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Lyle Overbay
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Lyle Stefan Overbay (born January 28, 1977) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers from 2001 through 2014.
Key Information
College career
[edit]Overbay attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he played college baseball for the Nevada Wolf Pack baseball team.
Professional career
[edit]Draft and minors
[edit]Overbay was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 18th round of the 1999 MLB draft.[1] While playing in the farm system, he was named Diamondbacks minor league player of the year in 2001.[2]
Arizona Diamondbacks
[edit]Overbay made his Major League debut on September 19, 2001. Overbay appeared in two games, getting one hit out of two plate appearances during his brief stint in the majors in 2001.[3] He was also part of the Diamondbacks' postseason roster to serve as a backup first baseman and eventually won the World Series over the Yankees.[4]
During the 2002 season, Overbay played mostly in the minors and only played in 10 games in the majors.[3]
Overbay first played with the Diamondbacks as the full-time first baseman in 2003. He played in 86 games, batting .276 with four home runs and 28 RBI.[3] He was sent down to Triple-A Tucson in June, but was called up in September to be part of the 40-man roster expansion. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers during the off-season.[2]
Milwaukee Brewers
[edit]Overbay was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers on December 1, 2003, in a trade that sent Richie Sexson and Shane Nance to Arizona for Overbay, Craig Counsell, Junior Spivey, Chris Capuano, Chad Moeller, and Jorge de la Rosa.[5] During the 2004 season, Overbay batted .301 with 16 home runs, 87 RBI, and a major league-leading 53 doubles.[3]

In 2005, Overbay hit 19 home runs, surpassing his 2004 total of 16.[3] On July 23, he had a career high 6 RBI against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting two home runs, including a grand slam.[6] This feat was also the most in a season by a Brewer. He played very well against the Reds, batting .431 with six home runs and 18 RBI. He was traded to the Blue Jays in the off-season.[2] He was a fan favorite in Milwaukee. When Overbay stepped up to plate, fans would do the "O chant." Fans would raise their hands over their heads in an "O" symbol – some brought cardboard cut outs of the letter "O" – and would chant a prolonged "O" sound to honor Overbay. Overbay said of the chant, "The "O" chant doesn't break my concentration. Sometimes it gets me too pumped up because I want to come through and give the fans something to cheer about, instead of just chanting. But overall, I think it's cool that I get that treatment from Brewers fans."[7]
Toronto Blue Jays
[edit]On December 7, 2005, Overbay was traded from the Brewers along with pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Gabe Gross and pitchers Dave Bush and Zach Jackson.[8] Although the trade was acknowledged as a needed acquisition for the Blue Jays,[9] Overbay did not have the statistical impact hoped for, at least beyond 2006. From 2007 to 2008, Overbay statistically trailed Bush in the sabermetric categories wins above replacement player and value over replacement player.[10][11]
On July 5, 2006, Overbay was named American League Player of the Week after hitting .423 and hitting four home runs during the week of June 26 to July 2, 2006.[12] In 2006, he had a career season, batting .312 with 22 home runs, 92 RBI and 181 hits, which were all career-highs.[3] He also had 46 doubles, which was tenth among the major leagues.[2]
On January 15, 2007, the Toronto Blue Jays signed Overbay to a four-year contract, buying out his final two arbitration-eligible years, and his first two years of free agency, with a $24 million contract.[13] On June 4, 2007, Overbay was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox. The pitch was a high and inside fastball that ran in and hit him in the hand, resulting in a fracture that was estimated to sideline him for four to six weeks.[14] He was on the disabled list until July 12, 2007, rejoining the Blue Jays after the All-Star break.[15] After his return, he struggled at the plate, especially with hitting for power.
