Eric Bruntlett

Infobox MLB player


width = 150
name=Eric Bruntlett
position=Infielder
team=Philadelphia Phillies
number=4
bats=Right
throws=Right
birthdate=birth date and age|1978|3|29
debutdate=June 27
debutyear=2003
debutteam=Houston Astros
statyear=June, 2008
stat1label=Batting Average
stat1value=.250
stat2label=Home Runs
stat2value=11
stat3label=Runs Batted In
stat3value=62
teams=
*Houston Astros (by|2003-by|2007)
*Philadelphia Phillies (by|2008-present)

Eric Kevin Bruntlett (born March 29, 1978 in Lafayette, Indiana) is a baseball infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball. He is known for his defensive versatility: though he usually plays second base or shortstop, he has played every position except for catcher and pitcher.

High School

Bruntlett is a 1996 graduate of Harrison High School in West Lafayette, IN where he was a two-time All-Indiana selection in both baseball and football. He was inducted into the Harrison HS Hall of Fame in 2005.

College

Bruntlett graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics. He helped the Cardinals to three appearances in the College World Series, including the title game in 2000. In addition, his teams won at least a share of four Pac-10 titles. Bruntlett was named to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament team twice (1999 & 2000).

Minor Leagues

2000

After hitting .342 for Stanford, Bruntlett was selected by Houston Astros in the 9th Round (277th overall) of the 2000 amateur entry draft in June. Bruntlett hit .273 with 14 stolen bases in 50 games for the Martinsville Astros, Houston's rookie league affiliate in the Appalachian League.

2001

Bruntlett advanced quickly through the Astros' minor league system, starting the season off with the AA Texas League's Round Rock Express, where he hit .266 with 23 steals. He finished the season at AAA New Orleans in the Pacific Coast League"'

2002

Once again began the season at Round Rock, where he hit .265 with 35 SB and finished the season with another short stint in New Orleans.

2003

Played the first half of the season in New Orleans where he hit .259. Was called up to the major league club and made his debut on June 27th. Appeared in 31 games, also hitting .259 for the Astros.

Major Leagues

2004

Recalled from Triple A New Orleans on Aug. 7 when Adam Everett was placed on the Disabled List. Batted .250 with four home runs and eight RBI in 45 games with the Astros. Appeared in six postseason games.

2005

Hit .220 in 91 games with four home runs and 14 RBI. Played games at seven different positions (all but catcher and pitcher). Played in 10 postseason games, including 2 World Series games against the White Sox.

2006

Eric hit .277 in 73 games for the Astros. Hit .412 (7 for 17) with four RBI as a pinch-hitter. Was optioned to Round Rock on 8/2 but was quickly recalled on 8/27. Started 22 games at 5 positions, including 12 starts at shortstop.

2007

Was recalled to the major league club and became the starting shortstop when Adam Everett went down on June 14th with a broken fibula. Bruntlett hit .246 with 14 RBI on the season, seeing time at shortstop, third base and the outfield.

On November 7, 2007, Bruntlett was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Brad Lidge for Geoff Geary, Michael Bourn, and Mike Costanzo.

Personal

Bruntlett married his wife Eden on November 2004. They live in Napa, California.

External links

* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/brunter01.shtml Baseball Reference]
* [http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10458736 Bruntlett traded to Phillies]