. Always treat people with respect. Always treat people with love."
Orlando is the kind of guy who you'd want your daughter to marry. He has an outgoing personality and is a born leader.

Bob Nelson, Blue Jays' director of baseball operations said of Hudson, "He has the one thing that very few people have, and that's charisma. He can take the people around him and make them better just by his personality. There hasn't been a town he has played in that he couldn't run for mayor."
"Baseball is not everything," Hudson said. "There are some that God blessed with the talent to play. But you also have to have fun. I know I'm a young guy but, going through the minor league system, I liked to keep guys loose. Once you lose the fun, it's not even baseball." He is a breath of fresh air.
After the 2001 season, Orlando played for Team USA in the World Cup in Taiwan, where he hit .429 and led the Americans with 12 runs and seven steals in 10 games.
Hudson caused a stir when he was quoted in a newspaper story describing GM J. P. Ricciardi as a "Smooth cat�smooth-looking cat. He looks like he was a pimp back in the day." Ricciardi told reporters he had confronted Hudson; "It's about respect," J.P. said. Hudson said he meant the statement as a compliment and that he and Ricciardi had talked the situation through. Orlando really is a good-hearted guy.
Orlando is genuine, but there are two sides to him. There�s the confident-bordering-on-cocky Hudson, the one who, soon after joining the minor league SkyChiefs, walked right up to Deion Sanders and set the record straight.

"I�m Prime Time No. 1," Hudson told Sanders. "You are Prime Time No. 2."

It was a gutsy move, but in typical Hudson style it was delivered in such a non-threatening way that all Sanders could do was laugh. In fact, Hudson and Sanders became friends, and they still keep in touch.

The other side of Hudson is more thoughtful and introspective. It�s the side that a young cancer patient had the privilege to see last summer.

When Hudson and some teammates visited sick children at University Hospital in Syracuse, a 10-year-old girl named Charisse gave them small lizards she had made out of beads from an art kit. "She was actually ready to go home when I met her, but she didn't really have a home," Hudson says. The girl asked Hudson to wear his lizard on a necklace every day for good luck, and Hudson promised her he would. Hudson said his visit with Charisse was the best thing that happened to him in 2001.

"You have to thank the Lord for the position you�re in, and not take the game or whatever you do for granted," Hudson said. "Here we are, we�re in a position everybody wants to be in, and we take the game for granted, do crazy stuff on the streets, on the field, off the field, wherever. I try to look at that (lizard) and thank the Lord and pray that she�s healthy."

In 2002, before Hudson went back up to the Blue Jays, Syracuse SkyChiefs manager Omar Malave had a talk with him. He told Orlando to lay low and keep his mouth shut in Toronto, to give the players a chance to get to know him, because anyone who gets to know Hudson realizes his mile-a-minute personality is genuine and he has a heart of gold. Hudson followed Malave's advice and was a perfect fit in Toronto.
Orlando wears his hat slightly askew, in honor of his friend, Pokey Reese. He even did this in his official Major League head-shot in 2002.
Hudson is not beyond calling and letting the people at ESPN know he is a candidate for a Web Gem on a particular night.
In the off-season, Orlando likes to go fishing, and deer hunting. He also likes to just hang out with his daughter, niece, and nephhews.
Hudson said his nicknames are: "O-Dog�from high school. Headquarters�because my head is so big. They also call me Lil Dog."
For TV, Orlando said his favorite shows are, "'Martin,' 'Steve Harvey Show,' and 'Cold Case Files.' I love Lifetime. It's a women's station, but let me tell you something, there's some good movies on there."

How about movies? "One of my favorite movies�you might laugh�but, 'Old Yeller' [smiles]. I must have wore that tape out as a kid. And I still watch it, man. I love 'Scarface,' 'Dead Presidents.'"

And music? "Oh, believe that homeboy, that's straight hip-hop, R&B. Don't get me wrong, I like a little rock. I don't know if you consider 'Creed' rock 'n roll. I like 'Creed.' I like 'Sting,' like Fred Durst. Of course everybody likes Kid Rock. But for the most part, hip-hop and R&B."

