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Ricky Ledée
Ricky Ledée
Ricky Ledée
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Ricardo Alberto Ledée (born November 22, 1973) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets from 1998 to 2007. He won two World Series championships with the Yankees in 1998 and 1999.

Key Information

Professional career

[edit]

The New York Yankees selected Ledée in the 16th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball draft.[1] He made his major league debut with the Yankees on June 14, 1998.[2] Ledée played in 42 games with the Yankees that season. Ledee reached base in eight consecutive plate appearances in the 1998 World Series, batting 6-for-10 with three doubles and four runs batted in in the series.[1] He was also a part of the Yankees' championship team winning the 1999 World Series.

In 2000, Ledée was batting only .241 for the Yankees when they traded him and two players to be named to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for David Justice.[3] Ledée played just 17 games for the Indians before they traded him to the Texas Rangers for first baseman David Segui.[4] He finished the 2000 season with the Rangers and was a reserve for the club in 2001. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002.[5]

On July 30, 2004, the Phillies traded Ledée with Alfredo Simón to the San Francisco Giants for Félix Rodríguez.[6] He signed a two-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2005 season,[7] and was claimed off of waivers by the New York Mets on August 8, 2006.[8]

Ledée signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics on February 2, 2007, and was invited to their spring training camp,[9][10] but was released March 25.[11] The Mets signed him to another minor league contract March 31. He was a starting outfielder for their triple-A, Pacific Coast League affiliate, New Orleans Zephyrs, when they recalled him to the Major League roster June 8.[12] On July 8, he was designated for assignment.[13]

Ledée retired from baseball on August 21, 2007.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Ledée's late father, Toñito Ledée, was the lead singer of Papo Lucca's band, La Sonora Ponceña.[15] Ledée appeared in For Love of the Game as a member of the New York Yankees named Ruiz.[16][17]

Ledée has three children.[18]

References

[edit]
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Ricky Ledée

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ricky Ledée (born Ricardo Alberto Ledée; November 22, 1973, in ) is a Puerto Rican former who played in (MLB) for eight seasons from 1998 to 2007, primarily as a left fielder and . Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), he batted and threw left-handed, amassing a career of .243 with 63 home runs and 318 runs batted in over 855 games. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 16th round of the 1990 MLB Draft out of high school in , Ledée spent his early years developing as a top prospect before making his MLB debut on June 14, 1998, with the Yankees at age 24. Ledée's most notable contributions came during his tenure with the Yankees from 1998 to 2000, where he helped the team secure championships in both 1998 and 1999 as part of their late-1990s dynasty. In the against the Padres, he batted .600 (6-for-10) with three doubles and reached base in eight consecutive plate appearances, including a key two-run double in Game 1 that helped secure a 2-0 lead. Across his postseason career spanning 16 games, Ledée hit .295 with one and 11 RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam in Game 4 of the against the Boston Red Sox. After being traded to the Cleveland Indians in July 2000, Ledée continued his journeyman career, playing for the Texas Rangers (2000–2001), Philadelphia Phillies (2002–2004), San Francisco Giants (2004), (2005–2006), and (2006–2007), where he concluded his MLB tenure. His versatility as an and made him a valuable reserve, though injuries and inconsistent playing time limited his overall production; his most games in a season was 137 in 2000. Post-retirement, Ledée has maintained a low public profile, occasionally engaging with fans through .

Early life

Family background

Ricardo Alberto Ledée was born on November 22, 1973, in , where he spent his early years immersed in the island's vibrant cultural landscape. As a native Puerto Rican, Ledée's heritage is deeply rooted in the traditions of the island, shaping his identity from childhood. Ledée grew up in a family with strong musical inclinations, particularly influenced by his father's profession in the scene. His father, Toñito Ledée, served as the lead singer for La Sonora Ponceña, a prominent salsa orchestra founded in 1954 by , known for its contributions to Puerto Rican music over decades. Ledée's father died in a car accident in 1986, when Ricky was 12 years old, an event that deeply affected the family. This familial connection to music filled Ledée's home environment with the rhythms and sounds of salsa, providing a lively backdrop to his upbringing, though Toñito's career also meant periods of absence due to performances.

