Editing Brandon Inge

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1977)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Brandon Inge
|image=Brandon Inge 2010.jpg
|caption=Inge with the Detroit Tigers
|position=[[Third baseman]] / [[Catcher]]
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1977|5|19}}
|birth_place=[[Lynchburg, Virginia]], U.S.
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|debutleague=MLB
|debutdate=April 3
|debutyear=2001
|debutteam=Detroit Tigers
|finalleague=MLB
|finaldate=July 21
|finalyear=2013
|finalteam=Pittsburgh Pirates
|statleague=MLB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.233
|stat2label=[[Home run]]s
|stat2value=152
|stat3label=[[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat3value=648
|teams=
*[[Detroit Tigers]] ({{mlby|2001}}–{{mlby|2012}})
*[[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|2012}})
*[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{mlby|2013}})
|highlights=
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2009]])
}}
'''Charles Brandon Inge''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɪ|n|dʒ}} {{respell|INJ|'}}; born May 19, 1977) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[third baseman]] and [[catcher]] and currently a volunteer assistant coach for the [[Michigan Wolverines baseball]] team. He played 12 seasons with the [[Detroit Tigers]], one with the [[Oakland Athletics]] and one with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He bats and throws [[right-handed]].

Sportswriter [[Jayson Stark]] described Inge as a "super-utility [[dervish]]."<ref>{{cite web | title=Honoring the very best (and worst) of the first half | first=Jayson | last=Stark | work=[[ESPN.com]] | date=July 12, 2008 | access-date=July 14, 2008 | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3483646}}</ref> In 2006, his diving stop and subsequent throw from his knees to put out [[Gary Bennett (baseball)|Gary Bennett]] in an [[Interleague play|interleague game]], on June 25 against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] earned him the [[ESPN]] defensive play of the year for a third baseman.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=502758&w=mms%3A//a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2006/open/tp/archive06/062506_slndet_inge_def_tp_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2006/06/25/slnmlb-detmlb-1&mid=200606251522891&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp350&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=v_free&_mp=1
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523103127/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=502758&w=mms%3A//a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2006/open/tp/archive06/062506_slndet_inge_def_tp_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2006/06/25/slnmlb-detmlb-1&mid=200606251522891&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp350&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=v_free&_mp=1
 | url-status=dead
 | archive-date=May 23, 2009
 | title=Brandon Inge Diving Stop | date=June 25, 2006 | work=MLB.com}}</ref>

==Early life==
Inge played baseball at [[Brookville High School (Virginia)|Brookville High School]] in [[Lynchburg, Virginia]], also playing [[American Legion Baseball]]. He was named Legion Baseball's 2010 Graduate of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/graduate|title = Graduate of the Year {{!}} The American Legion|website = www.legion.org|access-date = February 26, 2016}}</ref> Brookville retired Inge's uniform number (7).<ref name="2008 Media Guide">{{cite web|title=2008 Information Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/y2008/mediaguide.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203205753/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/y2008/mediaguide.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2017| website=detroit.tigers.mlb.com|publisher=Detroit Tigers, Inc.|access-date=January 28, 2017|pages=107–112}}</ref>

He then attended [[Virginia Commonwealth University]], where he played on the [[VCU Rams baseball|baseball team]] as a [[shortstop]] and [[relief pitcher]].<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> In 1997 he played [[collegiate summer baseball]] in the [[Cape Cod Baseball League]] for the [[Bourne Braves]] where he was named a league all-star.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=January 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last =O'Neill | first =Paul | title = West Bests East, 5-4, in All-Star Feast | pages = 18 | newspaper = Yarmouth Register | location = Yarmouth, MA | date = July 31, 1997 | url = http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/APA/Yarmouth/SharedView.Article.aspx?href=DPLTR%2F1997%2F07%2F31&id=Ar01800&sk=766D0F88&viewMode=image }}</ref> He was [[Sports draft|drafted]] by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round in the [[1998 Major League Baseball Draft]].<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/>

==Career==

===Detroit Tigers===
Inge began his professional career with the [[Jamestown Jammers]], of the Single–A [[New York–Penn League]]. In 51 games, Inge batted .230.<ref name="B-Ref Minors">{{cite web|title=Brandon Inge Minor Leagues Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=inge--001cha|website=Baseball-Reference.com|publisher=Sports-Reference.com|access-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref> His 8 homers, 10 doubles, and 29 RBI were all team–high totals.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> Previously a shortstop, Inge became a catcher.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/>