Overbay set a new team record on May 25, 2008, by reaching base in his 12th consecutive plate appearance after walking on a full count in the second inning. The previous record holder was Tony Fernández who reached base 11 straight times. That season, he was criticized by fans for his penchant to ground into double plays. He finished 2008 tied for seventh overall in this category, with 24.[16] Overbay is also one of only 15 players to hit into an unassisted triple play, serving up Asdrúbal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians on May 12, 2008.[17]
On June 8, 2009, Overbay was again named American League Player of the Week after leading the Major League in both batting average and slugging.[18] He was also named the 2009 American Legion Graduate of the Year.[19]
Pittsburgh Pirates
[edit]
On December 14, 2010, Overbay signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[20] After batting .227 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs in 103 games, he was designated for assignment on August 1, 2011,[21] and released on August 5.[22]
Second stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks
[edit]On August 13, Overbay re-signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, replacing the injured Xavier Nady.[23] The Diamondbacks paired Overbay with Paul Goldschmidt, who Overbay mentored.[24]
On December 8, 2011, Overbay signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks.[25] He was used mostly as a pinch hitter. On July 30, Arizona designated Overbay for assignment.[26] They then released him on August 6.[27]
Atlanta Braves
[edit]On August 20, 2012, the Atlanta Braves signed Overbay to a minor league contract. He was called up when the rosters expanded on September 1, 2012.[28]
Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
[edit]
On January 13, 2013, the Boston Red Sox announced that Overbay had been signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.[29] He was released by the Red Sox on March 26, 2013, and signed by the New York Yankees to a minor league deal later that day.[30][31] On March 31, the Yankees added Overbay to their 25-man active roster.[32]
On May 10, 2013, Overbay went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a two-run home run, 5 RBI, and two runs scored in an 11–6 win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.[33] On June 3, he made his first career start in right field.[34] On June 26, the Yankees announced that Mark Teixeira was going to undergo season-ending wrist surgery, allowing Overbay to be the everyday first baseman for the remainder of the season.[35] After the team signed Mark Reynolds on August 15, who had been released by the Cleveland Indians several days prior, Overbay and Reynolds platooned at first base for the remainder of the season, with the left-handed hitting Overbay usually starting against right-handed pitchers.
Second stint with the Milwaukee Brewers
[edit]On January 20, 2014, Overbay agreed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers that contained an invite to spring training.[36]
Overbay made the Brewers regular season roster, announced March 23, and will play first base for the Brewers alongside Mark Reynolds, the team's other first baseman. Coincidentally, these same two players played for the Yankees at the same time in the previous season. Manager Ron Roenicke cited Overbay's good defense skills at first base and his veteran status in making his decision.[37] On May 19, 2014, Overbay made his first career pitching appearance against his old team, the Atlanta Braves. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning of a 9–3 game, he was called upon to get the final out. He faced only one batter (Ryan Doumit), getting the needed out on a popup to the shortstop Jean Segura.[38] Overbay finished the 2014 season batting .233 in 121 games, with four home runs and 35 RBI.[3] On October 1, he told MLB Radio Network that he was "99.9 percent sure" he would retire.[39]
Career statistics
[edit]In 1587 games over 14 seasons, Overbay posted a .266 batting average (1,355-for-5,102) with 645 runs, 356 doubles, 12 triples, 151 home runs, 675 RBI, 638 bases on balls, .347 on-base percentage and .429 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .995 fielding percentage as a first baseman and also played several games at right field.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Overbay and his wife Sarah have six children.[40] Overbay is a Christian.[41] Lyle Overbay also is the coach for Tumwater's High Schools, Tumwater Thunderbirds leading them to two state championships, 2021- [1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "18th Round of the 1999 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Lyle Overbay: Biography and Career Highlights". MLB.com. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Lyle Overbay Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
- ^ "2001 World Series - Arizona Diamondbacks over New York Yankees (4-3)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ "D-Backs acquire Sexson, ship six to Brewers". ESPN. Associated Press. December 1, 2003. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
- ^ "Lee takes over NL RBI lead with 82". ESPN. Associated Press. July 23, 2005. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "Overbay chats with fans online". Milwaukee Brewers. MLB.com. June 2, 2005. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- ^ "Blue Jays trade for Lyle Overbay". CBC.ca. December 12, 2005. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ Blair, Jeff (May 11, 2007). "Time to Open the Mailbag". The Globe and Mail. [dead link]