Amateur baseball career

Ledée developed his talents as a youth proficient in both batting and throwing left-handed. His early involvement in the sport took place in , where holds a prominent cultural place, fostering skills that would later draw professional interest. Ledée attended Colegio Nuestra Señora in , for high school, where he honed his abilities on the field amid the island's competitive amateur scene. While specific high school statistics remain undocumented in major records, his performance as a promising outfield prospect garnered attention from Major League scouts evaluating Puerto Rican talent during the late . In 1990, at age 16, Ledée was selected by the New York Yankees in the 16th round of the MLB Amateur Draft, as the 421st overall pick, from his high school. He signed the contract on June 5, 1990, marking his entry into as one of several Puerto Rican players scouted that year.

Professional career

Minor league development

Ricky Ledée was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 16th round of the 1990 MLB Amateur Draft from Colegio Nuestra Señora de Belén in , and was initially assigned to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Yankees rookie team. In his debut professional season, he struggled with a .108 over 19 games, reflecting the challenges of adjusting to professional pitching as a young international signee. He remained with the GCL Yankees in 1991, improving to .267, and continued developing there in 1992 before earning a promotion. Ledée advanced to the short-season Class A Oneonta Yankees in the New York-Penn League in 1993, where he posted a .255 average with 8 home runs in 52 games, showcasing emerging power. The following year, he moved to full-season Class A Greensboro Bats in the , hitting .250 with 22 home runs and 71 RBIs in 1994, then refining his approach to .269 with 14 home runs in 1995. By 1996, Ledée reached Double-A with the Norwich Navigators in the Eastern League and made his Triple-A debut with the in the , combining for a .305 average, 29 home runs, and 101 RBIs over 135 games, earning him the Yankees' Player of the Year award. In 1997, Ledée returned to Columbus, batting .306 with 10 home runs in 43 games before injuries, including groin issues, limited his play and prompted a brief assignment back to the GCL Yankees for rehabilitation. His rapid ascent through the system drew prospect attention, with Baseball America ranking him as the Yankees' No. 2 prospect ahead of the 1996 season and placing him 46th overall among MLB prospects prior to 1998, later 70th before 1999. These years honed his left-handed swing and outfield versatility, preparing him for the major leagues despite early hurdles like inconsistent contact against advanced pitching.

New York Yankees tenure

Ricky Ledée made his debut with the New York Yankees on June 14, 1998, against the Cleveland Indians at . In his first at-bat, he singled off pitcher Jaret Wright for his initial big-league hit, going 1-for-3 overall with a walk and a in the Yankees' 4-2 victory. During the 1998 regular season, Ledée served primarily as a fourth and player, appearing in 42 games while batting .241 with one and 12 RBIs. His role involved spelling starters like Paul O'Neill and in left and right field, providing a left-handed bat off the bench amid an outfield crowded with established veterans. Ledée's versatility and timely contributions helped solidify the Yankees' depth during their dominant 114-win campaign. Ledée's breakthrough came in the 1998 postseason, where he excelled despite limited regular-season playing time. In the against the Padres, he batted 6-for-10 across four games, including three doubles and four RBIs, reaching base in his first eight plate appearances and posting a .600 average that underscored his clutch potential. These performances earned him a as the Yankees swept the series for their second consecutive championship. In 1999, Ledée expanded his role, starting in left field on and playing in 88 games while hitting .276 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs, contributing to another Yankees division title. However, his postseason involvement was limited to nine appearances across the ALDS, ALCS, and , where the Yankees again won the title against the , securing Ledée his second ring in as many years. By mid-2000, with the Yankees facing lineup struggles and an outfield logjam featuring , Paul O'Neill, and emerging options like , general manager traded Ledée to the Cleveland Indians on June 29 for outfielder , along with prospects Jake Westbrook and Zach Day, to inject a right-handed bat and bolster the slumping offense.

