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Rickie Weeks Jr.
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Rickie Darnell Weeks Jr. (born September 13, 1982) is an American former professional baseball second baseman and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB). Between 2003 and 2017, he played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Tampa Bay Rays. He was an MLB All-Star in 2011. After retiring as a player, Weeks has worked in the Brewers organization, serving as associate manager in 2024 and 2025.
Key Information
Weeks set college baseball records, winning the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy at Southern University in 2003. The Brewers drafted him with the second pick in that summer's draft.
Amateur career
[edit]Born and raised in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Weeks attended Lake Brantley High School. At Lake Brantley, Weeks played baseball, but also played football as a cornerback and wide receiver for a season. Weeks then attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a sophomore in 2002, he batted .495 with 20 home runs, winning the NCAA Division I batting title. The next year, he batted .479 with 16 home runs, winning a second straight batting title and finishing his career with a .465 batting average (254-for-546), highest in NCAA history.[1] In 2003, he also was named Baseball America College Player of the Year and the Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the top amateur player. The Milwaukee Brewers selected him second overall in the 2003 MLB draft.[2]
Professional career
[edit]Milwaukee Brewers
[edit]2003–2009
[edit]
Weeks signed a contract with a $3.6 million signing bonus. He made his major league debut on September 15, 2003.
Weeks did not become a full-time player for the Brewers until June 2005, when he was recalled from the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, despite playing much of the 2005 season with a thumb injury. In his first full MLB season in 2005, Weeks had a batting average of .239 to go with 13 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 96 games. These HR/SB number are consistent with his minor league totals (playing in 209 games) of 21 home runs and 24 stolen bases. In 2006, Weeks hit .279 with 8 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 95 games.
Weeks was sent down to Nashville on July 31, 2007, since he was batting below .200 after returning from a wrist injury.[3]

In 2008, he had the lowest fielding percentage (.975) and the most errors (15) of all NL second basemen.[4] On offense, however, Weeks scored 46.6% of the time he reached base, second-best in the NL.[5]
In Game 1 of the 2008 NL Division Series, Weeks made a key error in the third inning that led to three unearned runs scored by the Phillies in Philadelphia's 3–1 victory. In Game 3, Weeks injured his knee while trying to beat out a throw at first base. He underwent surgery the next day to remove torn cartilage from his left knee.[6]
On February 3, 2009, Weeks and the Brewers reached a one-year deal worth $2.45 million, thereby avoiding salary arbitration. Weeks could have earned an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances from 575 to 650.[7] In early 2009, sabermetrician Bill James wrote in John Dewan's "The Fielding Bible Volume II," that Weeks should be moved to a position other than second base, as he had 44 defensive misplays that season. Dewan ranked Weeks the worst starting second baseman in the majors.[8] Other advanced metrics in 2008, however, saw him as being only slightly below average.[9]
Back atop the lineup to begin the 2009 season, Weeks had a .281/.333/.486 start with five home runs in April. On May 18, Weeks was diagnosed with a torn muscle in his left wrist and missed the remainder of the 2009 season. At the time of his injury, Weeks was tied with Prince Fielder for the team lead in home runs.[10]
2010–2014
[edit]Playing in 160 games in 2010, Weeks recorded his finest season as a pro, and perhaps the best all-around season a Brewer second baseman has ever had. On June 12, Weeks tallied his 500th hit at Miller Park and received a standing ovation. Weeks finished with a career-high 29 home runs and 83 RBIs, a .269 average, and a strong .366 on-base percentage. His WAR of 6.0 rated second among all regular second basemen, behind only Robinson Canó.[11] He led the NL in at bats (651), plate appearances (754), and hit by pitch (25) and was second in runs scored (112).[12]
On February 16, 2011, Weeks signed a contract extension for 4 years at $38 million. The deal included an option for a 5th year provided Weeks is an everyday player in 2013 and 2014, and could raise the total value of the contract to $50 million.[13]
Weeks was voted by the fans to be the starting second baseman for the National League in the 2011 All-Star Game.[14] Weeks sustained a severe ankle sprain while legging out an infield single in July. Weeks was placed on the DL until early September, and his offensive production was significantly hampered down the stretch. On September 27, in the second-to-last game of the regular season, Weeks hit one of the longest home runs ever hit at Miller Park, off the stadium club windows in left field. It was his first home run since his return from the DL, and his 20th of the season.[15] He ended his regular season at .269 with 20 home runs. Advanced defensive metrics pegged him as a league-average defender at the keystone, and his WAR of 3.3 was good for 3rd in the National League.[16]