And food? "Pork chops, rice, gravy, collard greens, macaroni and cheese." (Scoop Malinowski-MLB.com-5/12/05)
Hudson told Scoop Malinowski this funny, embarrasing incident from when he was in the minors:

"In Double-A, I hit a ball in the left center-field gap that I thought was out. A beautiful stadium in Knoxville when I was in AA. And the people on the hill, they stood up like the ball was going out. So I flipped the bat, had a little pimp goin' on. And I just barely got into second base, I was trotting. Put my head down. I heard some guys yelling, 'Get it! Tag him!' And I just got to the bag on time. The umpire says, 'Safe!' I'm like, 'Safe what? What happened? Where'd the ball go?' It hit the bottom of the wall. So I'm like, 'Aw, man.' Line drive hit the bottom of the wall. So it was pretty funny, everybody was laughin' at me."
Orlando says a prayer before every game.
Hudson has two children; daughter named Kamari, born in 2001, and son Orlando, Jr. who was born early in 2005. The son is known as "Deuce."
One of the things that helps Hudson remain upbeat�that aids him keep things in perspective�is a copy of the book The Greatest Salesman in the World, which can be found in his locker at home or on the road. Its pages are dog eared and its spine has long since been broken, but it's helped Hudson stay together.
Written by Og Mandino in 1968, the book has become a classic over the years. Don't be fooled by the title, the book is more about a philosophy of life than it is about sales.
"It's a real humbling book," Hudson said. "It talks about going through struggles, and right now I'm going through one of those struggles, so it's good. It talks about family and how to separate your job from your family and not bring your work problems home or your home problems to work."
The book was given to him by Tony Batista in 2001, when the pair played for the Blue Jays. Batista told Hudson he should read it before every game, and for the past five years he's done just that. The paperback shows the wear and tear of all the travels, but Hudson has no plans to buy a new copy. He just keeps taping together the old one.
"I've definitely put that book to use," Hudson said. "I recommend it to all players and all fans. It's just a great book with a lot of great things for people in it." (Steve Gilbert-MLB.com-5/11/06)
Orlando is becoming more and more of a leader in the clubhouse. He still talks fast and often, and still gets on his teammates with good-natured digs, which helps to keep them loose.

The O-Dawg talks more on the field than anywhere else. He talks to every player who gets on second base, whether they are safe or out. He talks to the umpires, too. He doesn't leave anyone alone.
On November 22, 2008, Hudson got married to the former Keisa Carr, followed by a nice honeymoon in South Africa. There, he witnessed widespread poverty.

"It makes you appreciate life a lot more than you do," he said. "We have it made here. We can go to nice restaurants. We're so unappreciative."

The trip was Hudson's first to Africa. He said he plans to return to the continent every off-season.
The O-Dog likes being in Hollywood. He likes being around celebrities, for example�something he was able to do in Toronto, where he met actors who were in town shooting movies.

He says he met director Spike Lee a couple of times and calls Deion Sanders, a teammate at Triple-A Syracuse in 2002, one of his closest friends. Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child sang at his wedding in November.

"We can all relate the same way," Hudson said of celebrities. "We all work hard. You see Will Smith, he's dominating movies."
Orlando has a foundation for autism: CATCH (Curing Autism Through Change and Hope). He has a nephew with autism.

"They always got pushed to the side where I grew up," Hudson said of children with autism.
On April 13, 2009, the O-Dog hit for the cycle! He became the first Dodger since Wes Parker did so on May 7, 1970 in New York against the Mets.

TRANSACTIONS
June 1998: Hudson was a draft-and-follow who signed just before the draft, out of Spartanburg Junior College in South Carolina.
December 27, 2005: The Diamondbacks sent 3B Troy Glaus and INF Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays, acquiring Hudson and P Miguel Batista.
January 16, 2007: Hudson signed with the Diamondbacks for $3.9 million, avoiding salary arbitration.
January 18, 2008: Orlando and the D'Backs avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a $6.25 million contract.
November 1, 2008: Hudson filed for free agency.

