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.
- Position
- First Baseman
- Tenure
- 1993–2004
- Franchise Record Home Runs
- 336
- Franchise Record RBI
- 1,058
- All-Star Selections
- 2
- Silver Slugger Awards
- 3
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
On September 25, 2003, Delgado etched his name permanently into baseball history during a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In a singular display of power, he became only the 15th player to hit four home runs in one game and the only player to do so in just four at-bats. He launched a three-run shot off Jorge Sosa in the first inning, followed by solo homers off Sosa again in the fourth, Joe Kennedy in the sixth, and Lance Carter in the eighth. That same season, he led the majors with 145 RBI and finished second to Alex Rodriguez for the AL MVP Award. Earlier in his career, on September 7, 2003, he was named AL Player of the Week, showcasing the consistency that defined his Blue Jays era.
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.
Did You Know?
- Delgado is the only player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game using exactly four at-bats.
- He hit at least 30 home runs in ten consecutive seasons starting in 1997, becoming the fourth player to do so.
- Delgado holds the MLB record for career home runs by a Puerto Rican player with 473.
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. He is widely regarded as the most prolific offensive player in franchise history.
What position did Carlos Delgado play for the Blue Jays?
Although he began his career as a catcher, Delgado transitioned to first base and spent his entire Toronto tenure there. He became one of the most feared power hitters at that position in the league.
What franchise records does Carlos Delgado hold?
Delgado still owns the Blue Jays' career home run total (336) and career RBI total (1,058), both accumulated over his twelve-year run in Toronto. No other player has come close to matching those marks.
Did Carlos Delgado play in the 1993 World Series?
No—Delgado was called up in September 1993 and did not see postseason action, but he was still awarded a World Series ring as part of the roster. It remains one of the most talked-about 'ring without a game' stories in Blue Jays lore.
What individual honors did Carlos Delgado earn with Toronto?
During his time with the club, Delgado was selected to the All-Star team twice and won the Silver Slugger Award three times. Those accolades cemented his status as one of the most consistent offensive forces of the 1990s and early 2000s.
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