Editing Jason Tyner

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1977)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name        = Jason Tyner
| image       = Jason Tyner.jpg
| caption     = Tyner with the Minnesota Twins
| position    = [[Outfielder]]
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1977|4|23}}
| birth_place = [[Bedford, Texas]], U.S.
| bats        = Left
| throws      = Left
|debutleague = MLB
| debutdate   = June 5
| debutyear   = 2000
| debutteam   = New York Mets
|finalleague = MLB
| finaldate   = May 12
| finalyear   = 2008
| finalteam   = Cleveland Indians
|statleague = MLB
| stat1label  = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value  = .275
| stat2label  = [[Home run]]s
| stat2value  = 1
| stat3label  = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat3value  = 94
| teams       = 
*[[New York Mets]] ({{baseball year|2000}})
*[[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] ({{baseball year|2000}}–{{baseball year|2003}})
*[[Minnesota Twins]] ({{baseball year|2005}}–{{baseball year|2007}})
*[[Cleveland Indians]] ({{baseball year|2008}})
}}
'''Jason Renyt Tyner''' (born April 23, 1977) is a former [[Major League Baseball]] [[outfielder]]. His MLB career spanned nine seasons from 2000 through 2008 for the [[New York Mets]] (2000), [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] (2000-2003), [[Minnesota Twins]] (2005-2007), and [[Cleveland Indians]] (2008). He bats and throws left-handed and played all three outfield spots, with the majority of his playing time coming in [[left field]].

==College and high school==
Tyner attended [[West Brook Senior High School]] in [[Beaumont, Texas|Beaumont]], where he was named Beaumont Student Athlete of the Year and was a member of the National Honor Society as a junior and senior. Following high school, he attended [[Texas A&M University]], graduating in 1998. At A&M, he was named All-Big 12 (along with [[Jason Jennings]]) and second team All-American in {{baseball year|1998}}. He finished his collegiate career first on A&M's all-time list for [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] and [[stolen base]]s, was second in [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], and third in [[at-bat]]s. Making the feat even more remarkable was that he set the records in only three seasons. He also made the United States National Team in {{baseball year|1997}}.

=== New York Mets ===
Tyner was drafted in the first round (21st overall) of the [[1998 Major League Baseball draft]] by the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chass |first=Murray |date=June 3, 1998 |title=BASEBALL; Mets' No. 1 Draft Selection Snubs Agent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/03/sports/baseball-mets-no-1-draft-selection-snubs-agent.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He signed with the team, earning a $1.07 million signing bonus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diamos |first=Jason |date=March 4, 1999 |title=BASEBALL; Tyner Tries to Break the Mold of Top Met Draft Picks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/04/sports/baseball-tyner-tries-to-break-the-mold-of-top-met-draft-picks.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Tyner rose quickly through the Mets' [[minor league baseball|minor league]] system, and was recalled by the Mets on June 5, {{mlby|2000}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2000 |title=BASEBALL; New Leadoff Hitter for Mets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/05/sports/baseball-new-leadoff-hitter-for-mets.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He made his major league debut that day against the [[Baltimore Orioles]], going 2-for-3 with a sacrifice hit and RBI in the 4–2 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2000 |title=Belle has three hits as Mets fall |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/2000/20000605/recap/balnym.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was optioned back to the Triple-A [[Norfolk Tides]] on June 26.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2000 |title=TRANSACTIONS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/26/sports/transactions-943398.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 13 games with the Mets, Tyner hit .195 with 5 RBI and a [[stolen base]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jason Tyner Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tynerja01.shtml |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> 

=== Tampa Bay Devil Rays ===
On July 28, 2000, Tyner was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Rays|Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] along with [[pitcher]] [[Paul Wilson (baseball player)|Paul Wilson]] for pitcher [[Rick White (baseball player)|Rick White]] and outfielder [[Bubba Trammell]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2000 |title=Mets don't fall short, trade for Orioles' Bordick |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2000/0728/656871.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Tyner played in 37 games with the Devil Rays after the trade, batting .241 with 8 RBI and six stolen bases in seven attempts.<ref name=":0" />

