Ken Huckaby
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenneth Paul "Ken" Huckaby, (born January 27, 1971 in San Leandro, California) is a backup catcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. Previously, Huckaby played with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2001), Toronto Blue Jays (2002-2003, 2005), Texas Rangers (2004[start/end]), Baltimore Orioles (2004[mid]), and Boston Red Sox (2006). He bats and throws right handed.
Through 2005, Huckaby is a .223 hitter with three home runs and 30 RBI in 153 games played.
Huckaby has played with four major league clubs in part of five seasons, including two stints both for Toronto and Texas. A fine defensive replacement with a strong throwing arm, he never hit well enough to secure the starting catching job. His most productive season came in 2002 with Toronto, when he posted career-highs in average (.245), home runs (3), RBI (22) and games (88).
In the 2006 spring training, Huckaby had an opportunity of being the backup catcher for the Red Sox. Then, he injured his left knee during the first exhibition game and lose the job to Josh Bard, who was later sent to San Diego for Doug Mirabelli. On August 1, Huckaby was added to the 25-man roster to serve as Mirabelli's backup while Boston regular catcher Jason Varitek recuperates from an ailing left knee that could reportedly sideline him for up to six weeks. Before the call, he appeared in 68 games for Triple-A Pawtucket, hitting .207 with two home runs and 16 RBI. Huckaby's backup role was once again brought into question with Boston's acquisition of Javy Lopez on August 3. That night, Huckaby went 1 for 3 with an RBI. However, the very next day, August 4, Huckaby was designated for assignment. He later cleared waivers and returned to Pawtucket.
