Mike Napoli

Lore & Background

Napoli was selected in the 17th round (500th overall) of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. He played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians. He holds the all-time single-season records for most strikeouts by both a Red Sox player and an Indians player. In 2009 he led all American League catchers in errors, and in 2016 he led all AL first basemen in errors.

In Their Own Story

The lights hummed over Arlington as Napoli dug in for the at-bat. Dust kicked up from the dirt as he adjusted his gloves, eyes locked on the mound. A thousand fans held their breath, sensing a moment of power was coming. He swung, and the crack echoed through the night air, sending the ball soaring toward the outfield grass.

Reader's Guide

Napoli was primarily a catcher from 2005 to 2012, before spending the remainder of his career as a first baseman and designated hitter. He made his MLB debut on May 4, 2006, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. He was traded to the Texas Rangers in January 2011 and signed with the Boston Red Sox in December 2012. The source does not state that Napoli was an All-Star at any point.

Did You Know?

• Napoli hit a home run in his first Major League at-bat off Justin Verlander.
• He holds the single-season strikeout record for both the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians.
• Napoli led all AL catchers in errors in 2009 and all AL first basemen in errors in 2016.