Template:Multiple issuesJohn Garrett Olerud (/?o?l?ru?d/; nicknamed Johnny O, and Big Rude; born August 5, 1968), is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman. Olerud played with the Toronto Blue Jays (1989–96), New York Mets (1997–99), Seattle Mariners (2000–2004), New York Yankees (2004) and Boston Red Sox (2005).A patient, productive hitter throughout his career, Olerud won the American League batting title in 1993 and was runner-up for the National League batting title in 1998. Also a three-time Gold Glove winner, he was an excellent defensive first baseman and part of Sports Illustrated's "Greatest Infield Ever" with Edgardo Alfonzo, Rey Ordóñez, and Robin Ventura, when he played for the Mets.
Wears batting helmet in field due to an aneurysm in college
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Fact
1
Selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 3rd round of the 1989 amateur draft out of Washington State University. One of only 91 players in Major League Baseball history who went directly to the majors without playing a game in the minors.
2
Baseball All-American at both 1st base and pitcher, and Baseball America College Player of the Year (1988).
3
Toronto Blue Jays All-Time On-Base Percentage Leader (.395).
$34 Million