Later MLB teams and transitions

Following his trade from the New York Yankees to the Indians on June 29, 2000, in exchange for , Ledée appeared in 17 games for Cleveland, batting .222 with two home runs and eight RBI as a left fielder and . On July 28, 2000, the Indians traded him to the Texas Rangers for , after which Ledée played 58 games for Texas, hitting .235 with four home runs and 38 RBI, primarily in left field. His time with both teams marked the beginning of a nomadic phase, where he served as a versatile reserve but struggled for consistent playing time. Ledée remained with the Rangers through the 2001 season, appearing in 78 games and batting .224 with two home runs, before becoming a in December 2001. He signed a one-year contract with the Phillies on January 29, 2002, where he transitioned to the National League and took on a role, playing multiple positions. In 2002, Ledée played 96 games for , batting .227 with eight home runs and 23 RBI; he improved in 2003 with 85 games, a .272 average, 10 home runs, and 35 RBI, often platooning against right-handed pitchers. His 2004 season with the Phillies started strongly in 73 games (.285 average, seven home runs, 26 RBI), but on July 30, he was traded to the Giants along with pitcher Alfredo Simón for reliever Félix Rodríguez, as the Phillies sought help. With the Giants, Ledée's role diminished amid the team's pursuit of outfield depth to support , appearing in just 31 games in 2004 with a .113 , no s, and four RBI, mostly as a . Released by San Francisco on October 29, 2004, he signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the on December 7, 2004, returning to a bench position. In 2005, Ledée played 95 games for the Dodgers, batting .255 with six s and 23 RBI; his 2006 performance dipped to .238 in 64 games with two s and 11 RBI before being placed on waivers on August 8, claimed by the . During the 2006 season, Ledée also represented in the inaugural , appearing in three games. He finished 2006 with the Mets in 27 games (.094 average, one , one RBI) and returned on a minor-league deal in 2007, playing 17 games (.222 average, one , six RBI) primarily as a before being . These frequent transactions underscored Ledée's value as a left-handed bat off the bench, though injuries and inconsistency limited his opportunities across six teams in eight seasons.

Retirement from baseball

Ricky Ledée's final appearance occurred on July 7, 2007, during a game between the and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, where he went 1-for-6 as a and substitute . Following this outing, Ledée was outrighted to the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs, on July 13, 2007, after clearing waivers. He continued playing there through August 17, 2007, appearing in 86 total games that season and batting .262 with 11 home runs. On August 20, 2007, Ledée requested and received his unconditional release from the Mets organization, effectively ending his affiliation with the team after a season marked by limited opportunities and subpar production at the major league level. At age 33, Ledée opted not to pursue further contracts, formally retiring from professional later that month without signing for the 2008 season or attempting play in winter leagues or independent circuits. This decision came amid a career trajectory as a whose power had waned, reflected in his .219 across 312 MLB games from 2005 to 2007. In the immediate aftermath, Ledée expressed appreciation for his decade-long MLB tenure, which included two World Series titles with the New York Yankees, while adjusting to life away from the rigors of daily professional play. He was granted free agency on October 4, 2007, but chose not to return to the game, marking the close of his on-field career.

Playing style and statistics

Batting and defensive profile

Ricky Ledée possessed a smooth left-handed swing that generated consistent line-drive contact, earning praise for its fluidity during his early professional years. As a left-handed batter, he held a platoon advantage against right-handed pitchers, posting a career .748 OPS versus .709 against left-handers, though his overall production dipped notably in matchups with same-handed throwers. This approach contributed to his reputation as a contact-oriented hitter with a career .243 batting average and low strikeout rate, prioritizing plate discipline over aggressive chasing. While Ledée demonstrated power potential with 63 home runs across his major league tenure, his output remained inconsistent, offering decent but unremarkable pop suited to a supporting role rather than stardom. Defensively, Ledée exhibited versatility across all three positions, serving as a reliable option capable of handling center field when needed. His career outfield fielding percentage stood at .979, reflecting solid routes and above-average range, though his arm strength was merely average, limiting his ability to deter runners effectively from deeper throws. Above-average speed underpinned his mobility in the field and on the bases—where he recorded 30 stolen bases—but he rarely capitalized on it for aggressive base-running. Ledée's career trajectory evolved from a highly touted prospect, ranked among the Yankees' top talents in the late 1990s with expectations of power and everyday play, to a dependable bench contributor by the early 2000s. Injuries, including recurring groin issues, and challenges with consistency hampered his development, shifting him into a platoon and pinch-hitting role where his contact skills and positional flexibility proved valuable for multiple teams. This adaptation highlighted his utility as a steady, if unflashy, reserve outfielder rather than the star once projected.

