Delino DeShields Jr.

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Delino DeShields Jr.

| image = Delino DeShields (49488566433) (cropped).jpg

| caption = DeShields with the Indians in February 2020

| width = 250

| team = Piratas de Campeche

| number =

| position = Outfielder

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|8|16}}

| birth_place = Easton, Maryland, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 8

| debutyear = 2015

| debutteam = Texas Rangers

| statyear = 2021 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .246

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 19

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 139

| stat4label = Stolen bases

| stat4value = 111

| teams =

Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2019}})
Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2020}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2021}})

}}

Delino Diaab DeShields{{efn|While commonly known as Delino DeShields Jr., DeShields and his father have different middle names.}} (born August 16, 1992) is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Reds. He is the son of former MLB player Delino DeShields and the brother of basketball player Diamond DeShields.

Early life

DeShields, the eldest of his father's five children, was raised in the Atlanta area. He went to Woodward Academy, where he played both baseball and football. In his senior year at Woodward, he hit 9 home runs and batted .415, while stealing 29 bases. He was recruited by the Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels for football before deciding to pursue baseball instead.{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/sports/high-school/five-players-to-watch-121158.html|title=Five players to watch at Corky Kell Classic|work=ajc.com|access-date=April 5, 2015}} He was also recruited by the LSU Tigers for baseball, but they only committed a half-scholarship to him due to his desire to play professionally.

Professional career

=Houston Astros=

The Houston Astros selected DeShields in the first round, with the eighth overall selection, of the 2010 MLB draft. The Astros signed DeShields for a $2.15 million signing bonus.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wboc.com/story/12935106/astros-sign-1st-round-pick-delino-deshields-jr |title=Astros Sign 1st-round pick Delino DeShields Jr - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 - |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215185943/http://www.wboc.com/story/12935106/astros-sign-1st-round-pick-delino-deshields-jr |url-status=dead }} Astros general manager Ed Wade stated his intention to send DeShields to the rookie-level Greeneville Astros of the Appalachian League once he was signed, with a transition to second baseman during the winter.{{cite web|url=https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/7041276.html|title=Astros select Delino DeShields Jr. with 8th overall pick|work=Houston Chronicle|date=June 7, 2010|access-date=April 5, 2015}}

In 2010, DeShields played 16 games for Greeneville and two for the GCL Astros.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=deshie002del|title=Delino DeShields|access-date=November 16, 2011}} He also played for the Lexington Legends of the South Atlantic League, the Lancaster JetHawks of the California League, and the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Double-A Texas League. On April 18, 2014, DeShields was hit in the face by a {{convert|90|mph|adj=on}} pitch. He suffered a non-displaced maxillary sinus fracture.{{cite web|last=Axisa|first=Mike|title=Delino DeShields Jr's swollen face after HBP is terrifying|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24532530/photo-delino-deshields-jrs-swollen-face-after-hbp-is-terrifying|work=CBS Sports|access-date=April 19, 2014}}

=Texas Rangers=

File:Delino Deshields Jr Corpus Christi Hooks sliding July 2014.jpg in 2014]]

At the 2014 Winter Meetings, the Texas Rangers selected DeShields from the Astros in the Rule 5 draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article4426944.html|title=Rangers notes: Texas takes Delino DeShields in Rule 5 draft|work=star-telegram|access-date=April 5, 2015}} DeShields made the Rangers' Opening Day roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article17386610.html|title=Rookies DeShields Jr., Kela add youth, speed to Rangers' roster|work=star-telegram|access-date=April 5, 2015}} He recorded his first major league hit in the 8th inning on an infield single against Dan Otero of the Oakland Athletics on April 8.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=350408111|title=Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics - Play By Play - April 08, 2015 - ESPN|work=ESPN|access-date=October 9, 2015}} On June 3, 2015, DeShields was named American League Rookie of the Month for May after batting .296 for the month and scoring 22 runs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/rookie_of_the_month_award.shtml|title = MLB Rookie of the Month Award | Baseball Almanac}} On August 14, he hit his first Major League home run against Tampa Bay. After the 2015 season, DeShields changed his uniform number from 7 to 3. After the completion of the 2015 season, DeShields finished in 7th place in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, with one third place vote. He was voted as the Texas Rangers' Rookie of the Year by fellow players and coaches.

