Andruw Jones Biography

May 29, 2007

Birthdate: April 23, 1977
Birthplace: Willemstad, Curacao

Drafted to the major leagues when he was just 16 years old, Andruw Jones was one of the most talented teenagers ever. Read on for more on this Atlanta Brave who's been compared to former baseball great Willie Mays!

Andruw Jones - Caribbean Star

Andruw grew up in Willemstad, Curacao, a small country located in the Caribbean. His father was a big baseball star in Curacao during the '60s and '70s, so it was natural that he would train his young son. By the time Andruw was six, he already had major league aspirations. His early accomplishments are nothing short of amazing. Andruw hit a 400 foot home run as a 13-year old and was playing in leagues with adults. In 1993, the Atlanta Braves signed 16-year old Andruw to a free agent contract.

Andruw Jones - Years in Atlanta

Andruw made his major league debut in August 1996. He played in that season's World Series against the Yankees. Andruw became the youngest player in MLB history to hit a home run in the World Series. In 10 seasons with the Braves, Andruw has won nine straight Gold Glove awards and has made five All-Star appearances. The 2005 season is arguably Andruw's finest year. As a player known more for his defensive brilliance, he hit a league leading 51 home runs and drove in 128 RBI's. Andruw won the Hank Aaron Award that year, which is given to the best offensive player. He also finished second in the National League MVP voting, losing the award to Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Andruw Jones - The Future

Although Andruw has enjoyed a good major league career, some feel he never lived up to the hype that surrounded him as a young teen. He has proved he's one of the best defensive center fielders in history, although his offense has been inconsistent. The 2007 season has been one of Andruw's worst seasons as a pro to date. But at just 30 years old, Andruw has a lot of baseball years ahead of him to live up to his enormous potential.