Despite a slow start in April and May 2012, Weeks rebounded beginning in June and posted typical power numbers, albeit with a dip in his on-base totals, which had been a hallmark of his value to that point. Weeks had a poor 2013 season, posting career lows in nearly all major offensive categories. A torn hamstring ended his season in August, and Scooter Gennett replaced him at second base.[17]
In the 2014 season, his contract year with Milwaukee, Weeks has assumed the right-handed part of Milwaukee's productive second base platoon, starting against all left-handed starting pitchers. Although over only 286 plate appearances, he returned to pre-2012 form hitting .274/.357/.452. With Gennett, Brewers second basemen ranked fourth in the National League in Wins Above Replacement, and 11th league-wide.[18] After the 2014 season, the Brewers declined his contract option ending his ten-year tenure with the Brewers.[17]
Seattle Mariners
[edit]Weeks signed with the Seattle Mariners on a one-year, $2 million contract on February 13, 2015.[19] He received sporadic playing time and had a .167 batting average with three extra base hits in 95 plate appearances through early June. He was designated for assignment on June 13[20] and released on June 21.[21]
Arizona Diamondbacks
[edit]On February 27, 2016, he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[22] On April 2, the team announced that Weeks made Arizona's 2016 opening day roster.[23] Primarily coming off the bench, Weeks batted .239 with 9 home runs in 108 games.[12]
Tampa Bay Rays
[edit]On February 3, 2017, Weeks signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an invitation to spring training.[24] On April 2, the Tampa Bay Rays announced Weeks had made the opening day roster and would platoon at first base with Logan Morrison.[25] Weeks went on the DL on June 9 for a shoulder injury and was released on July 24. For the season, Weeks had a slash line of .216/.321/.340/ hitting 2 homeruns in 37 games (112 plate appearances) striking out 49 times.[26] For the season, he had the highest strikeout percentage against left-handed pitchers (42.9%).[27]
Playing style
[edit]Weeks batted and threw right-handed. Early in his career, Weeks had a distinctive batting stance similar to that of Gary Sheffield, waggling his bat heavily before swinging.[28][29][30]
While primarily a second baseman in Milwaukee, Weeks transitioned to left field in 2015 and played first base in his final season. He led NL second basemen in errors in 5 seasons and was in the top 5 in three other seasons.[12]
Awards
[edit]- Baseball America College Player of the Year – 2003
- Dick Howser Trophy – 2003
- Golden Spikes Award – 2003[31]
- Rotary Smith Award – 2003[32]
- Southwestern Athletic Conference's Most Outstanding Hitter – 2003
- Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year – 2003[31]
- National League starter at second base, 2011 MLB All-Star Game[14]
- Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor – 2019[33]
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame – 2021[31]
Post-playing career
[edit]On February 4, 2022, Weeks was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as an assistant to the player development staff.[34]
After the 2023 season, the Brewers named Weeks their associate manager for new manager Pat Murphy.[35] He left that role after the 2025 season, taking the role of "special assistant – baseball operations and domestic/international scouting" for the Brewers.[36]
Personal life
[edit]Weeks married Tiphany Easterling on January 18, 2014, in Miami, Florida. Weeks is the son of Richard and Valeria Weeks. Weeks's father Richard played college baseball for Seton Hall University and Stetson University. His grandfather was an outfielder in the Negro leagues during the 1940s, and his sister Kaisha was an NCAA Regional Finalist at Southern University in track.[37] Weeks's brother Jemile Weeks was drafted by the Brewers in 2005 out of high school, but never signed with them, choosing to attend the University of Miami instead. The Oakland Athletics drafted Jemile in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft, 12th overall.[38]
In 2004, Weeks signed a sponsorship contract with sportswear company 3N2, which designed a shoe for him.[39]
Weeks was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.[31]
References
[edit]- ^ "NCAA Baseball Division I Records" (PDF). NCAA.org. 2024.
- ^ Sickels, John (November 4, 2003). "Brewers prospect Rickie Weeks". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016.
- ^ "Milwaukee Brewers send 2B Rickie Weeks down to Triple-A Nashville". Twin Cities. August 1, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "2014 Regular Season MLB Baseball 1B Fielding Statistics - Major League Baseball - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ Haudricourt, Tom. "Brewers By Position - Second base - Plotting ways to escape the speed trap". jsonline.com. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ "Brewers' Weeks has left knee surgery". CBC. October 6, 2008.
