Full Name : Jose Bernabe Reyes
Born : June 11, 1983
Hometown : Utrera, Spain
Height : 5' 9
Weight : 160 lbs
Bats : Switch
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : June 10, 2003 for the New York Mets
Family : wife, Katiuska
Primary Position : Shortstop
Not many players are capable of matching the performance that Jose Reyes brings to baseball. Born on June 11, 1983, Reyes has already established himself as one of the game's most notable lead-off hitters. Recognized for his speed on the base paths and his tremendous range as a shortstop, there is no question that Reyes is an offensive spark plug. Pitchers fear walking him knowing that he is almost guaranteed to end up on second base. One of the most threatening hitters at the top of the lineup, Reyes has brought Major League Baseball to a new level.
Ironically, Reyes debuted for the New York Mets on June 10, 2003, just one day before his 20th birthday. He immediately demonstrated that he was an impact player, and Mets fans began to respect his wholehearted effort. In just his first year, Reyes compiled a .307 batting average and set a record by hitting safely in 17 consecutive games, the most ever by a National League rookie. He also impressed many with his glove by finishing the year going 35 consecutive games without committing one error. His presence on the field was becoming recognized throughout all of Major League Baseball, and Mets fans loved to watch him play.
Unfortunately, during his first few years Reyes suffered from a range of injuries that limited his playing time. In 2003 he tore a ligament in his ankle while sliding into second base that shelved him for the last month of the season. Luck was not on his side the following year either; prior to the 2004 season during spring training Reyes strained his hamstring which put him on the disabled list until June. 2005 was his first healthy year, and it was during this season that Mets fans learned of his lightning speed on the base paths. That season, Reyes swiped 60 stolen bases and belted 17 triples, demonstrating that he was a legitimate top-of-the-order threat.
While many were happy with Jose's performance on the field, he knew that in order to be a successful lead-off hitter he had to show more patience at the plate. In 2005 he put up an on-base-percentage of just .300, which was extremely low for a player of his caliber. During the off-season he worked with Rickey Henderson, one of the game's greatest shortstops, to improve his ability of getting on base. His lessons were a success; in 2006 Reyes almost doubled his walk total when he finished with 53, a significant increase from the 27 that he took the previous season.
No doubt an impact player, Reyes will go down as one of the most agile athletes to step on the field. He was selected to the all-star team for the first time in 2006, and many believe that he is the future premier shortstop of Major League Baseball. Fans love him for the enthusiasm that he brings to the game, and pitchers approach him carefully knowing that he is a lively threat on the base paths. Baseball fans will have plenty to look forward to as Jose Reyes continues to shine throughout his career.
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