Career statistics and records

Ricky Ledée appeared in 855 games over 10 seasons from 1998 to 2007, compiling a .243 with 63 home runs and 318 runs batted in, while posting an percentage (OPS) of .737. His career was .325 and .412, reflecting a solid but not elite offensive profile as a reserve . Ledée's most productive season came in 1999 with the New York Yankees, where he batted .276 with 9 home runs and 40 RBI in 88 games. This performance marked his highest and contributed to the Yankees' pennant-winning campaign. In postseason play, Ledée batted .295 overall (13-for-44) across limited appearances, including a standout .600 average (6-for-10) in the against the Padres. He had fewer opportunities in subsequent playoffs, appearing in 6 games in 1999 and 2000 combined. Defensively, Ledée recorded 1,149 putouts, 20 assists, and 24 errors as an over his career, primarily in left and right field. His error rate was modest for a part-time player, with a career fielding of .979 in . In the , Ledée posted a in 1997 across two levels, including time with the , which helped establish his readiness for the majors the following year.
StatisticCareer Total
855
At Bats2,030
Hits494
Home Runs63
RBI318
.243
.737

Post-retirement activities

Acting and media appearances

Following his retirement from in 2007, Ricky Ledée has maintained a low public profile in entertainment, with his most notable media involvement occurring during his playing career. Ledée made his acting debut in the 1999 film , directed by , where he portrayed Ruiz, a fictional for the New York Yankees. In the movie, Ledée appears in several stadium scenes alongside lead actor , who plays a veteran pitcher, contributing to the film's authentic depiction of gameplay and team dynamics. Ledée also featured in sports media productions tied to his Yankees tenure, appearing as himself in footage from the 1998 American League Championship Series and the . These broadcasts captured his on-field contributions, including pinch-hitting and defensive plays, during the Yankees' postseason runs. Additionally, he is included in the 1998 New York Yankees: The Official Film, a documentary-style release that chronicles the team's championship victory over the Padres, utilizing game highlights where Ledée recorded key hits. No further acting credits or formal media roles, such as commentary or instructional content, have been documented for Ledée through 2025. His limited forays into primarily leveraged his expertise, bridging his athletic background with brief on-screen presence in sports-themed projects.

Social media influence

Ricky Ledée joined in January 2013 with the handle @ricky_ledee, shortly after his retirement from , marking the beginning of his notable online presence. His posts quickly gained traction for their distinctive lowercase style, blending humor, , and casual observations about daily life, often interspersed with sports commentary. This unpretentious approach resonated with fans, establishing Ledée as a relatable figure in the digital space. Ledée's tweets frequently reference his baseball past, including playful jabs at former teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, such as his 2013 post mocking their lack of contact during a rough season. He has also shared reactions to New York Yankees games, like a succinct 2024 comment on a grand slam that highlighted his ongoing allegiance. Viral moments include his humorous declines of invitations, such as a 2023 response emphasizing his disinterest in the medium, alongside everyday musings like grocery shopping woes or family interruptions during games. By 2025, the account had amassed over 4,000 followers, fostering interactions with fans who appreciate its authenticity and wit. Despite its popularity, the account's authenticity has sparked debate, as it remains unverified, though early endorsements from MLB insider lent credibility. Ledée's online persona has influenced baseball culture by evoking for the late-1990s Yankees era while providing lighthearted entertainment, earning praise from Yankees-focused outlets for its comedic value and unique voice. Outlets like Battle of California have hailed it as one of 's treasures for blending sports passion with relatable struggles.

