Full Name : Jason Gilbert Giambi
Born : January 8, 1971
Hometown : West Covina, California, USA
Height : 6' 3
Weight : 235 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : May 8, 1995 for the Oakland Athletics
Family : wife, Kristian Rice (2 February 2002 - present), Dana Mandela (1998 - 2000) (divorced)
Primary Position : Designated Hitter
For certain athletes, there is one word that can sum up what comes to mind when their name is mentioned: steroids. This is definitely the case for Jason Giambi, one of the most renowned sluggers of all time
In 1995 Giambi debuted with the Oakland Athletics. He saw limited playing time during the early stages of his career, but after the Athletics decided to trade superstar Mark McGwire, Giambi became the every day first baseman. It wasn't long before Oakland fans were able to realize the impact that this athlete would have with the Athletics organization. Giambi demonstrated much patience and pitch selectivity at the plate, making him one of the most feared hitters in the game. In the 2000 season, Giambi finished with career highs in home runs (41) and RBI's (137). He also finished that year batting a stellar .333. As a result of his undisputed success, Giambi was awarded with the American League Most Valuable Player Honors.
After the 2001 season, Giambi became a free agent for the first time in his career. There was no question that he would demand a large sum of money, as he was considered one of the game's most talented hitters. The New York Yankees offered him a 7-year, $120 million deal that he could not pass up. While in pinstripes, Giambi witnessed a steady decline in his power numbers. However, his keen eye at the plate earned him an astounding on-base percentage during his tenure with the Yankees. July 31, 2005, served as a milestone when he belted his 300th career home run. New York fans enjoyed his presence in the dugout, and there is no question that he instilled a feeling of fear in his opponents when he came to the plate.
There has been much controversy surrounding Giambi's success considering that he has admitted to using performance enhancing substances. He has gone on the record to state that he injected himself with human growth hormone during the 2003 season. In 2007, Giambi apologized to the fans and said that the game's reputation has been significantly tarnished as a result of steroid consumption. Commission Bud Selig commanded Giambi to meet with George Mitchell, a leading steroid investigator. There is no telling how he will be punished, but it is possible that a portion of his remaining contract is voided.
In spite of the unfortunate events surrounding his career, Jason Giambi will always be remembered as a threatening slugger at the plate. He has appeared in the All-Star Game on 5 separate occasions, and he has won the Silver Slugger Award twice. Unfortunately, his steroid confessions will most likely prevent him from receiving any Hall of Fame nominations. Even though his actions are considered unjustified, many respect the dignity that Giambi demonstrated when he confessed that he had consumed illegal substances. In short, the impact the Giambi had on the field throughout his successful career will not be forgotten.
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