In {{mlby|2001}}, Tyner established himself as a good baserunner, collecting a then club record and personal career best 31&nbsp;stolen bases. His bat, however, was not nearly as quick as his feet. He hit .280 with 111&nbsp;hits, only 13 of which went for extra bases. These numbers along with 105&nbsp;games, 396&nbsp;at-bats, and 21&nbsp;[[Run batted in|RBI]] are all career highs.<ref name=":0" />

In a crowded Tampa Bay outfield, Tyner's lack of power and plate discipline cost him playing time in {{mlby|2002}} and cost him a job in the majors for {{mlby|2003}}. He was the final out of [[Derek Lowe]]'s [[no-hitter]] on April 27, 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petraglia |first=Mike |date=April 27, 2002 |title=Devil Rays have 'no-no' answers against Lowe |url=http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASapp/mlb/tb/news/tb_news.jsp?ymd=20020427&content_id=15046&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020529205852/http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASapp/mlb/tb/news/tb_news.jsp?ymd=20020427&content_id=15046&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=May 29, 2002 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Tampa Bay Rays|Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

Tyner was noted for a failed promotional giveaway by the Devil Rays. The ballclub had arranged to honor him by presenting his [[bobblehead]] to the first 10,000 fans attending a game against the [[Oakland Athletics]] at [[Tropicana Field]] on June 2, 2002. The bobbleheads were never distributed because he had been demoted to the [[Durham Bulls]] five days prior on May 28. After sitting in storage for a while, they were given to the [[Pinellas County Education Foundation]], who distributed them students in their business and commerce program.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Keri |first1=Jonah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=77yI9NhA_scC&pg=PT170 |title=The Extra 2%: How Wall Street Strategies Took a Major League Baseball Team from Worst to First |date=2011 |publisher=[[ESPN Books]] |isbn=9780345517739 |location=New York}}</ref>

=== Texas Rangers ===
On December 8, 2003, Tyner was claimed off waivers by the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2003 |title=Rangers claim Tyner off waivers |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tex/news/tex_press_release.jsp?ymd=20031208&content_id=613744&vkey=pr_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031223042157/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tex/news/tex_press_release.jsp?ymd=20031208&content_id=613744&vkey=pr_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex |archive-date=December 23, 2003 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> The Rangers released him on April 7, {{mlby|2004}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Falkoff |first=Robert |date=April 7, 2004 |title=Notes: Matthews Jr. helps OF depth |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tex/news/tex_news.jsp?ymd=20040407&content_id=696385&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040814015955/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tex/news/tex_news.jsp?ymd=20040407&content_id=696385&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp |archive-date=August 14, 2004 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

=== Atlanta Braves ===
Tyner signed with the [[Atlanta Braves]] as a [[free agent]] on April 27, 2004. The Braves released him on July 25, 2004.<ref name=":0" />

=== Cleveland Indians ===
Five days after his release from the Braves, Tyner signed with the [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref name=":0" /> Tyner spent the entire 2004 season with two Triple-A teams, hitting .309 with a home run, 23 stolen bases and 32 RBI in 102 combined games.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Jason Tyner Minor Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=tyner-001jas |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Minnesota Twins ===
Tyner signed with the [[Minnesota Twins]] on November 15, 2004.<ref name=":0" /> He enjoyed a solid {{mlby|2005}} season with the Triple-A [[Rochester Red Wings]], batting .286 with a home run, 18 stolen bases and 36 RBI in 133 games.<ref name=":1" /> On September 2, Tyner was selected to the active roster as part of the Twins' September call-ups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bavaro |first=Lou |date=September 2, 2005 |title=Notes: Roster moves make final push |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050902&content_id=1194092&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129233744/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050902&content_id=1194092&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 29, 2005 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He batted .321, collecting 18&nbsp;hits in 56&nbsp;[[At bat|at bats]] with 5 RBI in 18 games.<ref name=":0" />