Personal life

Immediate family

Ricky Ledée was married to Theresa Kokinakos from the late until their divorce in 2023, and together they have three children: sons Ricardo Jr., born on January 12, 1998, and Daniel, born on October 5, 2000, and daughter Teresa Paola, born on August 15, 2002. The children were born during Ledée's active MLB career, a period marked by frequent relocations due to trades and team assignments across cities including New York, , , , and , which required the family to adapt to multiple moves and maintain stability amid professional demands. Ledée's father, Toñito Ledée, a renowned lead singer for the salsa band La Sonora Ponceña, profoundly shaped the family's before his death in a car accident in 1986, when Ricky was 12 years old; Toñito's musical legacy in Puerto Rican salsa endures as a point of family pride, though Ledée pursued rather than following in his father's artistic footsteps. Post-retirement, Ledée's family dynamics have centered on nurturing the children's growth, with no public indications of their direct involvement in professional music or sports, though the paternal tradition of Puerto Rican cultural expression remains a subtle influence. The family maintains close ties to , Ledée's birthplace in Ponce, where much of his early life and family roots are anchored.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Ricky Ledée has engaged in community activities in , participating in events that promote among youth as part of broader MLB initiatives honoring the island's heritage. In 2016, he was referenced in the "Peloteros por Puerto Rico" goodwill tour, a program organized by the MLB Players Association to conduct clinics for hundreds of children and celebrate figures like , though his specific role was tied to the legacy of playing in key local venues. During his time with the New York Yankees, Ledée was part of the organization's community efforts, including support for youth programs through the Yankee Foundation, which provided funding for educational and recreational initiatives in . The foundation, established in 1973, raised millions for local non-profits, and players like Ledée contributed to team-wide community outreach.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/ledeeri01.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/ricky-ledee-133342
  3. https://x.com/ricky_ledee
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/01/sports/waiting-see-if-this-spring-for-yanks-ledee-majors-beckon-death-haunts.html
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/08/sports/baseball-yankees-are-hoping-change-heart-will-make-ledee-into-bona-fide-star.html
  6. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=ledeeri01
  7. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=ledee-001ric
  8. https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2015/2/2/7934535/yankees-prospects-ricky-ledee-analysis
  9. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/prospects_mlb/1998~BA/
  10. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/hitting.php?y=1998&t=NYA
  11. https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/card/card.php?id=668
  12. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/playerpost.php?p=ledeeri01&ps=ws
  13. https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2000/0629/611081.html
  14. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2025/6/29/24454864/yankees-2000-season-david-justice-trade-cleveland-ledee-westbrook-threepeat-alcs-mvp-mariners
  15. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/bio/_/id/3608/ricky-ledee
  16. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/kroichick/article/Rodriguez-sent-packing-to-Philly-Giants-get-2704360.php
  17. https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/roster/puerto-rico?season=2006
  18. https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/ricky-ledee-5596
  19. https://nypost.com/1999/07/18/ledee-enrolled-in-fly-ball-101/
  20. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ricky-ledee/1407/splits?position=OF
  21. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Ricky_Led%C3%A9e
  22. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496432/
  23. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2018/11/17/18099259/yankees-history-ricky-ledee-twitter-1998-world-series
  24. https://www.crossingbroad.com/news-2/phillies/ricky-ledee-made-fun-of-the-phillies-on-twitter/
  25. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2019/3/9/18256689/yankees-social-media-twitter-instagram-didi-gregorius-masahiro-tanaka-alex-rodriguez
  26. https://www.battleofcali.com/f/2015/7/11/8934501/the-struggles-of-ricky-ledee
  27. https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/family-court/12042023THPPrivate.pdf
  28. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlbpa-puerto-rico-tour-gala-honors-clemente-c211569428
  29. https://library.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/publications/baseball/yearbooks/BNEWYYB-1999-new-york-yankees-yearbook.pdf
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