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Cody Ross
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Cody Joseph Ross (born December 23, 1980), nicknamed "Toy Cannon"[1] and "Ross the Boss,"[2] is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 12 seasons; with the Detroit Tigers (2003), Los Angeles Dodgers (2005–2006), Cincinnati Reds (2006), Florida Marlins (2006–2010), San Francisco Giants (2010–2011), Boston Red Sox (2012), Arizona Diamondbacks (2013–2014) and Oakland Athletics (2015). Ross won a World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2010. He is one of the few Major League players to bat right-handed and throw left-handed.

Key Information

Following high school, Ross embarked on his professional career, getting selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. He reached the Major Leagues in 2003, but suffered a torn ACL which caused him to miss most of September. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers following spring training in 2004, appearing in a handful of games with them in 2005. In 2006, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Florida Marlins. It was in Florida that he finally established himself, as he played with the Marlins through 2010. He was used mainly as a reserve outfielder in 2006 and 2007, but during the 2008 season he took over a starting role. He would be a starting outfielder for the rest of his Marlins career, playing center field or right field. In 2009, he hit a career-high 24 home runs and won the Marlins' Charlie Hough Good Guy award.

During the 2010 season, the Marlins placed Ross on waivers, and he was claimed by the San Francisco Giants. Named their starting right fielder for the 2010 playoffs, he went on to win the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award, hitting five home runs in the postseason while helping the Giants win the 2010 World Series over the Texas Rangers. He re-signed with San Francisco in 2011, batting .240 during the year. In 2012, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 22 home runs while playing every day despite the fact that the Red Sox originally expected him to be a reserve player for them. The Arizona Diamondbacks signed him to a three-year contract in December 2012, but a season-ending hip injury limited Ross to 94 games during his first year with the team.

Early life

[edit]

Cody Joseph Ross was born on December 23, 1980, in Portales, New Mexico. Ross's father was a chiropractor and professional bull rider; and as a youth, Ross wanted to become a rodeo clown. He used to attend his father's bull-riding matches in clown outfits, complete with makeup. He did not give up on the aspiration until his family moved to Dallas, Texas.[3] The Ross family eventually moved back to New Mexico, and Ross played high school baseball at Carlsbad High School.[4] Ross also played football until ninth grade.[5] During high school, he was a Baseball America All-American selection.[4] As a senior, he threw a five-inning perfect game.[6] He graduated in 1999.[4]

Professional career

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Draft and minor leagues

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Ross was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. He began his minor league career that year with the rookie Gulf Coast League Tigers, batting .218 with 31 hits, eight doubles, three triples, four home runs, and 18 runs batted in (RBI) in 42 games.[7] In 2000, he played for the A West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League, getting named the Midwest League Player of the Week from June 18–24 after he scored four runs, had two doubles and a triple, drove in six runs, and batted .636.[4] In 122 games, he batted .267 with 116 hits, 17 doubles, nine triples, seven home runs, 68 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.[7] His nine triples were tied for second in the league. After the season, Baseball America said he had the best outfield arm in the Detroit system.[4]

Ross played for the A-advanced Lakeland Tigers of the Florida State League in 2001. He was the league's player of the week from June 18–24 after stealing four bases and batting .516 with 11 runs scored, three doubles, two home runs, and five RBI. Then, he was named Player of the Week from August 13 to 19 after batting .385.[4] In 127 games (10th in the league), Ross batted .276 with 84 runs scored (fifth), 133 hits (eighth), 34 doubles (second to Matt Padgett's 37), five triples (tied with eight other players for seventh), 15 home runs (tied with Jason Jones for eighth), 80 RBI (seventh), and 28 stolen bases (tied with Josh McKinley for eighth).[8] After the season, Baseball America ranked him the ninth best Tigers' prospect and again said he had the best outfield arm in the organization.[4]

In 2002, Ross played for the AA Erie SeaWolves of the Eastern League, getting named to both the regular season and postseason All-Star teams for the league. He was named the Tigers' Minor League Player of the Month in June after hitting .336 with 29 runs, 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 30 RBI, and 10 stolen bases; he earned the same honor from Topps. A broken toe forced him out of action from July 1 through August 2 and limited him to 105 games.[4] He finished the year with 112 hits, 28 doubles, three triples, 72 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.[7] His 19 home runs were tied with Andy Phillips and Aaron McNeal for ninth in the league.[9] After the season, he played for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League. For the third year in a row, Baseball America said he had the best outfield arm in the Tigers' system.[4]

Ross began 2003 with the AAA Toledo Mud Hens of the International League.

