Joe Crede

Joseph Taylor Crede (pronounced CREE-dee, born April 26, 1978) is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox (2000–2008) and the Minnesota Twins. Crede was drafted by the White Sox in the fifth round of the 1996 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 2000.

Crede was a member of the White Sox when they won the World Series in 2005, marking their first championship in 88 years. Professional career

Chicago White Sox

Crede made his major league debut on September 12, 2000 against the Detroit Tigers, entering as a defensive replacement at third base and flying out in his first at-bat. He split 2001 and 2002 between the majors and minors before playing in his first full season in 2003. In 2005, Crede batted .252 with 22 home runs and 62 RBI in 132 games. In 2008, Crede hit a grand slam on Opening Day against the Twins. For the week ending June 8th, Crede was named the co-American League Player of the Week (along with Milton Bradley) after going 11 for 18 with five home runs. After starting the season batting .256 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI, Crede made the 2008 MLB All-Star Game as a reserve. However, he was injured for most of the second half, and finished the season hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI in 97 games. On October 30, 2008, Crede elected free agency. In his one season with the Twins, Crede had a .225 batting average and recorded 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 90 games.

Colorado Rockies

Crede signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Colorado Rockies after a one-year absence from baseball. He became a free agent on February 17, 2011, when he decided not to show up for spring training. Crede then retired.

Personal life On October 22, 2005, the same day as the due date of his second daughter, Lucy, Crede hit his first World Series home run. On November 6, 2005, Crede was honored by his hometown of Westphalia, Missouri, with "Joe Crede Day," where he was presented the key to the city. He was drafted again after college by the Phillies in the 19th round (556th overall) of the 1996 MLB draft, the same day Joe was drafted.

Crede and his wife Lisa have two daughters, Anna and Lucy, and one son, Jace. He lives in mid-Missouri, and is a season-ticket holder for Missouri Tigers basketball.

Teammate Aaron Rowand praised Crede's ability to deliver in big moments. “There’s nobody better than that guy in the clutch,” Rowand told reporters. “He’s done it over and over and over again. It’s not the first time, and it definitely won’t be the last time.”