On October 14, 2005, Tyner signed another minor league deal with Minnesota.<ref name=":0" /> Tyner returned to the Twins on July 14, {{mlby|2006}}, due to injuries to outfielders [[Shannon Stewart (baseball)|Shannon Stewart]] and [[Jason Kubel]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=July 14, 2006 |title=Notes: Injuries leave left field a question |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060714&content_id=1556741&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101193048/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060714&content_id=1556741&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 1, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> In his first game back that day, he hit a walk-off single to defeat the Cleveland Indians, 3–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brummond |first=Jason |date=July 14, 2006 |title=Tyner delivers Twins walk-off win in 10th |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060714&content_id=1556797&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101200120/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060714&content_id=1556797&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 1, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> 

Tyner's scrappy play, swift speed, and small ball mentality fit well with much of the Twins' mantra. Nicknamed [[Piranhas (baseball)|"The Piranhas"]] by [[Chicago White Sox]] manager [[Ozzie Guillén]], the Twins came to embrace the term as affirmation of their selfless, aggressive play. Formerly, [[Luis Castillo (second baseman)|Luis Castillo]], who was traded to the New York Mets on July 30, {{mlby|2007}}, [[Jason Bartlett (baseball)|Jason Bartlett]], who was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in late November 2007, and [[Nick Punto]] who left for the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] via free agency in 2011, were also known by that nickname.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thesier |first=Kelly |date=August 19, 2006 |title=Notes: Ozzie praises Twins 'piranhas' |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/min/y2006/m08/d19/c1618497.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612010931/http://mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/min/y2006/m08/d19/c1618497.jsp |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyner |first=Jason |date=September 1, 2006 |title=Tyner: Proud to be a 'piranha' |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060830&content_id=1637791&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101200114/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060830&content_id=1637791&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=November 1, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minnesota Twins]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Tyner hit .312 with 18 RBI in 62 games with Minnesota in 2006.<ref name=":0" /> In the [[2006 American League Division Series]], he finished 0-for-6 with two walks and a stolen base in two games as the Twins went on to lose the series in a sweep to the [[Oakland Athletics]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 AL Division Series - Oakland Athletics over Minnesota Twins (3-0) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2006_ALDS2.shtml |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Tyner finished the 2007 season batting .281 with a home run, 22 RBI and eight stolen bases in 114 games.<ref name=":0" />

=== Cleveland Indians Again ===
On February 21, {{baseball year|2008}}, Tyner signed a minor league deal with the [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=February 21, 2008 |title=Cleveland Indians sign outfielder Tyner |url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/02/cleveland_indians_sign_outfiel.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[The Plain Dealer]] |language=en}}</ref> On May 11, Tyner's contract was bought from the Triple-A [[Buffalo Bisons]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2008 |title=Indians promote Jason Tyner from Triple-A Buffalo |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080511&content_id=2680419&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517151632/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080511&content_id=2680419&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Five days later, on May 16, Cleveland designated Tyner for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2008 |title=Jeremy Sowers recalled to Cleveland |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-399683 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Minor League Baseball]] |language=en}}</ref> The Indians released him on July 24.<ref name=":0" />

=== Chicago White Sox ===
Tyner signed with the [[Chicago White Sox]] on July 26, 2008. He became a free agent at the end of the 2008 season.<ref name=":0" />

=== Houston Astros ===
Tyner signed a minor league contract with the [[Houston Astros]] on January 16, {{baseball year|2009}}. He was released during spring training.<ref name=":0" />

=== Milwaukee Brewers ===
Tyner signed a minor league contract with the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] in March 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadricourt |first=Tom |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Tyner signed for Nashville |url=https://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/42336267.html/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405093436/https://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/42336267.html/ |archive-date=April 5, 2009 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]]}}</ref>

=== Detroit Tigers ===
On April 22, 2009, Tyner was traded to the [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morosi |first=Jon Paul |date=April 22, 2009 |title=Tigers acquire minor leaguer Jason Tyner from Brewers |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20090422/SPORTS02/90422107/1050/rss15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424184703/http://www.freep.com/article/20090422/SPORTS02/90422107/1050/rss15 |archive-date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]]}}</ref> The Tigers released Tyner on June 15, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=June 15, 2009 |title=Minor League Transactions |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/minor-league-transactions-10.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>

==The home run drought==
Prior to 2004, Tyner had a severe [[home run]] drought until he hit one in a minor league game in [[Richmond Braves|Richmond]] in 2004.