He was looking for a multi-year deal worth around $10 million a season, but the slow free-agent market, combined with the uncertain condition of his left wrist that he dislocated last season, caused his value to fall.
February 20, 2009: The O-Dog signed a one-year, $3.38 million contract with the Dodgers, with another $4.62 million in possible incentives. It was learned that Hudson will receive deferred payments for a significant part of his one-year, $3.38-million contract. His $380,000 signing bonus will be deferred without interest. The same could be true of $1.45 million of the additional $4.62 million he can earn in incentives based on plate appearances.
November 5, 2009: Hudson filed for free agency.
February 5, 2010: The O-Dog signed with the Twins for a $5 million salary for the 2010 season.
December 19, 2010: Hudson and the Padres agreed on a two-year, $11.5 million contract. He makes $4 million in 2011 and $5.5 million in 2012.
Orlando's contract also calls for an $8 million mutual option for 2013 with a $2 million buyout.
May 17, 2012: The Padres released Hudson, who was hitting .211-1-11.
May 20, 2012: The O-Dog signed with the White Sox.

PERSONAL:

Hudson has the ability to be a switch-hitter, but he is a far better lefthanded hitter. That is rather amazing, because he is a naturally righthanded. The Blue Jays have even thought about having him hit only as a lefthanded batter.

Orlando has great skills with the bat. It is his best tool, and he now takes pitchers deep into counts. He can be a solid table-setter at the top of, or batting second in the lineup. He sprays line drives all over the yard.
When it comes to hitting streaks or slumps, Hudson has the best attitude and mental outlook of perhaps anybody in the game.

When asked if a slump affects his attitude, the O-Dog said, "C'mon man, this is just baseball. There are soldiers dying over in Iraq, there are people in wheelchairs. I'm blessed to be able to play this game. How can I possibly get down. No way."

How about a hitting streak? "You can get three hits in your first three at-bats, but you go up there the fourth time and strike out in a crucial spot and your team loses, so what do those three hits mean? Just focus on every at-bat. It doesn't matter what you did earlier in the game or the game before or the game before that."

Superb attitude�one we should all probably mimic.
On August 6, 2009, Hudson got the 1,000 hit of his career. He said the ball will sit next to the ball he hit for the first and 500th hits of his career.

"It's a great honor, man," Hudson said. "To get 1,000 hits in the Major Leagues, it means I've been here awhile. I've definitely been around. I got my 1,000th hit and a lot of guys can't say that."
Hudson entered the 2013 season with a career .273 batting average and 93 home runs with 542 RBI in 4,825 at-bats.

BATTING:

Orlando used to be a good defensive third baseman, though he is best suited for second base. There he is very adept at turning the double play. He has developed into one of the best defensive second basemen in the game.

Hudson moves to his left as well as anyone, often making diving stops to prevent hits. He does some things other second baseman in the Majors cannot do.

Orlando was a shortstop before turning pro. He has a fine, strong arm, good hands, and agility.
2001: Hudson was voted as best defensive second baseman in the Southern League by the managers. He was also on Baseball America's Minor League All-Star team that year.
Hudson's defensive skills are exceedingly good. He gets the most out of what he has, including his noteworthy ability on the double play pivot and where he positions himself. He has the speed to cover ground at second base.
In 2003, the O-Dog was inconsistent through the opening for six weeks, but settled down after that and on the season made 12 errors.
Orlando is one of the best second basemen in the game at going to his glove side.
2004 spring training: Hudson worked to improve even more in his ability to turn the double play. "I have to get back to the bag a little quicker and I have to stay low (to make a proper pivot)," Orlando said.
He has excellent range on popups.
May 2004: Blue Jays coach Brian Butterfield said he was the best in the American League when he was over there. "He plays to win the game, and it bothers him when he feels like he's done something that kept us from winning. Right now he's at a point in his career where he's too hard on himself," said Butterfield.

GOLD GLOVE WINNER
In 2005, Hudson won a Rawlings Gold Glove. He led his American League peers in both range factor (5.84), and fielding percentage (.991). Orlando only played in 130 games due to injuries, but he led AL second baseman in putouts (302), and ranked fourth in assists (391).
In 2006, Hudson won his second straight Rawlings Gold Glove after he easily led National League second basemen with 833 total chances and 510 assists. Hudson committed 13 errors for a .984 fielding percentage.