DeShields began the 2016 season as the Rangers' starting center fielder, but eventually lost his job to Ian Desmond for inconsistency and was demoted to the Triple-A Round Rock Express. DeShields finished the season with a .209 batting average, four home runs and 13 RBI with eight stolen bases in 74 games. Deshields made the 2017 Opening Day roster. On April 21, 2017, he hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 13th inning in a game against the Kansas City Royals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lonestarball.com/2017/4/20/15379880/6-10-rangers-survive-slap-fight-against-royals-win-a-walkoff|title=Inning 13 is lucky for walkoff Rangers|work=Lone Star Ball|access-date=2017-12-08}}

On March 31, 2018, DeShields experienced pain in his left hand after swinging. He was diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in the left hand, ruling him out for four to six weeks.{{cite web|title=Delino DeShields breaks hamate bone in left hand|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/delino-deshields-injures-left-hand/c-270263096|publisher=MLB|access-date=March 31, 2018}} DeShields ended the season with a .216 batting average with two home runs and 20 stolen bases. In 2019, he hit .249/.325/.347/.672 with four home runs, 32 RBI, and 24 stolen bases.

=Cleveland Indians=

On December 15, 2019, the Rangers traded DeShields and Emmanuel Clase to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Corey Kluber and cash considerations.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-acquire-corey-kluber-from-indians-in-latest-hot-stove-shake-up/|title=Rangers acquire Corey Kluber from Indians in latest hot stove shake-up|author=R.J. Anderson|website=CBSSports.com|date=December 15, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019}} Overall with the 2020 Cleveland Indians, DeShields batted .252 with no home runs and 7 RBI in 37 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/delino-deshields-592261?stats=career-r-hitting-mlb&year=2020|title=Delino DeShields Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com}} On December 2, 2020, the Indians declined to tender DeShields a contract for the 2021 season, making him a free agent.{{cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Mandy |title=Naquin, DeShields, Rodriguez non-tendered |url=https://www.mlb.com/indians/news/indians-2021-non-tender-decisions |publisher=Indians.com |date=December 2, 2020}}

=Texas Rangers (second stint)=

On February 1, 2021, DeShields signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers organization and was invited to spring training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/rangers-sign-delino-deshields-jr.html|title = Rangers Sign Delino DeShields Jr| date=February 2021 }} He was not added to the 40-man roster, and was assigned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express. DeShields played in 66 games for Round Rock, hitting .263 with 5 home runs and 18 RBI's, while also stealing 16 bases.

=Boston Red Sox=

On August 5, 2021, DeShields was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/rangers-trade-delino-deshields-red-sox.html |title=Red Sox Acquire Delino DeShields Jr. |first=Steve |last=Adams |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=August 5, 2021 |accessdate=August 5, 2021}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/delino-deshields-is-ready-and-rested-to-help-worcester-red-sox/ar-AAN3Czw |title=Delino DeShields is ready and rested to help Worcester Red Sox |first=Joe |last=McDonald |website=Telegram & Gazette |location=Worcester, Massachusetts |via=MSN.com |date=August 7, 2021 |accessdate=August 15, 2021}} DeShields played in 18 games for Triple-A Worcester, hitting .210 with one home run and four RBI.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=deshie002del |title=Delino DeShields Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History |website=Baseball-Reference.com |accessdate=August 31, 2021}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On August 31, 2021, DeShields was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations. He was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/reds-acquire-delino-deshields-jr.html|title = Reds Acquire Delino DeShields Jr| date=August 31, 2021 }} The following day, the Reds selected DeShields' contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/09/reds-select-delino-deshields-jr.html|title=Reds Select Delino DeShields Jr|date=September 2021 }} DeShields played in 25 games for the Reds, hitting .255 with one home run and six RBI. On October 11, DeShields rejected his outright assignment and elected free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/delino-deshields-jr-elects-free-agency.html|title=Delino DeShields Jr. Elects Free Agency|first=Sean|last=Bavazzano|website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=October 11, 2021 |accessdate=October 12, 2021}}