- ^ "Weeks, Brewers agree to deal, avoid arbitration". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "Bob Wolfley - Field analysis shows flaws". jsonline.com. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2008 - Fielding". FanGraphs Baseball.
- ^ "May 17, 2009 Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score and Play by Play - Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2010 - Batting". FanGraphs Baseball.
- ^ a b c "Rickie Weeks Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball Reference. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Nicholson, Ben (February 16, 2011). "Brewers Sign Rickie Weeks To Four-Year Extension". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
- ^ a b "2011 All-Star game: Dodgers' Kemp, Kershaw and Angels' Weaver, Kendrick are All-Stars". Los Angeles Times. July 3, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
- ^ Rickie Weeks' Mountainous HR (443 Feet). February 21, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2011 - Batting". FanGraphs Baseball.
- ^ a b "Rickie Weeks approaches the end of his time with the Brewers".
- ^ "Appreciating the Brewers second base platoon". Brew Crew Ball. September 30, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ Cohen, Stephen (February 13, 2015). "Mariners sign former All-Star 2B Rickie Weeks". Seattle Mariners blog. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
- ^ "Mariners DFA Rickie Weeks to make room for Danny Farquhar". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on April 22, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
- ^ Gleeman, Aaron (June 22, 2015). "Rickie Weeks released by the Mariners". HardballTalk. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
- ^ Polishuk, Mark (February 27, 2016). "Diamondbacks Sign Rickie Weeks To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
- ^ "Arizona Diamondbacks". Arizona Sports. April 2, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
- ^ Topkin, Marc (February 3, 2017). "Rays to bring back LoMo, add Rickie Weeks". tampabay.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ "Rays' Rickie Weeks: Logging first start of season". CBSSports.com. April 4, 2017.
- ^ Sanford, Adam (July 24, 2017). "Rays activate Romo, release Weeks, and option Kittredge". DRaysBay.
- ^ "Splits Leaderboards". FanGraphs.
- ^ McCalvy, Adam (March 4, 2014). "For Weeks, small change netting big results". MLB.com. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ McCalvy, Adam (May 7, 2024). "Where did all the weird batting stances go? Brewers weigh in". MLB.com. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Beckmann, Jeffrey. "MLB Power Rankings: 23 Quirkiest Batting Stances in Baseball". Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Allen, Teddy (August 21, 2021). "From Unknown to No. 1: The sweet sounds of Rickie Weeks through the years". Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Schiefelbein, Joseph (June 27, 2003). "Weeks wins Rotary Smith Award". Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved November 10, 2025 – via Southwestern Athletic Conference.
- ^ McCalvy, Adam (August 10, 2019). "Hoffman, Hardy, Weeks go on Wall of Honor". MLB.com. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Haudricourt, Tom (February 4, 2022). "Brewers hire Rickie Weeks, Pedro Alvarez to aid player development". Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
- ^ Rosiak, Todd. "Former Brewers great Rickie Weeks named associate manager under Pat Murphy". Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Rosiak, Todd (November 6, 2025). "Rickie Weeks will not return as Brewers associate manager". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ "Jemile Weeks". Archived from the original on April 26, 2012.
- ^ "A's Make Jemile Weeks Top Pick In Draft" (June 5, 2008), AP. Accessed June 5, 2008.
- ^ Show, Jon (November 10, 2025). "Baseball Equipment Company Inks Deal With Brewers Prospect". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
Rickie Weeks Jr.