Detroit Tigers (2003)

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On July 4, he was called up by the Tigers. He made his Major League debut that day, going hitless in two at bats before exiting after getting hit by a pitch in the sixth inning as the Tigers lost 9–8 to the Kansas City Royals.[4][10] He got his first hit on July 9, an RBI single against Bartolo Colón in a 4–2 victory over the Chicago White Sox.[11] After he had one hit in four games, he was optioned back to Toledo on July 16 to make room for Danny Patterson, who was returning from the disabled list.[12] From July 27 to 29, and again from August 17 to 18, Ross homered in three consecutive games for the Mud Hens. In 124 games for the Mud Hens, Ross batted .287 with 135 hits, 35 doubles (tied for sixth in the International League with Andy Abad and Luis Rodríguez), six triples (tied for fourth with Ross Gload and Coco Crisp), 20 home runs (tied for third with Brandon Larson behind Fernando Seguignol's 28 and Ernie Young's 21), 61 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.[13] He was recalled to the big leagues in September when rosters expanded.[14] On September 2, he hit a grand slam off Cliff Lee for his first Major League home run in an 8–6 victory over the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Tiger since Milt Cuyler in 1991 to hit a grand slam for his first home run.[15] In that same game, he tore his ACL running to first base, which required season-ending surgery.[16] In six games with the Tigers, Ross had four hits in 19 at bats, including five RBI.[4] Ross was named the Tigers' Minor League Player of the Year, and he was named to Baseball America's postseason All-Star team. For the final time, he was rated as having the best outfield arm in the Detroit organization.[4]

In 2004, Ross was supposed to begin the season in the minors for Detroit. However, with Detroit desperate for bullpen help, Ross was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 1 for relief pitcher Steve Colyer.[17] He was assigned to the AAA Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League, where he was teammates with Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino, whom he went on to face in the 2010 National League Championship Series (NLCS).[18] Injuries marred Ross's 2004 campaign; a knee injury kept him out for two weeks early in the season, he missed time from May 26 to July 15 after smashing his hand in a car door and breaking his finger, and he broke his wrist on August 25 which ended his season.[4] In 60 games, he batted .273 with 65 hits, 17 doubles, 14 home runs, and 49 RBI.[7] Ross spent most of 2005 with Las Vegas. From July 26 to August 11, he hit 10 home runs and had 25 RBI in 17 games.[4][19] In 115 games, he batted .267 with 105 hits, 21 doubles, 22 home runs, and 63 RBI.[7]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2005–2006)

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On June 24, 2005, Ross was recalled by the Dodgers to give them another bat during interleague play.[20] He appeared in 14 games, batting .160 with four hits (one double, no home runs) and one RBI before getting sent back down on July 14 in favor of Steve Schmoll.[4][21] He was not called up in September.[4]

Ross was out of options in 2006 and made the Dodgers Opening Day roster as a backup outfielder only because of an injury to Kenny Lofton. On April 13, he hit a tie-breaking grand slam and a three-run home run in a 13–5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.[19] He batted .500 in eight games for the Dodgers before getting designated for assignment on April 17 to make room for Óscar Robles on the roster.

Cincinnati Reds (2006)

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A week later, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash or a player to be named later (Ben Kozlowski).[22][23]

Ross broke his finger in his debut with the Reds on April 29 and went on the disabled list. He returned to the Reds on May 23 and appeared in one more game before getting traded to the Florida Marlins on May 26 for cash considerations.[24][25]

Florida Marlins (2006–2010)

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2006

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Upon joining the Marlins in 2006, Ross was forced to shave his beard, in order to comply with the Marlins' no-facial-hair policy. Manager Joe Girardi quipped, "Maybe he can put it on top of his head."[26] He was used as a backup outfielder but got many starts at all three outfield positions throughout the year, especially from June 10 through 30, July 21 through August 8, and September 11 through the end of the season.[27] On September 11, Ross hit a three-run home run against David Williams and a pair of two-run home runs against Heath Bell and Royce Ring in a 16–5 win over the New York Mets. His three home runs and seven RBI in the game tied Marlins records.[28] Ross's five home runs and 14 RBI in September were more than he had in any other month that season.[27] In 91 games (250 at bats) with the Marlins in 2006, Ross batted .212 with 53 hits, 11 doubles, 11 home runs, and 37 RBI.[4]

2007

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Again a reserve outfielder in 2007, Ross batted .673 before going on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring on May 6.[29] He returned on July 19 and continued to be used in a variety of roles for the Marlins.[30] For much of the year, he platooned with Alfredo Amézaga in centerfield.[29][30] On April 20, he hit his first career pinch-hit home run against Chad Cordero to tie the Marlins with the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning; however, the Marlins went on to lose 6–5 in 14 innings.[31] Four days later, he homered and had five RBI against Mark Redman in an 11–6 loss to the Atlanta Braves.[32] He had another pinch-hit home run on August 23 against Brad Thompson in an 11–3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.[33] In 66 games (173 at bats), Ross hit .335 with 58 hits, 19 doubles, 12 home runs, and 39 RBI.[4]

2008

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Ross with the Florida Marlins in 2008 spring training

Ross began 2008 platooning with Amézaga again in center field, though Amézaga was eventually replaced by Jacque Jones as Ross's centerfield partner. Ross played against left-handed pitchers as Amézaga and Jones faced right-handers.[34][35] Ross struggled in April, batting .159 with no home runs and two RBI. After receiving a text message from his father at the beginning of May saying he would improve, Ross declared that he was restarting his season and had 10 home runs and 18 RBI in the month.[35][36] During the month, Ross had a stretch where nine out of 10 hits were home runs, becoming the first player to have a streak of that sort since Mark McGwire in 2001.[4] On May 14, he hit a game-tying three-run ninth inning home run against Francisco Cordero in a 10-inning, 7–6 loss to the Reds.[37] Then, on June 7 he hit a game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against Cordero to give the Marlins an 8–7 victory over the Reds.[38] Jones was designated for assignment on June 11, putting Ross in sole control of centerfield.[39] In a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies from July 3 through 6, Ross had 15 RBI, becoming the first player to have that many in a four-game series since Carlton Fisk in 1977. Fourteen of those RBI came from July 4 through 6, the most in a three-game span since Sammy Sosa had 16 in 2002. In 145 games (461 at bats), Ross hit .260 with 120 hits, 29 doubles, 22 home runs, and 73 RBI.[4]

2009

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For the first time in his career in 2009, Ross was a starting outfielder for the entire season. He began the year as the right fielder for the Marlins, who wanted prospect Cameron Maybin to play centerfield.[1] On April 26, he pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the Marlins to finish a 13–2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.[6] After Maybin batted only .202, Ross moved back to centerfield on May 10 when he was sent down.[40] On June 12, he hit his third grand slam of the season against Brandon League to give the Marlins a 7–3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The grand slam tied Bobby Bonilla's and Jeff Conine's record for grand slams in a season by a Marlin.[41] Dan Uggla and he hit back-to-back solo home runs against Kevin Gregg in the ninth inning on August 2 to give the Marlins a 3–2 victory over the Chicago Cubs.[42] On August 16, he set a team record by notching six hits in a doubleheader against the Rockies.[43] Ross returned to right field on August 31 when Maybin was recalled.[40] He set career-highs in most categories in 2009. In 151 games (559 at bats), he batted .270 with 151 hits, 37 doubles, 24 home runs, and 90 RBI. In the daytime, he batted .349, the fourth-highest mark in the NL. Following the season, he was named the Marlins Charlie Hough Good Guy award winner.[4]

2010

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Ross began 2010 in right field, but he moved to center field when Maybin was sent down on June 17.[40] He had four hits on April 7 in a 10-inning, 7–6 victory over the Mets.[44] On May 10, he stole home as part of a double steal with Maybin in a 4–2 victory over the Cubs, marking the first time a Marlin had stolen home since Reggie Abercrombie did so in 2006.[45] Six days later, he again had four hits in a 10–8 victory over the Mets.[4][46] In his first 120 games (452 at bats), Ross batted .265 with 120 hits, 24 doubles, 11 home runs, and 58 RBI.[4] After the Marlins fell out of contention in 2010 and with Ross due for a pay raise the following year, the Marlins put him on waivers in August in order save money and give their young players more playing time.[47]

San Francisco Giants (2010–2011)

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On August 21, 2010, Ross was awarded to the San Francisco Giants on a waiver claim, partly to prevent him from being acquired by the San Diego Padres.[48] He appeared in 33 regular season games for the Giants, batting .288 with three home runs. In 153 games combined with Florida and San Francisco (525 at bats), he batted .269 with 141 hits, 28 doubles, 14 home runs, and 65 RBI.[4] The Giants went on to overtake the Padres late in the season to win the NL West Division title.[49]

Ross was named the Giants' starting right fielder for the playoffs because of a neck injury to José Guillén, according to Bruce Bochy at the start of the postseason.[50] However, it was later revealed that Guillén had been left off the roster after a package of human growth hormone was intercepted as it was being shipped to his house.[51][52] In the ensuing NL Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves, Ross started all four games in right field, hit a home run to tie the deciding fourth game, and drove in the winning runs in two of the Giants' three wins.[53] Ross hit two home runs off of Roy Halladay in Game 1 in the following NLCS against the Phillies,[54][55] and hit a solo home run against Roy Oswalt in Game 2.[56] Following the Giants' Game 6 win of the NLCS, Ross was awarded the MVP award for the series, in which he hit .350 with three home runs, three doubles and recorded five RBI.[57] Three of his five postseason home runs broke up no-hitters. His home run off the Braves' Derek Lowe was the Giants' first hit in Game 4 of the NLDS.[53] His first home run off Halladay in Game 1 of the NLCS, in addition to being the first hit off Halladay in the game, was the first hit off Halladay in 11 innings, as Halladay had thrown a no-hitter in his previous start. Finally, his home run off Oswalt in Game 2 of the NLCS was the Giants' first hit of the game.[58] In Game 3 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers, he hit the first home run for the Giants off Colby Lewis; however, the Giants went on to lose 4–2.[59] He won his first World Series ring as the Giants defeated the Rangers in five games to win their first World Series since 1954.[60]

In 2011, Ross re-signed with the Giants on a one-year contract worth $6.3 million. Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle called it a "mild surprise" that Ross did not sign at least a two-year deal.[61] He began the season on the disabled list with a sprained right calf, but he assumed the Giants' right field job upon his return on April 20.[62][63] On May 10, Ross had a game-ending single against David Hernandez in a 1–0 victory over the Diamondbacks.[64] After May 10, Ross began playing left field most of the time when Pat Burrell was moved to the bench.[65][66] On May 18, Ross hit a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning against Lance Cormier to give the Giants an 8–5 victory over the Dodgers.[67] From August through the end of the year, Ross began moving around between all three outfield positions, only once making four straight starts at the same position.[66] He hit the 100th home run of his career against Alex White on September 16 in a 9–1 victory over Colorado. In the same game, Ross pulled his right hamstring, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.[66][68] In 121 games (405 at bats), Ross hit .240 with 97 hits, 25 doubles, 14 home runs, and 52 RBI. He led the Giants with a career-high 49 walks.[4]

Boston Red Sox (2012)

[edit]
Ross with the Boston Red Sox in 2012

On January 26, 2012, Ross finalized a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. He was supposed to provide depth off the bench, but injuries, particularly to Carl Crawford, led to him holding a starting role for the entire season.[69][70][71] He started almost every day for Boston in all three outfield positions, but mainly right field.[72] On April 14, Ross hit his first home run in a Red Sox uniform, a two-run shot off the Tampa Bay Rays's Dane De La Rosa in a 13–5 Red Sox victory.[73] The next day, Ross hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the second inning off Matt Moore in a 6–4 victory over the Rays.[74] On May 18, 2012, Ross suffered a fractured foot after fouling a ball off his foot. He was placed on the disabled list and expected to miss from six to eight weeks.[75]

On June 19, Ross was activated from the disabled list.[76] His first game back, he hit a home run against Mark Buehrle over the Green Monster at Fenway Park in a 7–5 victory over the Miami Marlins.[77] Five days later, he hit two home runs and had five RBI in a 9–4 victory over the Braves.[78] He hit two consecutive three-run home runs against Pedro Hernández of the White Sox on July 18 in a 10–1 Red Sox victory.[79] The next day, he hit a three-run home run against Addison Reed for a walk-off win against the White Sox.[80] For the season, he had a .267 average, 127 hits, 34 doubles, 22 home runs, and 81 RBI in 130 games (476 at bats).[4]

Arizona Diamondbacks (2013–2014)

[edit]

On December 22, 2012, Ross agreed to a three-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth a reported $26 million, with a club option and a $1 million buyout.[81] An injured left calf caused him to miss the beginning of the season; he made his return April 13.[82] He began the 2013 season playing right field, but in May and for the rest of the season he split time between right and left field.[83] On June 19, he hit a pinch-hit three-run home run against Mike Dunn in a 3–1 victory over the Marlins.[84] He hit a three-run home run against Matt Harvey to put the Diamondbacks ahead 3–2 on July 3; the Diamondbacks would wind up defeating the Mets 5–2.[85] Three days later, he set a career high with five hits and added three runs scored in an 11–1 victory over Colorado.[86] On August 2, he had four hits, two doubles, and three RBI, including a game-winning solo home run against Pedro Beato in a 7–6 victory over Boston.[87] On August 11, Ross dislocated his right hip while running to first base. He was placed on the disabled list and missed the rest of the season.[88] In 94 games (317 at bats) in 2013, Ross batted .278 with 88 hits, 17 doubles, eight home runs, and 38 RBI.[4]

On April 4, 2015, Ross was released by the Diamondbacks.[89]

Oakland Athletics (2015)

[edit]

On April 8, 2015, Ross signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics for the league minimum salary of $507,500, with the Diamondbacks paying the remainder of his salary with them.[90] He was released on May 3, 2015.[91]

Post-playing career

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On May 15, 2016, Ross referred to himself as "not playing anymore" on his Twitter page.[92] In February 2017, he joined the Giants as a spring training instructor,[93] a role he returned to in 2018.[94]

Legacy

[edit]
Ross at the Giants' 2010 World Series victory parade

Ross was a streaky player throughout his career. He described this in 2006: "I have gotten in grooves before, and you try to stay in it as long as you can until it ends. And it does end. I've been notorious for that my whole career, where I'll hit five or six in a week, where it seems like I can't miss the pitch and I feel good in the batter's box."[19] The most famous of these came in 2010, when Ross's hitting in the playoffs helped San Francisco win the 2010 World Series.[81]

Years later, when asked about the two home runs he hit against Roy Halladay in Game 1 of the 2010 NLCS, Ross recalled an earlier encounter from the same season: Roy Halladay's perfect game against the Marlins, for whom Ross played before being acquired by the Giants. "That was one of the most incredible things I've been part of, and I was on the wrong side of it," Ross said. "When I hear his name, I still think of him as the toughest pitcher I've ever faced or seen."[94]

During his career, Ross has earned a reputation for bringing energy to his teams and being a positive influence to his teammates.[81] He has been a fan favorite in his career, especially in Florida and San Francisco, where he earned the nicknames "Toy Cannon" and "Ross the Boss", respectively.[1][2]

Ross bats right-handed and throws left-handed; one of the rarest dominant bats/throws combinations in the history of Major League baseball. The only position player in the Baseball Hall of Fame with this combination of "bats/throws" is Rickey Henderson, who, like Ross, also had stints with the Dodgers, Red Sox and Athletics.[95]

Personal life

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Ross and his wife, Summer,[5] live most of the year in Scottsdale, Arizona, with their three children: Hudson,[96] Haven Leigh,[97] and Harley. His father, Kenny, played strong safety at the University of New Mexico but became a chiropractor and bull rider after undergoing three knee surgeries in college.[5] Ross has a sister, Sarah, who was a long-jumper and basketball player growing up.[16] Ross' cousin, Trevor Rogers, plays in MLB.[98]

Further reading

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cody Ross

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cody Joseph Ross (born December 23, 1980) is an American former professional baseball who played twelve seasons in (MLB) from 2003 to 2015. Known for his gritty play and clutch postseason performances, Ross compiled a career of .262 with 132 home runs and 508 runs batted in across 1,073 games. After retiring, he returned to the Giants organization as a instructor in 2017. Born in , and raised in Carlsbad, Ross was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 1999 MLB Draft out of Carlsbad High School, where he earned Baseball America High School All-American honors. He made his MLB debut with the Tigers on July 4, 2003, before being traded to the in 2004, where he established himself as a regular in 2005 and 2006. Midseason trades in 2006 sent him to the and then the Florida Marlins, with whom he spent the next four seasons as a key contributor, highlighted by a career-best performance on September 11, 2006, when he hit three home runs and drove in seven runs against the , tying Marlins franchise records. Ross's career peaked during his time with the Giants, whom he joined after being claimed off waivers in August 2010; he re-signed as a for 2011. In the 2010 postseason, he batted .286 in the NLDS but exploded in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting three home runs—including two off ace in Game 1—to earn NLCS MVP honors with a .350 average and five RBIs, helping propel to the , which they won in five games over the Texas Rangers. Following stints with the Boston Red Sox in 2012 and Arizona Diamondbacks from 2013 to 2014, Ross played his final season with the in 2015 before retiring due to lingering hip injuries. His cousin, pitcher Trevor Rogers, was a first-round draft pick in 2017.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Cody Joseph Ross was born on December 23, 1980, in Portales, New Mexico, to parents Kenny Ross, a chiropractor who also competed as a professional bull rider, team roper, and steer wrestler, and his wife. The Ross family relocated from Portales to the Dallas area in Texas during Cody's early childhood, where his father established his chiropractic practice while continuing to participate in rodeo events across Texas and New Mexico; this move exposed young Cody to a dynamic family environment blending professional healthcare, rugged cowboy traditions, and local sports culture. The family later returned to New Mexico, settling in Carlsbad, where Cody was raised amid the supportive influences of his parents' involvement in community athletics and rodeo, fostering his initial athletic inclinations. During his early years, Ross was deeply immersed in his father's world, traveling to events and even aspiring to become a , complete with clown makeup and baggy pants as he ran around arenas; however, around age 10, after the move to , he shifted his focus to , gaining early exposure through family encouragement and local youth leagues in the area. This transition marked the beginning of his passion for the sport, setting the stage for his later development. Ross is also related to extended family in , including his cousin Trevor Rogers, a left-handed currently with the Baltimore Orioles.

High school baseball career

Cody Ross attended Carlsbad High School in , from 1996 to 1999, where he emerged as a standout in . During his high school career, Ross set school records with 35 home runs and 29 pitching victories, demonstrating exceptional power at the plate and dominance on the mound. As a senior in 1999, Ross posted an undefeated 11-0 record with a 0.68 as a pitcher, contributing significantly to the team's success. He earned national recognition that year, including selection as a first-team All-American by and a spot on America's high school All-American team, highlighting his prowess as a prospect. Ross helped lead the Carlsbad Cavemen to state championships in 1998 and another during his high school tenure, showcasing his impact in key games. Supported by his , who attended every game, and guidance from local coaches, Ross chose to forgo college and enter the 1999 MLB Draft directly out of high school.

Professional career

Draft and minor league development

Cody Ross was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round, 117th overall, of the out of Carlsbad High School in . He signed with the organization shortly thereafter and began his professional career that summer in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he hit .218 with four home runs in 42 games, marking an initial adjustment period to professional pitching after his high school success. In 2000, Ross advanced to Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps in the , posting a .267 with seven home runs and 116 hits across 122 games, demonstrating improved consistency and plate discipline. The following year, at High-A Lakeland Tigers in the , he refined his power hitting, slashing .276/.337/.461 with 15 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 127 games, earning recognition as the Tigers' No. 9 prospect and the organization's top outfield arm according to Baseball America. Ross's development accelerated in 2002 at Double-A in the Eastern League, where he overcame early-season inconsistencies to finish with a .280 average, 19 s, and a .508 in 105 games, earning selection to both the midseason and postseason teams. His time in Erie highlighted growing positional versatility across all three spots, with a focus on right and center field, while emphasizing his strong throwing arm and gap power against advanced pitching. By this point, Ross had transformed from a raw high school draftee into a polished prospect, having boosted his output from single digits to double figures annually since 2001. Although Ross made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2003 after a strong Triple-A stint at Toledo (.287 average, 20 home runs in 124 games), he spent most of that year in the minors honing his skills. On April 1, 2004, the Tigers traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor league pitcher Steve Colyer, concluding his Tigers affiliation after five seasons. Across his minor league tenure with Detroit from 1999 to 2003, Ross appeared in 520 games, batting .269 with 65 home runs, establishing a foundation of contact hitting and emerging power that defined his professional profile.

Early MLB stints (2003–2006)

Ross made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers on July 4, 2003, against the at , where he went hitless in two at-bats and was hit by a pitch. Over the remainder of the 2003 season, he appeared in six games for the Tigers, primarily as a and , posting a .211 with one and five RBIs in 19 at-bats. His lone came on July 12 against the Cleveland Indians, a solo shot off Jason Davis that contributed to a 7-2 Tigers victory. Following the 2003 season, Ross was traded to the on April 1, 2004, in exchange for pitcher Steve Colyer as part of a larger transaction. He spent the entire 2004 season in the minors with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s of the , where he hit .273 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs in 60 games, refining his outfield skills and plate discipline. Ross received a September call-up to the Dodgers in 2005 but saw limited action in 14 games, batting .160 with no home runs and one RBI in 25 at-bats, often serving as a late-inning defensive replacement amid stiff competition from established outfielders like and . In 2006, Ross began the season with the Dodgers, appearing in eight games before being traded to the on April 24 for a (later identified as pitcher Ben Kozlowski). During his brief Dodgers stint that year, he showed promise with a .500 , two home runs, and nine RBIs in 18 at-bats, including a multi-hit game against the Padres on April 19. With the Reds, Ross played just two games, going 1-for-5 with a .200 average and no extra-base hits, as the team sought to bolster its depth but quickly moved him again. On May 26, he was sold to the Florida Marlins, marking the end of his fragmented early major league assignments. Throughout his early MLB years from 2003 to mid-2006, Ross faced significant challenges, including frequent shuttling between the majors and minors, intense positional competition in crowded outfields, and the steep learning curve of facing elite pitching after strong minor league performances. These experiences honed his resilience, as he adapted to bench roles and sporadic opportunities across three organizations. Over 30 major league games in this period (excluding his subsequent Marlins tenure), Ross batted .260 with three home runs and 15 RBIs, providing glimpses of his potential as a versatile right-handed hitter despite the limited plate appearances.

Florida Marlins tenure (2006–2010)

Cody Ross joined the Florida Marlins midway through the 2006 season when the team purchased his contract from the on May 26 for cash considerations or a . In 91 games with the Marlins that year, primarily as a reserve , Ross batted .212 with 11 home runs and 37 RBI, providing power off the bench and marking his transition to a more consistent major league role. A highlight came on September 11, 2006, when he hit three home runs against the in a 16-5 victory, becoming the second Marlins player to achieve the feat in franchise history. Ross's 2007 season was limited to 66 games due to a strained left injury that sidelined him from May 6 to July 19, but he posted a strong with 12 home runs and 39 RBI in limited action, often serving as a platoon player in under manager . By 2008, Ross emerged as an everyday starter, primarily in center and right field, appearing in 145 games and hitting .260 with a career-high 22 home runs and 73 RBI while contributing to the Marlins' 87-75 record. His improved plate discipline and speed—he stole 9 bases—solidified his value as a versatile capable of batting leadoff or in the middle of the order. In 2009, Ross enjoyed his most productive year with the Marlins, playing all 151 games and batting .270 with personal bests of 24 home runs, 90 RBI, and 151 hits, helping the team stay in the National League Wild Card race until late in the season despite finishing third in the NL East at 87-75. He continued as the primary , occasionally shifting to right field, and his consistent contact hitting and gap power became staples of the Marlins' lineup. The 2010 campaign saw Ross maintain solid production in 120 games before the Marlins placed him on waivers; he batted .265 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI, often leading off to set the table for the offense. On August 22, the Giants claimed Ross off waivers, ending his Marlins tenure after 573 games in which he hit .265 overall with 80 home runs and 297 RBI.

