On December 13, 2001, a freshly shaved, short-haired Jason Giambi (#25) signed a 7-year contract with the New York Yankees. The slugger from the Oakland A’s became a staple in the New York Yankees’ lineup, much to Oakland’s dismay. Giambi was a top hitter, and considered to be the team leader, losing Giambi was a devastating blow for Oakland.
Oakland’s loss was New York’s gain. By 2002, he led the MLB for the second consecutive year in reaching base. His stats boasted a .314 batting average, 122 RBI’s, 109 walks, and included 15 hit-by pitches. He also hit an unbelievable walk-off grand slam against the Twins in extra innings, a game that Yankee fans won’t soon forget.
Jason Giambi’s Major League debut was on May 8, 1995, with the Oakland A’s, where he played until 2001 when he signed with the Yankees.. His career is mostly known for his hitting, but Giambi has also played the outfield, and first and second bases when needed. He was also a frequent designated hitter until signing with the National League. His all around, award winning performances have earned him praise in the MLB community, but there’s also been some controversy after being named in the PED (Performance-Enhancing Drugs) scandal involving many MLB players. In 2004, he was diagnosed with a benign tumor that put him on the Yankees’ disabled list from July to September. None of this seemed to put a stop to Giambi’s determination on the field. In July 2005, he hit his 300th home run, tying Mickey Mantle’s home run record. By the end of the season, he led the league in walks, on-base percentage, and hit 32 home runs. He was also named the American League Comeback Player of the Year.
By 2007, Giambi’s numbers started to dip due to injuries, and in 2008, the Yankees declined the option and his contract, making Giambi a free agent. He played for the Oakland A’s until 2009, where he also recorded his 400th home run. However, his low batting average and time on the disabled list was enough for Oakland to release Giambi, who then signed with the Colorado Rockies, where he remains today. He is enjoying resurgence in his career, and on May 19, 2011, he became the second oldest player to hit three home runs in three at bats in one game.Throughout his career, “The Great Giambino” has earned 4 Player of the Year Awards, the American League MVP, the Silver Slugger Award, Comeback Player of the Year, and was selected for the All-Star Game five times. Giambi was also named one of the “Top Ten Most Superstitious Athletes” by Men’s Fitness Magazine.
Despite the amazing accomplishments he’s experienced, he has never won a World Series Title. But he is still respected by the New York Yankees and their fans, which have fond memories of his outstanding performances at Yankee Stadium. You can still see fans proudly wearing their #25 jerseys, and he always receives a warm welcome and thunderous applause when he steps up to the plate at the Stadium.
Jason Giambi was, and will remain, a highly respected player in Yankees’ history and we are all grateful to have had him on our team for so long.
--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer
--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Associate Editor
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