Kelly Shoppach

From BR Bullpen

Kelly Brian Shoppach

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 1", Weight 210 lb.
School Baylor University
Debut May 28, 2005
Born April 29, 1980 in Fort Worth, TX USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Catcher Kelly Shoppach became a starter in 2008, playing 110 games behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians.

Shoppach hit over .500 as a high school senior, and then went to Baylor University, where he received the Johnny Bench Award as the top college catcher in 2001. He was a second-round pick that year by the Boston Red Sox.

He showed good power in his minor league career, with 74 home runs from 2002-2006. However, he was stuck behind Jason Varitek in Boston, and then behind Victor Martinez after being sent to the Indians in the trade that brought Coco Crisp to Boston following the 2005 season. He played in 41 games in 2006 and 59 in 2007, hitting well in his limited opportunities - he hit .261 with 13 doubles and 7 home runs in 161 at bats the second year. In 2008, injuries to Martinez gave him his first shot at regular major league playing time and he took advantage of this to hit 21 home runs and 27 doubles in 352 at bats, good for a line of .261/.348/.517, placing him among the better-hitting catchers in the major leagues.