Torii Hunter

Lore & Background

Born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Hunter attended Pine Bluff High School. He began playing baseball at age eight and football a few years later, excelling as both a quarterback and free safety. In high school, he excelled in baseball, football, basketball, and track, earning All-State honors for his junior and senior seasons. In 1992, he made the U.S. Junior Olympic team and wrote then-governor Bill Clinton a letter for help paying the $500 fee, which Clinton accepted. Hunter opted to play professional baseball instead of attending the University of Arkansas. The Twins selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 1993 draft. He made his MLB debut as a pinch runner on August 22, 1997. Hunter won his first Gold Glove in 2001, was a key player in the Twins' 2002 AL Central title and ALCS appearance, and later signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He hit his 300th career home run on June 16, 2013, while with the Detroit Tigers.

Did You Know?

• Hunter once hit three home runs in a single game against the San Diego Padres on June 13, 2009.
• He robbed Barry Bonds of a home run in the 2002 All-Star Game, a catch later voted the This Year in Baseball Best Defensive Play of the Year.