Tyner finally hit his first (and only) major league home run against the Cleveland Indians on July 28, 2007, against [[Jake Westbrook]]. This home run came after 1,220&nbsp;major league at bats in 390&nbsp;career games and traveled 352&nbsp;feet. At the time, Tyner had the longest home run drought in the major leagues. When he hit the home run, ex-teammate Luis Castillo took over the major league lead for a home run drought, not having hit one in 612&nbsp;at-bats.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neal III |first=LaVelle E. |date=July 29, 2007 |title=Recap: Twins 3, Cleveland 2 |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/11699816.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606185209/http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/11699816.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2009 |website=[[Star Tribune]]}}</ref>

Of MLB players who made their debut in 2000 or later, Tyner has the most at bats with exactly one career home run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Player Batting Season & Career Stats Finder |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/season_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=1&as=result_batter&offset=0&type=b&min_year_season=2000&max_year_season=2019&min_season=1&max_season=-1&min_age=0&max_age=99&lg_ID=lgAny&lgAL_team=tmAny&lgFL_team=tmAny&lgAA_team=tmAny&lgPL_team=tmAny&lgUA_team=tmAny&lgNA_team=tmAny&isActive=either&isHOF=either&isAllstar=either&bats=any&throws=any&exactness=anypos&pos_1=1&pos_2=1&pos_3=1&pos_4=1&pos_5=1&pos_6=1&pos_7=1&pos_8=1&pos_9=1&pos_10=1&pos_11=1&qualifiersSeason=nomin&minpasValS=502&mingamesValS=100&qualifiersCareer=nomin&minpasValC=3000&mingamesValC=1000&c1criteria=HR&c1gtlt=eq&c1val=1&c2gtlt=gt&c3gtlt=gt&c4gtlt=gt&c5gtlt=gt&c5val=1.0&location=pob&locationMatch=is&orderby=AB&number_matched=1 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference|Stathead]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Tyner is married to his high school sweetheart, Annie. The couple have three daughters; Payton, Presley and Parker. They also have a son, Reid.<ref>[http://www.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=150244 "Jason Tyner: Biography and Career Highlights."]{{Dead link|date=March 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} ''[[MLB.com]]''. Retrieved on April 3, 2009.</ref>

Tyner awards $1,500 scholarships to southeast [[Texas]] scholar-athletes under the Juliet Tyner Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The foundation was created in honor of his mother, who died from [[breast cancer]] in 1998.

Along with former [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] minor leaguer Morgan Walker, Tyner operates the Southeast Texas Baseball Academy, which runs baseball programs for 8–12-year-olds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cross |first=Mallory |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Meet Morgan Walker |url=https://www.beaumontcvb.com/blog/stories/post/meet-morgan-walker/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau |language=en-us}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Baseballstats|mlb=150244|espn=4410|br=t/tynerja01|fangraphs=1232|brm=tyner-001jas}}

{{Big 12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year navbox|state=collapsed}}
{{1998 MLB Draft}}
{{New York Mets first-round draft picks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tyner, Jason}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Beaumont, Texas]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball outfielders]]
[[Category:New York Mets players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Devil Rays players]]
[[Category:Minnesota Twins players]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Texas A&M Aggies baseball players]]
[[Category:St. Lucie Mets players]]
[[Category:Binghamton Mets players]]
[[Category:Norfolk Tides players]]
[[Category:Durham Bulls players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players]]
[[Category:Richmond Braves players]]
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[[Category:Charlotte Knights players]]
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[[Category:Nashville Sounds players]]