View on GrokipediaEarly life and amateur career
Early life
Rickie Darnell Weeks Jr. was born on September 13, 1982, in Daytona Beach, Florida.[1] He was raised in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He is the son of Rickie Weeks Sr. and Valeria Weeks.[5] His father, Rickie Weeks Sr., played college baseball as an outfielder for Seton Hall University and Stetson University. Weeks's paternal grandfather, Victor Weeks, was an outfielder in the Negro Leagues during the 1940s, a time when Major League Baseball was beginning its integration following the breaking of the color barrier in 1947.[6][7] Raised in central Florida, Weeks grew up immersed in a family tradition of baseball that shaped his early passion for the sport. His father introduced him to the game at a young age, regularly throwing batting practice to Weeks and his siblings in their backyard. This familial influence, rooted in generations of involvement in baseball from the Negro Leagues to college levels, fostered Weeks's initial interest and dedication before his entry into organized youth athletics.[6] Weeks has a younger brother, Jemile Weeks, who followed in the family footsteps by becoming a professional baseball player; Jemile was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft.[8]High school career
Rickie Weeks Jr. attended Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where he emerged as a standout baseball player known for his speed and versatility on the field. Primarily playing as an infielder and outfielder, Weeks demonstrated strong defensive skills and a dynamic presence at the plate, drawing early attention from scouts during his high school years. His family's baseball legacy, including his father's playing experience, served as a key motivator for his development and dedication to the sport. In his senior year of 2000, Weeks earned first-team all-county honors in Seminole County as a leadoff hitter and shortstop, showcasing his ability to get on base and create opportunities for his teammates. He posted a .344 batting average, along with 3 triples, 7 doubles, 2 home runs, and 21 RBIs over the season, contributing significantly to Lake Brantley's competitive performance. These statistics highlighted his power, contact skills, and base-running prowess, though specific stolen base totals from that year are not widely documented in available records. Weeks' high school performances attracted college recruiters, but he initially lacked major scholarship offers heading into his senior year. His standout showing in a Florida high school all-star game caught the eye of Southern University head coach Roger Cador, who extended a full scholarship, leading Weeks to commit to the Jaguars and forgo other potential options like Florida Southern College. This recruitment process underscored his rapid rise from relative obscurity to a prized prospect, setting the stage for his collegiate success.College career
Rickie Weeks Jr. enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he played college baseball for the Southern Jaguars from 2001 to 2003. As a freshman in 2001, he primarily played center field and posted a .422 batting average with an .849 slugging percentage, leading the NCAA in runs scored (78), total bases (157), and slugging percentage. His performance earned him SWAC Freshman of the Year honors and All-SWAC recognition.[9][10] During his sophomore year in 2002, Weeks transitioned to second base following the departure of teammate Michael Woods to the MLB Draft, a move that allowed him to showcase his versatility in the infield. He led the nation in batting average with a .495 mark (98-for-198), along with a .995 slugging percentage and 197 total bases, while earning Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Hitter awards. In his junior season of 2003, Weeks continued his dominance at second base, batting .479 (78-for-163) to again lead the NCAA in hitting, while scoring 1.61 runs per game (82 in 51 contests), hitting 16 home runs, and driving in 66 RBIs; he repeated as SWAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.[11][12][10][13][14] Weeks' exceptional college production drew significant pre-draft attention, including an invitation to the USA Baseball collegiate national team showcase after his freshman year, where he competed alongside top prospects at events like the Area Code Games in Arizona. His back-to-back national batting titles and infield prowess positioned him as one of the premier amateur talents heading into the 2003 MLB Draft.[15][16]Professional career
Milwaukee Brewers (2003–2014)
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Rickie Weeks Jr. second overall in the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft out of Southern University, where his collegiate hitting prowess laid the foundation for his professional power potential.[1] Following the draft, Weeks quickly progressed through the minors, beginning with the rookie-level Arizona League Brewers and then posting a .349 batting average in 20 games with the Single-A Beloit Snappers. He made his major league debut on September 15, 2003, appearing in seven games that season. In 2004, he advanced to Double-A with the Huntsville Stars, where he batted .259 with eight home runs over 133 games, solidifying his status as a top prospect.[17] Weeks' early full seasons from 2005 to 2008 were marked by struggles with consistency, as he adjusted to the major league level and the defensive demands of second base, including range and double-play pivots. His batting averages fluctuated between .234 and .279, accompanied by high strikeout totals—exceeding 90 each year—and moderate power output, such as 13 home runs in 2005 and 16 in 2007—while committing 38 errors over those four seasons combined.