The next closest in total chances was the Phillies' Chase Utley with 799; and Utley was also second in assists with 424.
In 2007, the O-Dog won his third Gold Glove. He made 10 errors in 137 games for a .985 fielding percentage.
In 2009, Hudson again won his fourth Rawlings Gold Glove.
Orlando became the sixth infielder in Major League history to win a Gold Glove in each league, joining Bret Boone, J.T. Snow, Robin Ventura, Omar Vizquel, and Matt Williams.

He is also the second Arizona player to capture the award, joining Steve Finley, who garnered the honor in 1999 and 2000.
The O-Dog has passion for the game; his enthusiasm on the field is contagious. And he wants the ball hit to him more than any other player wants the ball hit to him.

"I want the ball hit to me every time," Hudson said. "I want all the outs. I want all 27. I want the action. It's the way I've always been. I've got to have that ball in my hand."
"He takes charge," former Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa said of Orlando. "He has a lot of fun playing the game. His personality rubs off on the kids."

Former teammate Eric Byrnes said of Hudson, "He's a perfect combination of the flashy new-age ballplayer and the old-school style of player."
Before the O-Dog joined the White Sox on May 22, 2012, Orlando Hudson had played no Major League games as a third baseman.
In the Minors, he played 242 games at third base. But primarily, Hudson has been a second baseman throughout his career.
With third baseman Brent Morel out with a back injury, the White Sox needed a third baseman and Hudson filled that void.

FIELDING:

Orlando was an alert baserunner, though his speed is below average.
He has a great aptitude for all aspects of the game.

POST-PLAYING CAREER POSITIONS:
2016: Hudson came back to the Diamondbacks as a player development assistant.

RUNNING:

May 24-June 16, 2004: Hudson was on the D.L. with tightness in his left hamstring.

September 2005: Orlando missed most of the last month of the season with a sprained ankle.
September 10-end of season 2007: Hudson had season-ending surgery on his thumb. A pin was inserted to strengthen the area, and he was in a cast for almost two weeks. The pin was removed October 1, 2007.
May 6-13, 2008: Hudson missed six games because of a strained right hamstring.
August 9, 2008: Pitcher Juan Cruz made an errant throw to second base while Braves catcher Brian McCann was running to the base, and Hudson appeared to injure his wrist while trying to snare the throw. After wincing in pain, Hudson walked off the field, holding his wrist.

And Orlando went on the D.L., undergoing surgery on his left wrist to put a dislocated bone back in place that night, then had a second surgery a couple of days later to repair ligament damage in the area. His 2008 season was over.
April 2009: That Hudson was able to play on Opening Day was somewhat of a miracle. In 2009, the O-Dog consistently made extended backhand plays, and diving catches to his left, that are practically impossible for a guy who can barely bend back the hand connected to his surgically repaired left wrist.

X-rays show he cannot possibly make those plays. His condition will never improve, either. But Hudson is shocking everyone, doctors and the Dodgers organization. And Orlando knew for sure he'd be able to be good.

"I have a bigger doctor upstairs," he said.
May 31-June 18, 2010: Hudson was on the D.L. with a sprained left wrist. He injured his surgically-repaired left wrist in a collision with center fielder Denard Span on the final play of a game against the Texas Rangers on May 30. An MRI of Hudson's wrist the day after the collision had showed no acute [new] damage but the injury has been slower to heal than first expected.
July 25-August 8, 2010: The O-Dog was on the D.L. again. He suffered a strained right oblique muscle while swinging at a pitch.
May 4-20, 2011: Hudson was on the D.L. with a strained right hamstring. He suffered the strain when he doubled to centerfield and thinks he might have strained it as he was starting to make a push for a triple.
May 25-June 19, 2011: The O-Dog suffered a strained right groin while running out an infield hit and went on the D.L. the next day.
August 16-31, 2012: Hudson was on the D.L. with a left foot contusion.

CAREER INJURY REPORT: