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Danny Ardoin
Danny Ardoin
Danny Ardoin
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Daniel Wayne Ardoin (born July 8, 1974) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played five seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2000 to 2008 for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.[1]

Key Information

Early life

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Ardoin attended Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte, Louisiana, where he played for Scott Carter and helped lead the Trojans to a state title in 1992. He was also a letterman in football, baseball, golf and track. In baseball, he was named the Class AA Most Valuable Player as a senior. Ardoin was heavily recruited as a senior by the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds, but chose to play JUCO ball at Texarkana Junior College, and then attended McNeese State University.

Professional career

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Early career

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Ardoin was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 1995 MLB draft, and made his professional baseball debut with the Southern Oregon A's in the Northwest League. He made his way up through the A's farm system from 1996 to 2000, playing for the Modesto A's, Visalia Oaks, Huntsville Stars, Vancouver Canadians, and Sacramento River Cats.

On July 31, 2000, the A's traded Ardoin to the Minnesota Twins for Mario Valdez, and he was assigned to the AAA Salt Lake Buzz.

Minnesota Twins

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After only three games with the Buzz, Ardoin made his major league debut on August 2, 2000 against the Baltimore Orioles, going hitless in two at-bats with three walks and a run scored. He played in 15 games with the Twins that year, finishing with a .125 batting average. He hit his first major league home run (his only one of the season) in the first inning on August 10 off the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Tanyon Sturtze.

He spent the entire 2001 season at AAA with the Edmonton Trappers, hitting .255 in 302 at-bats and then became a free agent.

Kansas City Royals/Texas Rangers

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Ardoin signed with the Kansas City Royals in December 2001 and played 25 games with the Omaha Royals before they released him. He was soon picked up by the Texas Rangers and played for their farm teams, the Tulsa Drillers and Oklahoma RedHawks. He spent two more seasons with Oklahoma, before getting another shot at the majors in late 2004 with the Rangers, appearing in six games for the team and getting one hit in eight at-bats.

Colorado Rockies

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Ardoin next signed with the Colorado Rockies as a free agent in 2005 and began the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. He was called up to the Rockies because of poor performance by the starting catcher J.D. Closser and an injury to backup Todd Greene. Ardoin set career highs in every offensive category, despite playing regularly in only the second half of the season. He compiled a .229 batting average with 6 home runs and 22 runs batted in.

The 2006 season began with Ardoin slated for a platoon catching role with free agent acquisition Yorvit Torrealba; however, with Torrealba injuring his shoulder during spring training, Ardoin assumed the starting role. Although Ardoin was one of the top defensive catchers in baseball, his offense struggled during the first two months of the 2006 season. In his first 94 at-bats, Ardoin hit for a .191 batting average with no home runs and two runs batted in.

Ardoin strained his left knee while tagging out Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder José Cruz Jr. on a play at home plate, and he was placed on the disabled list on May 27. Closser was recalled from the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate to fill in during Ardoin's absence. When Ardoin returned from his injury, the Rockies optioned Closser back to Triple-A; however, after being back with the Rockies for five games, Ardoin was designated for assignment on August 25, 2006, clearing a roster spot for rookie prospect Chris Iannetta.

Baltimore Orioles

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On August 30, Ardoin was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. He was immediately thrust into action with injuries to Orioles starting catcher Ramón Hernández and backup catcher Chris Widger. He appeared in only five games with the O's and recorded one hit in 13 at-bats before being released in September.

Nationals/Astros/Cardinals

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Ardoin signed a minor league contract by the Washington Nationals prior to the 2007 season and was invited to spring training. He did not make the club and was traded to the Houston Astros for pitcher Wade Robinson on March 26. Ardoin spent the 2007 season in the minor league organizations of the Astros (Round Rock Express) and the St. Louis Cardinals (Memphis Redbirds).

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Ardoin began the 2008 season with the Las Vegas 51s, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. On May 20, 2008, his contract was purchased by the Dodgers and he was recalled after backup catcher Gary Bennett was placed on the disabled list. Ardoin made his Dodgers debut on May 27 in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs. He stayed in the bigs as Russell Martin's lone backup and was named to the Dodgers playoff roster after they clinched the National League West, but did not play in the playoffs.