[3] In 2009, after a promising start with a .281 average and five home runs in April, Weeks suffered a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist on May 17, requiring surgery and ending his season after just 37 games.[1][18] Weeks experienced a resurgence in 2010 and 2011, highlighted by a .269 batting average in 2011 with 20 home runs and 49 RBIs in 118 games, earning him the National League All-Star starting nod at second base due to his leadoff production and improved plate discipline.[3][19] However, on July 27, 2011, he sustained a severe left ankle sprain while beating out an infield single against the Chicago Cubs, which hampered his mobility and baserunning for the season's second half. Despite the injury, Weeks contributed to the Brewers' National League Division Series appearance, batting .056 with two home runs in five games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[20] From 2012 to 2014, Weeks' performance declined amid recurring injuries, as he batted .230 overall with elevated strikeouts and reduced playing time, shifting to a platoon role at second base and outfield. In 2013, a left hamstring strain on August 7—sustained while stumbling over his bat on a grounder—necessitated surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season; he finished the year with 104 games played. Trade rumors swirled around Weeks throughout 2014, particularly to teams seeking infield depth like the Toronto Blue Jays, but no deal materialized. The Brewers ultimately declined his $11.5 million club option on October 31, 2014, making him a free agent after 12 years with the organization.[3][21][22][23]Seattle Mariners (2015)
Weeks signed with the Seattle Mariners as a free agent on February 13, 2015, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2 million.[24] The deal positioned him as a veteran utility player, offering infield depth behind second baseman Robinson Cano and versatility in the outfield, especially as teammate Willie Bloomquist recovered from season-ending knee surgery the prior year.[25][26] Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik highlighted Weeks' experience and multi-positional capability as key factors in addressing potential infield gaps amid ongoing recovery concerns.[27] Weeks saw limited action in 2015, appearing in 37 games with sporadic starts primarily as a pinch-hitter.[3] He batted .167 (14-for-84) with 2 home runs and 9 RBIs over 95 plate appearances, while posting a .250 on-base percentage.[3] Defensively, he demonstrated newfound versatility by playing left field in 19 games and serving as designated hitter in 11, though his output reflected diminished power likely stemming from lingering effects of injuries from his Milwaukee Brewers tenure.[3][28] His stint ended prematurely when the Mariners designated him for assignment on June 13, 2015, to make room for reliever Danny Farquhar, and released him outright on June 21.[27] Despite the brief and underwhelming tenure, Weeks provided valuable bench flexibility during a period of infield uncertainty for Seattle.[29]Arizona Diamondbacks (2016)
On February 27, 2016, Weeks signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included an invitation to spring training.[30] His strong performance during the exhibition games, where he hit .333 with two home runs in 15 contests, earned him a spot on the opening day roster. The Diamondbacks selected his contract from Triple-A Reno on April 2, 2016, transitioning him primarily to an outfield role to provide infield depth and bench versatility based on his utility experience from the previous season.[1] Weeks debuted with Arizona on April 4, 2016, against the Colorado Rockies, but his season was marked by limited playing time amid a crowded outfield and ongoing struggles at the plate.[3] Over 33 games, he batted .196/.286/.247 with 19 hits, including three doubles and one home run, while recording 11 RBI and two stolen bases in 97 at-bats.[31] His lone home run came on July 5 against the San Diego Padres, a three-run shot that contributed to a 7-5 victory.[32] Weeks also provided defensive value, notably with a game-saving leaping catch at the left-field wall on June 24 against the Rockies to preserve a 10-9 win.[33] The season proved challenging due to injuries and personal matters, further restricting his opportunities. Weeks was placed on the bereavement list from June 30 to July 3, missing three games.[34] Later, on August 20 against the Padres, he suffered a mild right ankle sprain while running the bases, forcing him to exit the game and sidelining him briefly.[35] These setbacks, combined with the team's preference for younger outfielders like David Peralta and Yasmany Tomas, limited him to a utility role off the bench. Following the season, Weeks elected free agency on November 3, 2016.[36]Tampa Bay Rays (2017)
On February 3, 2017, Weeks signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an invitation to spring training.[37] He impressed during camp with his veteran presence and platoon potential against left-handed pitching, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster as a first baseman and utility player.[38] Weeks was selected from Triple-A Durham on April 1 to join the 25-man roster, where he was slated to share time at first base with Logan Morrison.[39] Weeks appeared in 37 games for the Rays during the 2017 season, batting .216 with 13 runs scored, 21 hits, six doubles, two home runs, and eight RBI.[3] On April 12, he suffered neck and right shoulder soreness after a collision at first base with New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, but the injury was precautionary and did not require a disabled list placement.[40] His role diminished over the early months amid ongoing struggles at the plate and defensive limitations, compounded by cumulative injuries from prior seasons that had limited his mobility and power.[41] On June 13, 2017, the Rays designated Weeks for assignment to make room on the roster.[1] He cleared waivers and, exercising an opt-out clause in his contract, became a free agent around June 20.[42] In July, Weeks returned to the Rays organization on a brief minor league deal for a rehab assignment due to lingering shoulder issues, playing four games with the Triple-A Durham Bulls and batting .167 (2-for-12) with one home run.[17] He was released on July 24 to accommodate other roster moves.[1] Following the release, Weeks announced his retirement from professional baseball after 15 Major League seasons, citing the physical toll of his career; he finished with 1,087 hits and 161 home runs across 1,314 games.[3]Post-playing career
Player development and coaching roles
Following his retirement from professional baseball, Rickie Weeks Jr. rejoined the Milwaukee Brewers organization on February 4, 2022, as an assistant to the player development staff.[43] In this position through the 2023 season, Weeks focused on mentoring minor league players, leveraging his 12-year MLB career to guide them in key skills such as hitting, baserunning, and mental approach.[44] After the 2023 season, Weeks was promoted to associate manager, a role he held during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns under manager Pat Murphy.[45] As associate manager, he served as a sounding board for Murphy, enforced game strategies, and facilitated player relations while building lineups and fostering a resilient team mindset.[46] Weeks engaged in daily interactions with players and coaching staff, emphasizing concise communication—such as adhering to a "7-second rule" for direct messaging—to enhance efficiency and confidence across the roster.[46] His efforts in providing a former player's perspective were particularly valued by stars like Christian Yelich, contributing to the Brewers' aggressive energy and overall team intensity.[46] During Weeks' tenure as associate manager, the Brewers captured the 2024 and 2025 National League Central division titles—the latter with a franchise-record 97 wins—advanced past the Wild Card round in 2024 and the Division Series in 2025, and reached the National League Championship Series in 2025 (lost 0-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers), marking three straight division championships.[47][48]Scouting and operations roles
In November 2025, Rickie Weeks Jr. transitioned from his role as associate manager to become a Special Assistant in Baseball Operations and Domestic and International Scouting for the Milwaukee Brewers, a move announced by the organization on November 6.[2] This shift followed two seasons (2024–2025) in the dugout under manager Pat Murphy, during which Weeks served as a key member of the coaching staff.[2] In his new position, Weeks is tasked with evaluating draft-eligible players and international prospects through tryouts, tournaments, and signing events, as well as preparing for the MLB Draft and assessing professional and amateur signings.[2] He will also assist in evaluating on-field rules changes and competition-related matters to support the team's operational strategy.[2] His prior experience in player development has equipped him with the analytical skills necessary for these scouting responsibilities.[2] Weeks expressed enthusiasm for the change, stating, "I will refocus in a new capacity with my eyes on future growth to help this club gain wins in a different role."[2] Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold praised Weeks' transition, noting, “As I talked to Rickie about his future and the Brewers’ future, I felt like he and I were aligned on what he thought would be best to help the organization and build his resume professionally,” and highlighting Weeks' respected status within the baseball community.[2]Personal life
Family
Rickie Weeks Jr. married Tiphany Easterling on January 18, 2014, in Miami Beach, Florida.[49] Now known as Tiphany Weeks, she works as a high-end realtor.[50] The couple has two children: a son, Rickie Weeks III (known as Trey), born in 2016, and a daughter, Alexi, born in 2017.[51] Following his retirement from playing in 2017, Weeks prioritized family life, serving as a full-time father while working part-time in the Milwaukee Brewers' player development department.[4] His family provided crucial support during his post-playing career transitions, including his decision to accept the full-time role of associate manager for the Brewers in 2023, despite initial contentment with his family-focused routine in Milwaukee.[4] This allowed the family to remain based in Milwaukee, aligning with Weeks' ongoing roles in the organization.[4] Weeks' younger brother, Jemile Weeks, followed a parallel path in professional baseball, drafted 12th overall by the Oakland Athletics in 2008 and playing six MLB seasons across multiple teams.[5] Weeks is the son of Richard and Valeria Weeks; his father also played college baseball, while his paternal grandfather, Victor Weeks, was a veteran of the Negro Leagues who lost his sight in the 1970s.[6] The brothers' shared baseball legacy, rooted in their family's early involvement in the sport, continues to influence Weeks' professional endeavors.[51]Community involvement
