Carlos Delgado

Puerto Rican slugger, Blue Jays legend, and four-home-run game hero.

Carlos Juan Delgado Hernández (born June 25, 1972) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball primarily as a first baseman, from 1993 to 2009, most prominently as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was a member of the 1993 World Series-winning team, won the 2000 American League (AL) Hank Aaron Award, and was the 2003 AL RBI leader. He was also a two-time AL All-Star player and a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner during his tenure with the Blue Jays.

Quick Facts

Position: First baseman
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Born: 25 June 1972
Birthplace: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: October 1
Debut year: 1993

Lore & Background

Delgado holds the Major League Baseball record for career home runs by a Puerto Rican player with 473. He is one of only six players in Major League history to hit 30 home runs in ten consecutive seasons, becoming the fourth player to do so. During his 12 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, Delgado set many team records, including home runs (336), RBI (1,058), walks (827), slugging percentage (.556), on-base plus slugging (.949), runs (889), total bases (2,786), doubles (343), runs created (1,077), extra base hits (690), times on base (2,362), hit by pitch (122), intentional walks (128) and at bats per home run (14.9). Delgado also played for the Florida Marlins and New York Mets. In 2006, he was named the recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. On February 4, 2015, Delgado was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Reader's Guide

Delgado was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He signed with the Blue Jays in 1988. He made his major league debut on October 1, 1993, drawing a walk in his first career plate appearance. Though he didn't play in the 1993 postseason, he was awarded a World Series ring. Originally a catcher, Delgado played left field in 1994 and 1995 before switching to first base. Starting in 1997, he hit at least 30 home runs in ten consecutive seasons. He won the Hank Aaron Award in 2000, and the Silver Slugger Award in 1999, 2000, and 2003. On September 25, 2003, Delgado became the 15th major league player to hit four home runs in one game, and is the only player to hit four home runs with only 4 at-bats in a game. He led the Majors with 145 RBI in 2003. He signed with the Florida Marlins in 2005, then was traded to the New York Mets in November 2005. He played for the Mets through 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Carlos Delgado?

Carlos Delgado is a Puerto Rican slugger who spent twelve seasons (1993–2004) as the Blue Jays' primary run-producer at first base.

What position did Carlos Delgado play for the Blue Jays?

Originally a catcher, Delgado played left field for the Blue Jays in 1994 and 1995 before moving to first base. He became one of the most feared power hitters at that position in the league.