Today in Blue Jays History: Frank Catalanotto

Eight years ago today, the Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent outfielder Frank Catalanotto. The baby-faced, soft spoken Catalanotto was popular among fans during his tenure with the Jays from 2003-2006.

Catalanotto’s first season in Toronto in 2003 was his best power season, where he hit 13 home runs and drove in 59, along with 34 doubles. His 2005 season was his shortest, where he appeared in just 75 games, and he logged his worst slash line as a Blue Jay .293/.344/.390 (which really wasn’t that bad).

Over his four years in a Blue Jay uniform, Catalanotto posted a .299/.361/.445 slash line, along with 29 HR, 200 RBI, 141 walks, 222 runs, 118 doubles, and 14 triples.

His most notable game as a Blue Jay was when he set a new record for hits in a game on May 1st, 2004 against the Chicago White Sox, where he went 6-for-6 in the second game of a double-header. He was also named the American League player of the week twice in 2005.

It’s unlikely he will play in 2011 after he was designated for assignment by the New York Mets this past season in May.

He’s married with four children, and is an honorary chairman of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.

-JM

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