Inge was promoted to the [[West Michigan Whitecaps]] for the 1999 season, making 100 appearances. In June, Inge put together a [[hitting streak]] that lasted for 12 games.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> For the season, he batted .244, with 9 homers and 46 runs batted in.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/> He also stole 15 bases, the highest single–season total for his entire baseball career.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/>

Inge split the 2000 season between the Double–A [[Jacksonville Suns]] and the Triple–A [[Toledo Mud Hens]]. In 78 games with Jacksonville, he hit 6 homers, drove in 53 runs, and compiled a .258 batting average.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/> Inge saw action in 55 games with the Mud Hens, tallying 5 homers and 20 RBI, but only hitting for a .221 average.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/>

Inge began 2001 in the majors, debuting as Detroit's starting catcher on opening day and throwing out a pair of [[Minnesota Twins]] baserunners in the game.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> On April 6, he got his first MLB base hit, a double against [[Chicago White Sox]] pitcher [[Jim Parque]].<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> On June 24, Inge sustained a dislocated left shoulder. He was put on the disabled list the next day and was out of action for a month before he was sent to the [[Gulf Coast League Tigers]] for a brief rehab stint.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> After three games with the GCL Tigers and four games with West Michigan, Inge joined Toledo on August 2 and he remained there until he was recalled by Detroit on September 1.<ref name="2008 Media Guide"/> In 27 games with Toledo, Inge batted .289, with 2 homers, 11 doubles, and 15 runs batted in.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/> Inge appeared in 79 games with the Tigers, batting .180 and posting 11 doubles and 15 RBI.<ref name="B-Ref Minors"/>

Initially signed as a catcher, Inge struggled offensively in his first three seasons. After the Tigers signed free-agent [[Iván Rodríguez]] in {{by|2004}}, Inge played in the outfield, catcher and at third base, batting .287 with 13 home runs that season.

He started 159 games at third base in {{by|2005}}, and led all AL third basemen in [[Error (baseball)|error]]s (23), [[Assist (baseball)|assists]] (378) and [[double play]]s (42).<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2005-specialpos_3b-fielding.shtml#3B 2005 American League third basemen fielding statistics] Baseball Reference</ref> In 2006, Inge exceeded his 2005 totals with 398 assists. That number broke the [[Detroit Tigers]] single season record for assists by a third baseman (previously 389 by [[Aurelio Rodríguez]] in 1974) and was only 14 short of the all time MLB record for assists by a third baseman (set by [[Graig Nettles]] in 1971). Only five third basemen (including [[Graig Nettles]], [[Brooks Robinson]], and [[Mike Schmidt]]) have collected more assists in a season than Inge.

In 2006, Inge showed power during the first half, with his 17 [[home run]]s tying for the team lead. His slugging percentage was .463 and he placed third on the Tigers with 47 RBIs.<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=ingebr01&year=2006&t=b#half Brandon Inge 2006 splits] Baseball Reference</ref> After the All-Star Break, he raised his season average from .221 to .253 and finished with a career-high 27 [[home run]]s.<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/ingebr01.shtml Brandon Inge profile] Baseball Reference</ref> On October 27, 2006, Inge struck out versus [[St. Louis Cardinals]] pitcher [[Adam Wainwright]] for the final out of the [[2006 World Series]].

Inge became expendable at third base after the Tigers acquired [[Miguel Cabrera]] in a blockbuster trade with the [[Florida Marlins]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers send top prospects to Marlins for Cabrera, Willis|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3141703|work=ESPN|date = December 5, 2007|access-date=August 1, 2011}}</ref> Inge asked management to trade him to a team where he would have a chance to be an everyday player. However, a deal was never made, and the team stated that he would be used as a utility player for the 2008 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inge preparing for utility role in 2008|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080128&content_id=2357904&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 1, 2011}}</ref> Inge reported to spring training early with the pitchers and catchers. He was named the opening day [[center fielder]] after [[Curtis Granderson]] was placed on the disabled list.

