He’s best known as a former infielder who made his mark playing second base and shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers between 1998 and 2004. Over the course of his playing career, he suited up for several other teams, but it was with the Dodgers where he really began to build his reputation. After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned into management, showing the same dedication and leadership that defined his time on the field. In 2018, he took the helm as manager of the Boston Red Sox—an exciting new chapter in his baseball journey—and remarkably led the team to a World Series championship in his very first season at the helm. That kind of immediate success isn’t common, but then again, he’s never been one to follow the usual path.
Before all the fame and accolades, his road started with being selected in the 12th round of the 1993 draft. But instead of signing right away, he made a smart long-term move by choosing to play college ball at the University of Miami, where he further honed his skills. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in 1996, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him again—this time in the third round. It was clear they believed in his potential, and over time, he proved them right.
Family has always played a big role in his life. His brother, Joey, also had an impressive MLB career, spending 11 seasons in the league—a testament to the strong baseball roots in their family. On the personal side, he shares a close bond with his wife, Nilda, with whom he has a daughter. He’s also a dedicated stepfather to Jeriel, showing that beyond the diamond, he values commitment and family just as much. Throughout it all, his journey reflects resilience, smart choices, and a deep love for the game.
He was part of not just one, but two of the longest nine-inning games ever recorded in baseball history—pretty remarkable when you think about it. One of those marathon games happened during his time with the Dodgers, and then later on, he found himself in another epic showdown while playing for the Red Sox. And speaking of his days with Boston, he actually helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 2007, which was a huge highlight of his career. Yeah, he really made his mark, didn’t he?