In the offseason, the Dodgers signed three-time Gold Glove winner Brad Ausmus to be the new backup catcher, and transferred Ardoin to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes where he was scheduled to back up prospect A. J. Ellis. Ardoin got hurt and spent most of his final professional season on the minor league disabled list.

Personal life

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Ardoin lives with his wife Hope and four children in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. Currently Ardoin works at Mike Willis Ford in Sulphur, Louisiana as the General Manager.

Ardoin's son, Silas, graduated high school in 2019 and went on to catch for the University of Texas Longhorns baseball team, advancing to the College World Series in 2021 and 2022.[2] Silas was selected in the 4th round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, 107th overall by the Baltimore Orioles.[3]

References

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Danny Ardoin

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from Grokipedia
Danny Ardoin is an American former professional baseball catcher known for his journeyman career in Major League Baseball, where he appeared in 165 games across five seasons between 2000 and 2008 for five different teams. He primarily served as a backup catcher, compiling a career batting average of .206 with 8 home runs and 35 RBI. Born on July 8, 1974, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, Ardoin attended McNeese State University and was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 1995 MLB Draft. After progressing through the minors, he made his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins on August 2, 2000. He later played for the Texas Rangers in 2004, the Colorado Rockies from 2005 to 2006 (with a brief stint with the Baltimore Orioles in 2006), and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, with his most extensive playing time coming in 2005 when he appeared in 80 games for Colorado. Ardoin's career spanned multiple organizations, reflecting the challenges faced by many backup catchers in maintaining consistent big-league opportunities. He is also noted as the father of Silas Ardoin, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2022.

Early life

Birth and family background

Daniel Wayne Ardoin was born on July 8, 1974, in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Limited public information is available regarding his early family background, including details about his parents or siblings. Some sources list his birthplace as Mamou, Louisiana, a nearby town in Evangeline Parish, though Ville Platte is cited by official MLB records. No verified details on parental occupations or other family members from his birth family appear in reputable baseball databases or biographical profiles.

Education and early interests

Danny Ardoin attended Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte, Louisiana, where he played catcher on the baseball team. Rather than entering professional baseball directly out of high school, Ardoin pursued further education and continued his baseball development at the collegiate level. He began at Texarkana College in Texarkana, Texas. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 41st round of the 1993 MLB Draft from Texarkana College but did not sign. He was drafted again by the Cleveland Indians in the 39th round of the 1994 MLB Draft from Texarkana College but did not sign. He then transferred to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he played college baseball. Ardoin's focus on the sport during this period culminated in his selection by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 1995 MLB Draft.

Career

Danny Ardoin played professional baseball as a catcher, making his Major League Baseball debut with the Minnesota Twins on August 2, 2000, and appearing in 165 games across five non-consecutive seasons for five teams from 2000 to 2008. He played exclusively as a catcher, with 132 starts and 488 plate appearances, compiling a career batting line of .206/.296/.307 with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs. His most extensive MLB playing time came with the Colorado Rockies in 2005 and 2006, where he appeared in 120 games combined. In 2005, he played 80 games with 66 starts, batting .229 with 6 home runs and 22 RBIs, contributing 1.1 WAR. He played 35 games for Colorado in 2006 before being designated for assignment midseason. Ardoin debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 2000 (15 games), returned briefly with the Texas Rangers in 2004 (6 games), played 5 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2006 after leaving Colorado, and finished his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 (24 games). After his final MLB season in 2008, Ardoin had limited involvement in professional baseball before retiring, including possible minor league activity in 2009. He has since remained connected to the sport through coaching at youth and amateur levels. Since 2015, Ardoin has served as head coach of Bullet Baseball, a club and travel baseball organization based in Louisiana. His coaching allows him to mentor young players using his experience from professional baseball. Outside baseball, Ardoin has worked in the automotive industry, including as General Manager at Mike Willis Ford in Sulphur, Louisiana.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Danny Ardoin is married to Hope Ardoin, and the couple resides in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. The couple has four children: sons Drew Ardoin, Silas Ardoin, and Samuel Ardoin, along with daughter Erin Claire Ardoin. Their daughter Erin Ardoin played college softball as a member of the McNeese State Cowgirls, where she was identified as the daughter of former professional baseball player Danny Ardoin. The family's athletic involvement extends to their sons, with Drew having played baseball at Lamar University, Silas having played catcher for the University of Texas Longhorns and later selected in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles, and Samuel having played baseball for the University of Texas.