[[File:Brandon Inge on June 11, 2008.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Inge playing as a catcher for the [[2008 Detroit Tigers season|Detroit Tigers in 2008]]]]
With the absence of backup catcher [[Vance Wilson]], Inge filled this role for the 13-time [[Gold Glove]] winner [[Iván Rodríguez]]. Inge took over the catching position full-time after Rodríguez was traded to the [[New York Yankees]] on July 30, 2008.<ref name="espn_rodriguez">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3511535&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines|title=Yankees find their catcher for stretch, trade for Rodriguez|date=July 30, 2008|work=ESPN.com|access-date=July 30, 2008}}</ref>

On September 27, Tigers manager [[Jim Leyland]] announced that he would move Inge back to third base for the 2009 season.<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2008/09/detroit_tigers_4_tampa_bay_ray.html Tigers win, position changes for 2009 announced] MLive.com September 27, 2008</ref>

Inge opened the [[2009 Major League Baseball season|2009 season]] as the starting third baseman for the Tigers. He started the season by successfully reaching base 24 games in a row, the longest such streak for the Tigers since 1976.<ref>[https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=290504106 Liriano fans 9 to lead Twins past Tigers 7–2] Yahoo! Sports (Associated Press) May 4, 2009</ref> Through the first half of the 2009 season, Inge led the team in home runs with 21<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=ingebr01&year=2009&t=b#half Brandon Inge 2009 splits] Baseball Reference</ref> and was named to the All-Star team.

Having received a record 11.8&nbsp;million votes in the [[All-Star Final Vote|Final Vote]], Inge was selected to his first [[2009 Major League Baseball All Star Game|All Star Game]], joining teammates [[Curtis Granderson]], [[Justin Verlander]], and [[Edwin Jackson (baseball)|Edwin Jackson]] on the [[American League]] squad. Inge participated in the [[2009 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby|Home Run Derby]] and became the eighth player in the history of the Derby to not hit a single home run.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070903000545/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/history/hr_derby.jsp Home Run Derby results] MLB.com</ref> He set career highs in games (161) and RBI (84) over the 2009 season, while matching his career high of 27 home runs.

Inge underwent surgery on both of his knees on November 3, 2009. He attended a strengthening and rehabilitation program during the winter. He made a full recovery in time to play midway through spring training, and started at third base on Opening Day of the 2010 season in Kansas City.<ref>[http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7616488&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det Inge undergoes successful knee surgery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615103810/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7616488&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det |date=June 15, 2011 }} MLB.com November 4, 2009</ref>

On July 19, 2010, Inge was hit on the left hand by a pitch. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture of the fifth [[metacarpal]]. Doctors said it would take 4–6 weeks to heal,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100811173629/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100719&content_id=12409890&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det Inge out 4–6 weeks with fracture in left hand] MLB.com July 19, 2010</ref> however he returned two weeks later.

On August 26, 2010, Inge achieved his 1,000th career hit against the [[Kansas City Royals]].

On September 25, 2010, Inge set the Tigers franchise mark for strikeouts with 1,100.<ref>[http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100925&content_id=15082616&notebook_id=15088426&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det Inge sets Tigers franchise mark for strikeouts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928042224/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100925&content_id=15082616&notebook_id=15088426&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |date=September 28, 2010 }} MLB.com September 26, 2010</ref> In the same game however, Inge had the game-winning hit in the 13th inning against the [[Minnesota Twins]].

At the conclusion of the season, Tigers general manager [[Dave Dombrowski]] announced plans to re-sign Inge to a multi-year contract.<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2010/10/brandon_inge_ecstatic_about_ti.html Brandon Inge 'ecstatic' about Tigers' interest; Jhonny Peralta expects to be back in Detroit] MLive.com October 3, 2010</ref>