San Francisco Giants years (2010–2011)

On August 22, 2010, the San Francisco Giants claimed Cody Ross off waivers from the Florida Marlins, acquiring him for the remainder of the season at a prorated salary of approximately $1 million. In his 33 regular-season games with the Giants, Ross provided steady production in the outfield, batting .288 with three home runs and seven RBIs while helping stabilize the lineup during a tight NL West pennant race. Ross's impact escalated dramatically in the 2010 postseason, where he batted .294 with five home runs and 10 RBIs over 15 games, becoming a central figure in the Giants' championship run. In the against the Phillies, Ross earned MVP honors after slashing .350/.423/1.000 with three home runs and five RBIs in six games, including two homers off Phillies ace in Game 1—a series in which he accounted for three of San Francisco's first four home runs. His performance broke up potential no-hitters multiple times and provided critical offensive firepower against Philadelphia's vaunted rotation. In the against the Texas Rangers, Ross continued his heroics with timely hitting, including an RBI single in the fifth inning of Game 1 that extended San Francisco's lead during an 11-7 victory, contributing to the Giants' first title since 1954. Following the championship, Ross re-signed with the Giants on a one-year, $6.3 million contract for , reflecting his value as a versatile and clubhouse presence. That season, he appeared in 121 games, primarily in left field, batting .240 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs while posting a .730 and providing defensive support with eight assists. After the Giants finished 92-70 but missed the , Ross became a and signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Boston Red Sox on January 26, 2012. Ross's tenure with the Giants fostered a positive team culture, earning him the enduring nickname "Toy Cannon" for his compact frame (5'10") and unexpected power surges that energized the roster. His seamless integration into the lineup, including key run-producing moments like driving in rookie with a single in Game 1 of the NLDS, helped build chemistry among the "misfit" group of waiver claims and role players that propelled the championship drive.

Later team affiliations (2012–2015)

Following his successful tenure with the Giants, which culminated in a World Series championship, Cody Ross signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Boston Red Sox on January 26, 2012, where he served as the primary . In 130 games that season, Ross batted .267 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs, providing solid power from the right side of the plate amid Boston's tumultuous year. His performance earned him fan appreciation in a rebuilding phase for the Red Sox, though he often platooned against left-handed pitchers. Ross entered free agency after the 2012 season and signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 22, 2012, positioning him as a key outfield contributor alongside players like . In 2013, he appeared in 94 games, hitting .278 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs before suffering a severe right hip injury on August 11, when he dislocated and fractured the hip while running to first base against the . The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year, marking a significant setback in his mobility and power output. Returning ahead of schedule in mid-April 2014, Ross played in 83 games for but struggled with lingering effects from the hip surgery, including multiple stints on the disabled list that limited his at-bats and defensive versatility. He posted a .252 with just two home runs and 15 RBIs, often relegated to a role against left-handers due to reduced speed and occasional . The Diamondbacks released him on April 4, 2015, citing ongoing hip concerns that hampered his performance. Ross briefly signed a minor-league deal with the Oakland Athletics on April 8, 2015, and was called up to the majors, but managed only nine games with a .091 average (2-for-22) before being designated for assignment on May 2 and released three days later. Over his final four seasons (2012–2015), spanning 316 games across three teams, Ross maintained a .260 batting average with 32 home runs, but persistent injuries and shifting platoon assignments contributed to a gradual decline in his everyday role.

Post-playing career

Retirement announcement

After being released by the Oakland Athletics on May 3, 2015, following a brief and unproductive stint in which he batted .091 over 9 games, Cody Ross did not return to or affiliated . His last MLB appearance came on May 1, 2015, against the Texas Rangers. Ross's 12-year professional career concluded with 1,073 , a .262 , 132 home runs, and 508 RBI across eight teams. In the immediate aftermath, Ross focused on life in , where he resides with his wife and three young children. By 2018, he had expressed gratitude for his journey in the sport, highlighting the support from teams, teammates, and that sustained him through injuries and transitions, while stating he had no intention of resuming full-time play. Ross ultimately stepped away from competitive , marking an informal end to his playing days.

Instructional and coaching roles

Following his retirement from after the 2015 season, Cody Ross transitioned into instructional roles with the Giants, leveraging his experience as a postseason standout to mentor younger players. In February 2017, Ross joined the organization as a instructor in , where he focused on guiding outfielders and developing young hitters through drills and advice drawn from his 12-year MLB career. His contributions emphasized practical techniques for outfield positioning and hitting adjustments, helping to bridge the gap between prospects and major league expectations. Ross returned to the Giants in the same capacity for the 2018 , again sharing insights from his 2010 NLCS MVP performance and championship run to inspire the team's roster. This included one-on-one sessions with players on handling high-pressure situations, reflecting his value as a relatable mentor who had overcome status to excel in October baseball. However, Ross has not pursued or accepted a full-time MLB coaching position since 2018, prioritizing family life with his three young children in . The shift from player to instructor presented challenges for Ross, including adapting to a teaching-oriented mindset after years of personal performance focus, though he described the role as a natural fit for imparting lessons from his career. In post-retirement discussions, Ross expressed openness to occasional instructional opportunities but emphasized no immediate interest in year-round commitments, allowing flexibility for his post-playing pursuits.