=Miami Marlins=

On March 18, 2022, DeShields signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/marlins-dfa-monte-harrison-claim-yoan-lopez-waivers-phillies-sign-delino-deshields.html | title=Marlins DFA Monte Harrison, Sign Delino DeShields Jr | date=March 26, 2022 }} DeShields collected one hit in eight plate appearances during Spring Training before he was released by the Marlins organization on April 3.{{cite web | url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/marlins_release_veteran_of_delino_deshields/s1_13237_37368701 | title=Marlins release veteran OF Delino DeShields | date=April 3, 2022 }}

=Atlanta Braves=

On April 8, 2022, DeShields signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite web |title=Delino DeShields Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/delino-deshields-592261 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}} DeShields played in 109 games for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, batting .220/.367/.264 with one home run, 26 RBI, and 35 stolen bases. He elected free agency after the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=June 28, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}

=Seattle Mariners=

On March 19, 2023, DeShields signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners organization.{{Cite web|title=Mariners' Delino DeShields: Lands MiLB deal with Seattle|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mariners-delino-deshields-lands-milb-deal-with-seattle/amp/|access-date=2023-03-19|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He played in 12 games for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, batting .222/.300/.222 with no home runs and 2 RBI. DeShields was released by Seattle on May 1.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-05-01 | title=Transactions }}

=Cleburne Railroaders=

On May 7, 2023, DeShields signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association of Professional Baseball.{{cite web | url=https://aabaseball.com/transactions/ | title=American Association of Professional Baseball - 2023 Transactions }} In 34 contests, DeShields batted .291/.380/.440 with 4 home runs, 21 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. He was released by the Railroaders on June 28.{{cite web | url=https://aabaseball.com/transactions/ | title=American Association of Professional Baseball - 2023 Transactions }}

=Charleston Dirty Birds=

On April 23, 2024, DeShields signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Charleston Dirty Birds Set Opening Day Roster|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/charleston-dirty-birds-set-opening-day-roster/n-6085285|access-date=April 25, 2024|website=oursportscentral.com|language=en}} In 69 appearances for Charleston, he slashed .256/.371/.336 with four home runs, 33 RBI, and 36 stolen bases.

=Piratas de Campeche=

On February 10, 2025, DeShields signed with the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Piratas: Delano DeShields Jr. se une a la tripulación|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/piratas-delino-deshields-jr-se-une-a-la-tripulacion|access-date=February 11, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}

Awards

For the 2018 season, DeShields received the Texas Rangers' Harold McKinney Good Guy Award as voted by the Dallas–Fort Worth Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) chapter.{{cite web|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article222801585.html |title=Rangers hand out 2018 awards. Who won what in the first year of their rebuilding plan? |publisher=star-telegram.com | date=December 7, 2018 | access-date=December 7, 2018}}

Personal life

DeShields is the son of former MLB player Delino DeShields. His sister, Diamond DeShields, is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/delino-deshields-and-diamond-deshields-embrace-in-chicago/c-277166010|title = Delino DeShields and his sister, WNBA star Diamond, had an adorable embrace before Rangers-White Sox|website = MLB.com| date=May 18, 2018 }} In addition to Diamond, DeShields has a brother, another sister and a paternal half-sister.

DeShields was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of alcohol by a minor and a traffic violation in Georgia on January 16, 2011. He was released on $2,500 bail and charged with the three misdemeanors.{{cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-first-round-pick-DeShields-Jr-arrested-1685629.php|title=Astros' first-round pick DeShields Jr. arrested|last=Levine|first=Zachary|date=January 16, 2011|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=November 16, 2011}}