Rickie Weeks Jr. co-founded the Weeks Brothers Baseball ProCamp in 2012 with his brother Jemile Weeks, establishing it as an annual holiday camp in the Greater Orlando area to foster youth development through baseball instruction and educational workshops.[5] The program emphasizes building confidence, leadership, and discipline among participants, particularly underserved youth, by providing access to professional-level training and life skills mentoring.[5] By 2018, the initiative had evolved into The Weeks Brothers Foundation, continuing to serve as a platform for community engagement and philanthropic efforts rooted in the brothers' professional experiences.[5] During his playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Weeks actively participated in the organization's community programs, including financial contributions to the Brewers Community Foundation, the team's official charity arm.[52] He sponsored initiatives such as the 2012-2013 "Teach for America, Sponsor-A-Teacher" program, which supported educational opportunities for local students in Milwaukee.[53] Additionally, Weeks co-sponsored events like the annual Team Smile dental care program at Miller Park, providing free oral health services to approximately 200 underserved children,[54][52] and donated $25,000 to the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee's swim school to promote water safety in at-risk communities.[55] Weeks' commitment to community service and sportsmanship earned him a nomination for the 2013 MLB Roberto Clemente Award from the Brewers, recognizing his off-field contributions to humanitarian causes.[5] In his post-playing career, he has extended this involvement through roles within the Brewers organization, supporting broader access to baseball in underserved areas via events like the HBCU Swingman Classic, which promotes the sport among historically Black colleges and communities.[56] This focus on inclusivity draws from his family's legacy of integrating baseball opportunities for underrepresented youth, motivating his ongoing philanthropic efforts.[5]Awards and honors
Collegiate awards
During his junior year at Southern University in 2003, Rickie Weeks Jr. was recognized as one of the premier players in NCAA Division I baseball, earning the Golden Spikes Award, presented by USA Baseball as the top amateur player in the country.[57] This honor highlighted his exceptional offensive performance, including a national-leading .479 batting average, 17 home runs, and 73 RBIs.[58][59] Weeks also captured the Dick Howser Trophy in 2003, awarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association to the nation's outstanding player, underscoring his status as a consensus All-American for the second consecutive season.[60] He received the Baseball America College Player of the Year award that same year, further affirming his dominance at the plate where he again led the nation in batting average.[11] In addition to these national accolades, Weeks was honored with the Rotary Smith Award in 2003 by the American Baseball Coaches Association, recognizing him as the top collegiate player.[61] Within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), he was named Player of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, along with Most Outstanding Hitter honors each time, after leading the league in batting average (.495 in 2002 and .479 in 2003) and contributing to Southern's SWAC championship appearances.[10]Professional awards
Rickie Weeks Jr. was selected to the National League All-Star Game in 2011, representing the Milwaukee Brewers as their starting second baseman during a season in which the team achieved a franchise-record 96 wins.[1] In recognition of his long tenure and contributions to the organization, Weeks was inducted into the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor on August 9, 2019, alongside J.J. Hardy and Trevor Hoffman, honoring players who spent at least three years with the team and made a significant impact.[62][63] During his minor league career, Weeks earned a selection to the 2004 All-Star Futures Game as a member of the U.S. team while playing for the Double-A Huntsville Stars, highlighting his status as one of baseball's top prospects at the time.[64] Weeks also received the Milwaukee Brewers' Michael Harrison Award for outstanding community service in 2010 and 2012, an honor given annually to a player for exemplary off-field contributions.[65] In 2021, Weeks was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.[11] He was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.[66] That same year, he was inducted into the Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame.[67] Despite his consistent play at second base, Weeks did not receive Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Awards, though he entered his professional career with a reputation for strong defensive potential, praised for his athleticism and ability to improve at the position.[68]Career statistics
Major League Baseball
Rickie Weeks Jr. played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2003 to 2017, primarily as a second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. Over his career, he appeared in 1,324 games, accumulating 1,087 hits, 161 home runs, 474 runs batted in, and 733 runs scored while batting .246.[1][69] His plate discipline was notable, with 533 walks contributing to a .344 on-base percentage, though he also recorded 1,230 strikeouts.[3]| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,324 |
| At Bats | 4,417 |
| Hits | 1,087 |
| Home Runs | 161 |
| RBIs | 474 |
| Runs Scored | 733 |
| Batting Average | .246 |
| On-Base Percentage | .344 |
| Slugging Percentage | .420 |
| OPS | .764 |
| Team (Years) | Games | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Brewers (2003–2014) | 1,142 | .249 |
| Seattle Mariners (2015) | 37 | .167 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks (2016) | 108 | .239 |
| Tampa Bay Rays (2017) | 37 | .216 |