Legacy

Statistical highlights and playing style

Over his 12-season career spanning 2003 to 2015, Cody Ross appeared in 1,073 games, compiling a .262 with 904 hits, 132 home runs, 508 runs batted in, and a .768 percentage. His overall offensive production was league-average, as reflected in a 103 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), indicating he generated runs at a rate roughly equivalent to the typical major league hitter when adjusted for ballpark and era. Defensively, Ross contributed positively in the outfield during several seasons, including 13 (DRS) in 2008 and 18 in 2013, though his career total DRS stood at -14 per metrics, highlighting variability due to injuries and positional shifts. Ross reached key milestones, including his 100th career on September 16, 2011, against Colorado Rockies Alex White while with the San Francisco Giants. He notched his 500th RBI on July 13, 2012, during a game against the Giants as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Among his strongest regular-season performances, 2008 with the Florida Marlins featured a .260 average, 22 , and 3.1 wins above replacement (WAR), while 2007 saw him hit .335 with 12 in 66 games. In 2010, he posted a .275 average with the Marlins before being claimed off waivers by the Giants in late August, where he hit .288 over 38 games. As a right-handed batter who threw left-handed—a rare combination among outfielders—Ross was known for his streaky hitting tendencies, often driven by fluctuations in on balls in play (BABIP). His pull power was a hallmark, enabling him to thrive in hitter-friendly parks like Fenway, though he occasionally adjusted to go the opposite way for key hits. Early in his career, Ross displayed above-average speed with 33 stolen bases, but he later emphasized contact and gap power over baserunning, contributing to his reputation as a reliable option against left-handed pitching. Injuries, including strains and back issues, disrupted his consistency across multiple seasons, limiting him to fewer than 100 games in seven of his 12 years. This regular-season profile extended into the postseason, where his power and hitting amplified his impact.

Postseason impact and awards

Cody Ross's most significant postseason contributions came during the playoffs with the Giants, where he emerged as a key performer after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Marlins in late August. In the (NLDS) against the , Ross batted .286 with one and three RBI over four games, helping the Giants advance. His performance elevated in the (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he hit .350 (7-for-20) with three s and five RBI, earning him the NLCS Award for his pivotal role in the Giants' 4-2 series victory. In the against the Texas Rangers, Ross batted .235 with one and two RBI across five games, including a crucial RBI single in Game 1 that contributed to the Giants' early lead in their eventual 4-1 series win and first championship since 1954. Despite the lower , his timely hits underscored his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments as part of the championship roster. The following year, Ross made a brief appearance in the 2011 NLDS against the , going 1-for-5 with one RBI in two games before the Giants were eliminated, marking his final postseason outing. Ross received no major individual honors like Gold Gloves during his career, but his 2010 heroics earned him the enduring nickname "," reflecting his unexpected rise from waiver claim to playoff standout. His postseason legacy is defined by this underdog narrative, transforming a midseason acquisition into a central figure in the Giants' triumph and cementing his reputation for clutch play in .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Cody Ross is married to Summer Ross. The couple has two children: sons Hudson and daughter Haven Leigh. Throughout his career, Ross's provided essential support amid frequent travels between cities and teams, with Summer often managing household responsibilities and the children participating in sports and school activities to maintain normalcy. In his post-retirement life, the has remained a central focus, allowing Ross to prioritize time with his children as they grow. Ross's extended family includes his cousin Trevor Rogers, a left-handed who debuted in with the in 2021. His father, Kenny Ross, had a background in as a team roper, steer wrestler, and professional bull rider, which influenced Cody's early interest in the sport and instilled a sense of toughness and resilience that carried into his athletic pursuits.

Residence and community involvement

Following his retirement from Major League Baseball in 2015, Cody Ross has resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his family. He relocated to the area in the early 2010s, drawn by its family-oriented environment and close proximity to the Arizona Diamondbacks' spring training facilities at Salt River Fields. This choice allowed Ross to balance his professional commitments during his final playing years with the Diamondbacks while establishing a stable home base. Ross has remained active in community initiatives in Scottsdale and broader , focusing on development and local support programs. In 2014, he participated in Arizona Diamondbacks community events, playing alongside Little League children at Salt River Fields to promote access for young players. Earlier, during his tenure with the team, he contributed to the Diamondbacks Foundation's "Evening on the Diamond" fundraiser, which raised a record $1.8 million for and community causes. Post-retirement, Ross joined local efforts in 2021 to renovate a shelter in Scottsdale, collaborating with former players and the Crain Family Foundation to provide resources for affected families. In his post-playing career, Ross has prioritized a low-key lifestyle centered on and personal interests, steering clear of extensive media engagements. He has pursued as a primary , frequently sharing updates from Scottsdale courses, while investing in local business ventures to sustain a comfortable routine. This approach reflects his emphasis on away from the spotlight of .

References

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  52. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2014/2/22/5437708/d-backs-play-little-league-at-salt-river-fields
  53. https://www.ahwatukee.com/community_focus/luis-gonzalez-inspires-little-leaguers-on-opening-day/article_2b67dc72-9e4a-11e3-9d12-001a4bcf887a.html
  54. https://www.mlb.com/news/evening-on-the-diamond-fundraiser-a-hit-for-d-backs/c-43483532
  55. https://www.scottsdale.org/neighboors/domestic-violence-shelter-re-do-a-joint-effort/article_b430d0d2-802d-11eb-8be8-27b8f1020c28.html
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTkgvhLib6A
  57. https://www.instagram.com/codyross7/?hl=en
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