- ^ "Lyle Overbay Player Card | Baseball Prospectus". Baseball Prospectus. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
- ^ "Dave Bush Player Card | Baseball Prospectus". Baseball Prospectus. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
- ^ Wagner, Greg (June 30, 2006). "Overbay earns AL Player of the Week". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ "Blue Jays ink Overbay to long-term deal". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. January 15, 2007. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ Bastian, Jordan (June 3, 2007). "Fractured hand lands Overbay on DL". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "Overbay activated from DL". Toronto Star. July 12, 2007. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "2008 Major League Baseball Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Bastian, Jordan (May 13, 2008). "Jays snap scoring drought in victory". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Wills, Todd (June 8, 2009). "Overbay wins AL Player of the Week". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
- ^ Callaghan, Marty (June 8, 2009). "Lyle Overbay named graduate of year". American Legion. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Gleeman, Aaron (December 14, 2010). "Pirates sign first baseman Lyle Overbay to one-year contract". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "Derrek Lee, Ryan Ludwick to debut". ESPN. Associated Press. August 1, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Transactions". Pittsburgh Pirates. MLB.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
- ^ Axisa, Mike (August 13, 2011). "Diamondbacks Sign Lyle Overbay". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ McCalvy, Adam (May 24, 2018). "D-backs' Paul Goldschmidt credits Lyle Overbay's early mentorship". MLB.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ "Arizona Diamondbacks re-sign Lyle Overbay to one-year deal". ESPN. Associated Press. December 9, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ "Arizona Diamondbacks designate Lyle Overbay for assignment". ESPN. Associated Press. July 30, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (August 6, 2012). "Diamondbacks Release Lyle Overbay". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (August 20, 2012). "Braves Sign Lyle Overbay". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
- ^ Moore, Jack (January 13, 2013). "Red Sox invite Lyle Overbay to spring training". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 31, 2013.
- ^ Dierkes, Tim (March 26, 2013). "Red Sox Release Lyle Overbay". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
- ^ Hoch, Bryan (March 26, 2013). "After getting released, Lyle Overbay signs with Yankees". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ^ McCarron, Anthony (March 29, 2013). "Lyle Overbay makes Yankees as first baseman after three-day tryout". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ^ "HRs from Lyle Overbay and Ichiro Suzuki power Yankees past Royals". ESPN. Associated Press. May 10, 2013. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "Lyle Overbay Starting in Right-Field". NJ.com. June 3, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Lacques, Gabe (June 26, 2013). "Mark Teixeira to have season-ending wrist surgery". USA Today. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Adams, Steve (January 23, 2014). "Brewers sign Lyle Overbay". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
- ^ Rosiak, Todd (March 23, 2014). "Defense helps Mark Reynolds, Lyle Overbay make Brewers". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- ^ Haudricourt, Tom (May 20, 2014). "Lyle Overbay volunteered to pitch". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "MLB Radio Network on Twitter". Twitter. October 1, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "Brewers put OF Schafer on DL, reinstate Overbay". WLUK-TV. Associated Press. April 20, 2014. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
- ^ Schacher, Chenea' (March 17, 2014). "Brewers find fine line between superstition and faith". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
Lyle Overbay
View on GrokipediaEarly years
High school career
Lyle Overbay was born on January 28, 1977, in Centralia, Washington.[2] From a young age, he developed a passion for sports, beginning with informal play using Wiffle balls around age two, and progressed through organized youth baseball leagues including Little League, Babe Ruth League, and American Legion Ball, where he played for Centralia Post 17.[3][6] These early experiences helped cultivate his love for the game, particularly baseball, which he could practice endlessly without fatigue.[7] Overbay attended Centralia High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete participating in baseball, basketball, football, and golf, graduating in 1995.[2][8] In baseball, he earned a spot on the varsity team as a freshman and demonstrated all-around athleticism upon entering high school.[7] During his high school career, Overbay emerged as a standout left-handed hitter and versatile player, primarily at first base, while also contributing in the outfield and as a pitcher in American Legion play.[7][9] As a sophomore in 1993, he helped the Centralia Tigers win the Class 3A state championship, solidifying his reputation as a key contributor.[7] Entering his senior year, he worked closely with a student assistant coach to refine his hitting mechanics, resulting in a significant improvement of about 80 points in his batting average that season.[7] These years built his foundational skills in hitting for consistency and reliable fielding, preparing him for the next level. Following high school, Overbay continued his baseball development at the University of Nevada, Reno.[2]College career
Lyle Overbay attended the University of Nevada, Reno, from 1996 to 1999, where he played college baseball for the Nevada Wolf Pack as a first baseman and outfielder.[10] During his four-year tenure, he contributed to the team's successes, including Big West Conference titles in 1997 and 1998, as well as an NCAA regional appearance in 1999.[10] Overbay established several program records, such as career at bats (864), RBI (257), and doubles (62), which underscored his consistent offensive production.[10] Overbay earned significant recognition for his performance, including two first-team All-Big West Conference selections in 1997 and 1998.[10] As a senior in 1999, he won the Big West batting title with a .420 average, leading the conference in that category while also ranking highly in doubles (24).[11] That year, he was named an All-American by organizations including Collegiate Baseball, Baseball Weekly, Louisville Slugger, and College Baseball Insider.[10] In his senior season, Overbay posted exceptional offensive statistics, batting .420 with 102 hits, 15 home runs, and 88 RBI over 58 games, helping drive the Wolf Pack's postseason push.[11] His career batting average of .358 highlighted his development into a premier collegiate hitter.[10] These achievements led to his selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 18th round of the 1999 MLB Draft.[1]Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
Overbay was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 18th round (538th overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft out of the University of Nevada, Reno.[1][12] Following the draft, he was assigned to the short-season Missoula Osprey of the Rookie-level Pioneer League, where he excelled in his professional debut season of 1999 by batting .343 with 12 home runs and a short-season league-record 101 RBI over 75 games.[13][14][15] In 2000, Overbay advanced to Single-A with the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League, where he posted a .332 batting average with 6 home runs and 47 RBI in 71 games before earning a midseason promotion to Double-A El Paso Diablos of the Texas League, finishing the year there with a .352 average, 8 home runs, and 49 RBI across 62 games.[13][11] Overbay spent the entire 2001 season at Double-A El Paso, leading the Texas League with a .352 batting average, 49 doubles, and 187 hits while adding 13 home runs and 100 RBI in 138 games; for this dominant performance, he was named the Arizona Diamondbacks' Minor League Player of the Year and selected as a Texas League All-Star.[13][16][17] His rapid ascent culminated late in 2001 with a promotion to the major leagues, where he made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in September.[1]Arizona Diamondbacks (first stint)
Overbay made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 19, 2001, against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, where he recorded one hit in two at-bats as a pinch hitter. He appeared in two games that season, batting .500 with one hit and one strikeout in limited action late in the year. Following his call-up from Triple-A El Paso, Overbay was added to the Diamondbacks' postseason roster as they advanced through the playoffs. Although he did not see playing time in the National League Division Series, Championship Series, or the World Series, Overbay was part of the team that defeated the New York Yankees in seven games to claim the 2001 championship.[1] After spending the 2002 season in the minors with Triple-A Tucson, where he continued to develop as a first baseman, Overbay returned to the majors in 2003 as a part-time player.[13] That year, he appeared in 86 games for the Diamondbacks, primarily at first base, posting a .276 batting average with four home runs and 28 runs batted in while splitting time with other players at the position.[18] His performance provided solid defense and occasional power from the left side of the plate, contributing to Arizona's lineup depth during a 84-78 season that ended in a third-place finish in the National League West.[18] On December 1, 2003, the Diamondbacks traded Overbay, along with second baseman Junior Spivey, infielder Craig Counsell, catcher Chad Moeller, and pitchers Jorge De La Rosa and Chris Capuano, to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for first baseman Richie Sexson, pitcher Shane Nance, and cash considerations.[19] This multi-player deal marked the end of Overbay's first stint with Arizona after four professional seasons in their organization.[19]Milwaukee Brewers (first stint)
On December 1, 2003, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Overbay from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multi-player trade that also included infielder Craig Counsell, pitchers Chris Capuano and Jorge De La Rosa, catcher Chad Moeller, and infielder Junior Spivey in exchange for first baseman Richie Sexson, pitcher Shane Nance, and a player to be named later (later completed with outfielder Noochie Varner).[1] This move allowed Overbay to secure an everyday role at first base, as Sexson's departure opened the position for him.[19] In 2004, Overbay emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Brewers, posting a .301 batting average with 16 home runs, 87 runs batted in, and a career-high 53 doubles over 159 games.[1] His performance that year marked a significant breakout, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact and drive in runs from the middle of the lineup.[2] Overbay built on his 2004 success in 2005, hitting 19 home runs while maintaining solid production at the plate across 158 games.[1] A highlight came on July 23 against the Cincinnati Reds, when he drove in a career-high six runs, including a two-run homer and a grand slam.[2] On December 7, 2005, the Brewers traded Overbay and pitcher Ty Taubenheim to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitcher Dave Bush, outfielder Gabe Gross, and catcher Zach Jackson.[1]Toronto Blue Jays
On December 7, 2005, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired first baseman Lyle Overbay from the Milwaukee Brewers, along with pitcher Ty Taubenheim, in exchange for pitchers Dave Bush and Zach Jackson, and outfielder Gabe Gross.[20] This trade positioned Overbay as the everyday first baseman, providing lineup stability and left-handed power to complement the team's offense.[1] In his debut season with Toronto in 2006, Overbay enjoyed a breakout year, batting .312 with 22 home runs and 92 RBI over 151 games.[1] He earned American League Player of the Week honors on July 2 for the week of June 26 to July 2, during which he hit .423 with four home runs.[2] Building on this success, Overbay signed a four-year, $24 million contract extension with the Blue Jays on January 15, 2007, securing his future with the club through 2010 and avoiding arbitration.[21] Overbay's 2007 season was disrupted by a right hand injury sustained on June 3 when he was hit by a pitch from Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks, sidelining him until his activation from the disabled list on July 12.[22][23] He returned to finish the year with a .240 average, 10 home runs, and 44 RBI in 98 games.[1] In 2008, Overbay rebounded to hit .270 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI, highlighted by setting a Blue Jays record on May 25 with 12 consecutive plate appearances reaching base, achieved via a walk in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals.[1][24] Overbay earned his second American League Player of the Week award on June 8, 2009, after batting .533 with six extra-base hits and eight RBI during the prior week.[25] From 2006 to 2010, he maintained consistency at the plate, posting a .270 batting average or higher in four of those seasons while providing power with at least 15 home runs annually, except in the injury-shortened 2007 campaign.[1] The Blue Jays granted Overbay free agency on November 1, 2010, ending his tenure in Toronto.[1]Pittsburgh Pirates
Following his non-tender by the Toronto Blue Jays after the 2010 season, Overbay signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 14, 2010.[26][27] Overbay struggled in 2011, posting a .227 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs over 103 games as the Pirates' primary first baseman.[2][1] His performance was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, leading the Pirates to designate him for assignment on August 1, 2011, to make room for newly acquired Derrek Lee.[28] Overbay cleared waivers and was released by the Pirates on August 5, 2011.[29][20]Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)
After being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 5, 2011, Overbay signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 13, 2011, marking his return to the organization where he had previously played from 2001 to 2003.[20][29] In this second stint, he provided depth at first base during the team's pennant race, appearing in 22 games and contributing off the bench with a notable two-RBI double against Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay in a late-season victory.[30] Overbay's experience proved particularly valuable as a mentor to promising rookie first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, offering guidance on defensive positioning and adjustments to major league pitching during the final weeks of 2011.[30] Following Arizona's postseason appearance, Overbay re-signed with the Diamondbacks on a one-year, $1 million contract on December 8, 2011, primarily to serve as a veteran platoon option and continued mentor to Goldschmidt.[31] Throughout the 2012 season, his role remained limited, with sporadic starts and pinch-hitting duties behind the emerging Goldschmidt, allowing Overbay to focus on instructional support rather than everyday play.[32] Goldschmidt later credited Overbay's mentorship for helping him navigate his early career challenges, including refining his approach at the plate and in the field.[30] Overbay's playing time dwindled further as the season progressed, leading the Diamondbacks to designate him for assignment on July 30, 2012, after which he was released on August 5, 2012.[2][1] Despite the brevity of his contributions on the field, Overbay's return underscored his value as a stabilizing presence for Arizona's young talent during a transitional period.[33]Atlanta Braves
Following his release from the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 5, 2012, Overbay signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on August 20, 2012, providing depth at first base for their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves.[1][34] Overbay was called up to the major league roster on September 1, 2012, as part of the September roster expansion.[35] He appeared in 20 games as a reserve first baseman during the Braves' late-season push, recording 2 hits in 20 at-bats for a .100 batting average, primarily serving in pinch-hitting and defensive roles.[1] Overbay became a free agent on October 29, 2012, after the season concluded.[1]Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees
Following his release from the Atlanta Braves at the end of the 2012 season, Overbay entered free agency before signing a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on January 31, 2013, which included an invitation to spring training.[36][1] During spring training, Overbay batted .220 with seven RBI in 19 games, but the Red Sox released him on March 26, 2013, as they finalized their roster.[37][1] On the same day as his release from Boston, Overbay signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, who added him to their Opening Day roster on March 31, 2013.[37][1] The signing came amid injuries to key players, including first baseman Mark Teixeira's season-ending wrist injury and third baseman Kevin Youkilis's back issues, positioning Overbay as a versatile option at first base.[38][39] Overbay served primarily as a platoon first baseman for the Yankees in 2013, sharing time with Mark Reynolds later in the season while occasionally playing right field due to further roster injuries.[40] In 142 games, he hit .240 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI, providing steady defense at first base with 1,130 putouts and a .994 fielding percentage.[1] A highlight was his May 10 performance against the Kansas City Royals, where he went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a two-run home run, and five RBI in an 11-6 Yankees victory.[41][42]Milwaukee Brewers (second stint)
On January 20, 2014, Overbay signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers that included an invitation to major league spring training.[43] He impressed enough during camp to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, with the team announcing his addition to the 25-man roster on March 24.[44] Returning to the organization where he had spent his first two major league seasons from 2004 to 2005, Overbay served as a veteran utility player and primary first baseman during the 2014 campaign. In 121 games, he batted .233 with four home runs and 35 RBI, providing steady defense and platoon value against right-handed pitching while sharing time with Mark Reynolds. On May 19, in a 9-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Overbay made his only pitching appearance of the season, entering in the eighth inning of the blowout to record the final out on one batter faced.[1][45] Overbay's final major league game came on September 28, 2014, against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park, where he went 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter in a 5-2 Brewers win. Following the season's end, he announced his retirement on October 1, 2014, after 14 major league seasons, citing his near-certainty of stepping away from the game.[1][46]Career statistics and highlights
Overbay's 14-year Major League Baseball career, spanning from 2001 to 2014, saw him accumulate 1,355 hits, 151 home runs, and 675 runs batted in over 1,587 games played primarily as a first baseman.[1] His career batting average stood at .266, with a .347 on-base percentage and .429 slugging percentage, resulting in a .776 OPS that was 6% above league average (106 OPS+).[1] Among his notable offensive achievements, Overbay led the National League in doubles with 53 during the 2004 season while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.[47] In 2008, with the Toronto Blue Jays, he set a franchise record by reaching base safely in 12 consecutive plate appearances from May 19 to 25.[24] Overbay earned American League Player of the Week honors twice—on July 2, 2006, after hitting .423 with four home runs in a week for the Blue Jays, and on June 8, 2009, after leading the majors with a .533 batting average and .867 slugging percentage over six games.[48][25] He also received National League Player of the Week recognition on May 9, 2004.[1] Defensively, Overbay was recognized as a reliable first baseman, ranking 14th all-time in Total Zone runs among first basemen with 55, reflecting his above-average fielding contributions across his career.[1] Despite consistent praise for his glove work—such as leading American League first basemen in putouts multiple seasons and earning consideration for Gold Glove awards in years like 2004 and 2007—he never won the honor.[49][50] Overbay's career highlights include being part of the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks team that won the World Series, though his postseason role was limited to the regular-season roster.[1] He retired following the 2014 season with the Milwaukee Brewers.[1]| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,587 |
| At Bats | 5,102 |
| Hits | 1,355 |
| Home Runs | 151 |
| RBI | 675 |
| Batting Average | .266 |
| OPS | .776 |