Interests and activities outside work

Danny Ardoin resides in Moss Bluff, Louisiana, with his wife Hope and their four children. His family maintains a strong athletic tradition, with his sons Drew and Silas having played college baseball at Lamar University and the University of Texas, respectively, and his daughter Erin having competed in college softball at McNeese State University. The Ardoin family engages in competitive backyard baseball games as a tradition, with Danny actively participating as an opponent alongside his children. These games are highly competitive, helping family members like his youngest son Sam approach baseball with a sense of fun and relaxation even in high-pressure situations. Beyond his family activities, limited public information is available about other specific interests or hobbies Ardoin pursues outside his baseball career.

Legacy and recognition

Industry impact

Danny Ardoin established himself as a defensively capable backup catcher during his MLB career, particularly noted for his arm strength in deterring and throwing out base runners. Over 165 games behind the plate from 2000 to 2008, he posted a career caught stealing percentage of 37.4% (with 37 runners thrown out against 62 stolen bases), well above the approximate league average of 28.6% during his active seasons. His strongest defensive showing came in 2005 with the Colorado Rockies, where he appeared in 80 games and caught 48.9% of would-be base stealers while posting a .988 fielding percentage. These contributions helped provide reliable depth for multiple teams, including the Twins, Rangers, Rockies, Orioles, and Dodgers, in limited but important reserve roles. Following his retirement after the 2008 season, Ardoin has sustained his involvement in baseball through coaching, emphasizing the development of young players' technical skills and mental resilience. He has led competitive summer programs such as Team Louisiana Ardoin, deliberately entering them into high-level wood-bat tournaments to expose athletes to more challenging conditions that reveal swing flaws and promote better adjustments. Ardoin has focused on teaching control of attitude and effort, perseverance through failure, and strategic decision-making, stating that these lessons prepare young men for success both on and off the field. His coaching extends to his family, including sons who have advanced to Division I collegiate programs, thereby contributing to the growth of talent in Louisiana and beyond.

Notable mentions

Danny Ardoin is occasionally referenced in baseball retrospectives as an example of a dependable journeyman catcher who provided valuable depth to major league rosters during the 2000s. His career is sometimes highlighted for his defensive contributions, particularly his strong throwing arm that yielded a career caught stealing percentage of 37.4%. While Ardoin did not achieve widespread fame or major accolades, his name appears in some discussions of utility players who navigated multiple organizations successfully.

Filmography

Film credits

Danny Ardoin has one known film credit, appearing as himself in the documentary Bluetopia: The LA Dodgers Movie (2009). Directed by Timothy Marx, the film chronicles the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2008 season, during which Ardoin served as a catcher for the team, and features interviews and appearances from various players and staff. This documentary marks his only listed motion picture involvement based on available industry records. No other feature films or narrative movies feature him in any credited role.

Television credits

Danny Ardoin has one known television credit, appearing as himself in his role as a professional baseball player. He was featured in a 2008 episode of the ESPN series Sunday Night Baseball, credited as the Los Angeles Dodgers catcher.

Other media appearances

Danny Ardoin has made occasional appearances as himself in baseball-related media productions during and shortly after his playing career. He appeared in the 2009 documentary Bluetopia: The LA Dodgers Movie, which explored the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2008 season, their diverse fanbase, and the cultural significance of Dodger Stadium during the team's 50th anniversary in Los Angeles. He also featured as himself in one episode of the ESPN series Sunday Night Baseball in 2008, credited in connection with his role as catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. No additional media appearances, such as commercials, podcasts, or non-baseball-related interviews, are documented in available industry sources.
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