Torii Hunter
Five-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove center fielder, and Angels special assistant.
Torii Kedar Hunter (born July 18, 1975) is an American former professional baseball center fielder and right fielder. Hunter currently serves as Special Assistant to Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Detroit Tigers from 1997 through 2015. Hunter was a five-time All-Star, won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as a center fielder, and was a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- Role
- Center Fielder
- Tenure
- 2008–2012
- Jersey Number
- 48
- Accolades
- Gold Glove Winner, All-Star Selection
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
The September heat hung heavy over Angel Stadium as the seventh-inning stretch approached. Torii Hunter adjusted his cap, scanning the gap in left-center field where a rookie pitcher had just lofted a foul popup. The crowd roared, sensing another potential out. He sprinted backward, eyes locked on the spinning white sphere against the orange sunset. A diving extension, leather snapping shut against the grass—safe. He stood up slowly, brushing off the dirt as the Angels dug deeper into their division lead.
Reader's Guide
Hunter wore number 48 throughout his major league career. He was a five-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger. He served as Special Assistant to the Angels general manager after his playing career.
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.
- Hunter wrote a letter to then-governor Bill Clinton to help pay the $500 fee for the U.S. Junior Olympic team.
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