Inge received the 2010 [[Players Choice Award#The Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award|Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award]], given by the [[Major League Baseball Players Association]] each year "to the player whose on-field performances and community outreach most inspire others to higher levels of achievement."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101029&content_id=15897442&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp|title=Gonzalez, Inge receive top awards|work=Mlb.com|date=October 29, 2010|access-date=August 15, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On June 3, 2011, Inge was placed on the 15-day disabled list with [[mononucleosis]].<ref>[http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110603&content_id=19968818&vkey=news_det&c_id=det Mono forces Inge to disabled list] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305193811/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110603&content_id=19968818&vkey=news_det&c_id=det |date=March 5, 2012 }} MLB.com June 3, 2011</ref> In 239 plate appearances with Detroit in 2011, he recorded a .177 batting average, before being designated for assignment on July 20.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|title=Tigers Designate Brandon Inge For Assignment|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/tigers-designate-brandon-inge-for-assignment.html|work=MLBTradeRumors.com|date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=July 21, 2011}}</ref> He was outrighted to Triple-A on July 26.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dierkes|first=Tim|title=Outrighted: Brandon Inge|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/outrighted-brandon-inge.html|work=MLBTradeRumors.com|date=July 26, 2011 |access-date=July 26, 2011}}</ref> In his return to the Tigers on August 20, Inge went 2-for-4, hitting a home run in his first at-bat and driving in two runs, en route to a 10–1 win over the second-place Cleveland Indians.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beck|first=Jason|title=Inge powers Tigers in climactic return to team|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110820&content_id=23484772&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 20, 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Brandon Inge on July 29, 2012.jpg|200px|thumb|Inge during his tenure with the [[2012 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics in 2012]]]]
As of January 26, 2012, Inge had lost his starting third base job to [[Miguel Cabrera]] who was moving back to the hot corner after the Tigers announced they had signed slugger [[Prince Fielder]] to play 1st base. At the press conference announcing the Fielder signing, manager [[Jim Leyland]] said that Inge "was not a happy camper". Leyland also said that Inge would be able to play second base for the Tigers, along with [[Ramon Santiago]], and [[Ryan Raburn]], but Inge was still thinking he should have a full-time job. Brandon continued to play second base with the others as Leyland said anyway. Brandon Inge was released by the Tigers following their game on April 26, 2012.<ref name="k396">{{cite web | last=Schmehl | first=James | title=Detroit Tigers sever ties with Brandon Inge, but 'heart will always be in Detroit' | website=mlive | date=2012-04-27 | url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2012/04/detroit_tigers_brandon_inge_on.html | access-date=2025-01-19}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics===
Inge agreed to sign with the [[Oakland Athletics]] on April 29, 2012, on a $5.5&nbsp;million deal.<ref>[http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2012/04/29/brandon-inge-agrees-to-sign-with-the-as/ Brandon Inge agrees to sign with the A's] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430022510/http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2012/04/29/brandon-inge-agrees-to-sign-with-the-as/ |date=April 30, 2012 }} ''The San Francisco Chronicle'', April 29, 2012</ref> The signing provided infield depth for Oakland, who lost [[Scott Sizemore]] to a knee injury. He initially wore number 18, but switched to number 7 after a few games (his old #15 was worn by teammate [[Seth Smith]]). In his first game against the Tigers a week later, Inge hit a [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]]. On September 1, after dislocating his shoulder for the second time within a month, Inge was forced to undergo season ending shoulder surgery.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130120020328/http://www.csnbayarea.com/baseball-oakland-athletics/athletics-talk/Inge-re-injures-shoulder-will-need-seaso?blockID=766769&feedID=2539] ''CSN Bayarea'' September 1, 2012</ref>

===Pittsburgh Pirates===
On February 12, 2013, Inge inked a minor-league deal with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. He started the 2013 season on the disabled list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/pirates-brandon-inge-close-to-deal.html|title = Pirates, Brandon Inge Close to Deal| date=February 12, 2013 }}</ref> On April 23, 2013, Inge was recalled from AAA. He was designated for assignment on July 23, 2013, and released seven days later.

==Post-playing career==
On January 29, 2021, Inge was named volunteer assistant coach for the [[2021 Michigan Wolverines baseball team]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2021/1/29/merriman-rejoins-u-m-baseball-as-pitching-coach-inge-named-volunteer-assistant.aspx |title=Merriman Rejoins U-M Baseball as Pitching Coach; Inge Named Volunteer Assistant |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |website=MGoBlue.com |first=Kurt |last=Svoboda |date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Inge currently resides in [[Michigan]]. In August 2009, Inge received two tattoos, one on each forearm, on a West Coast road trip. The tattoos are the names of his sons, "Chase" and "Tyler".<ref>[http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/sports/mlb/tigers/inge_tattoos_826 Brandon Inge Sports New Tattoos] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405185610/http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/sports/mlb/tigers/inge_tattoos_826 |date=April 5, 2010 }} WJBK-TV August 26, 2009</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Brandon Inge}}
{{baseballstats |mlb=276346 |espn=4623 |br=i/ingebr01 |fangraphs=470 |brm=inge--001cha}}

{{Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award}}

{{Portal bar|Baseball|Biography}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Inge, Brandon}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American people of Norwegian descent]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Lynchburg, Virginia]]
[[Category:Bourne Braves players]]
[[Category:Detroit Tigers players]]
[[Category:Gulf Coast Tigers players]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Indians players]]
[[Category:Jacksonville Suns players]]
[[Category:Jamestown Jammers players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball third basemen]]
[[Category:Michigan Wolverines baseball coaches]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]]
[[Category:Sacramento River Cats players]]
[[Category:Toledo Mud Hens players]]
[[Category:VCU Rams baseball players]]
[[Category:West Michigan Whitecaps players]]