Jake Fox

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Jake Fox

|image=Jake Fox 2011.jpg

|caption=Fox with the Baltimore Orioles in 2011

|position=Utility player

|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1982|7|20}}

|birth_place=Beech Grove, Indiana, U.S.

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate=July 19

|debutyear=2007

|debutteam=Chicago Cubs

|debut2league = KBO

|debut2date=May 20

|debut2year=2015

|debut2team=Hanwha Eagles

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate=September 25

|finalyear=2011

|finalteam=Baltimore Orioles

|final2league = KBO

|final2date=October 3

|final2year=2015

|final2team=Hanwha Eagles

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label=Batting average

|stat1value=.237

|stat2label=Home runs

|stat2value=20

|stat3label=Runs batted in

|stat3value=73

|stat2league = KBO

|stat21label=Batting average

|stat21value=.278

|stat22label=Home runs

|stat22value=7

|stat23label=Runs batted in

|stat23value=25

|teams=

Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2007}}, {{mlby|2009}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2010}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2011}})
Hanwha Eagles ({{baseball year|2015}})

}}

Jacob Quirin Fox (born July 20, 1982) is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles, and in the KBO League for the Hanwha Eagles.

Early years

Fox is a graduate of Cathedral High School and went on to attend the University of Michigan where he earned first-team all-Big Ten conference honors.*[http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/F/Jake-Fox.shtml The Baseball Cube player page], TheBaseballCube.com, Retrieved on August 16, 2007 In 2002, he played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.{{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=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2002&T=yarmouth-dennis_red_sox |title=2002 Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}

Professional career

=Chicago Cubs=

Fox was drafted as a catcher by the Chicago Cubs in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.

From 2003 to {{Baseball year|2006}}, he spent parts of each season in Single-A ball for the Lansing Lugnuts and the Daytona Cubs, before moving on to Double-A in mid-2006. As a member of the Lugnuts, Fox was given the opportunity to catch for then-Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, who was on a rehab assignment.{{cite news | first=Paul | last=Harris | title=Prior makes first rehab start | date=May 20, 2004 | work=MLB.com | url =http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040520&content_id=748471&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120325033909/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040520&content_id=748471&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc | url-status =dead | archive-date =March 25, 2012 | access-date = July 30, 2009 }} He was ecstatic to catch for Prior, and even invited his family members to attend the game. However, upon arriving at the club house, he found out that Paul Bako was actually slated to catch the game. Fox approached his manager, Julio Garcia, who claimed that Fox was not experienced enough to catch a Major League pitcher like Prior. Garcia then revealed that the team was playing a practical joke on Fox, and that he would actually be in the team's lineup.

On July 19, 2007, Fox was called up from Double-A Tennessee to the major leagues after shortstop César Izturis was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fox was called up with the intent that he would play first base, outfield, and be the third catcher. He made his major league debut on July 19, 2007, against the San Francisco Giants in a pinch hitting role and grounded into a double play. He had his first career hit on August 15 against Phil Dumatrait of the Cincinnati Reds, a double.Associated Press, [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270815116 Cincinnati 11, Chi Cubs 9], Yahoo! Sports, Retrieved on August 16, 2007 Fox hit his first career home run on June 25, 2009 against Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers.{{cite web|last=Muskat |first=Carrie |url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090625&content_id=5520670&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629064952/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090625&content_id=5520670&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2009 |title=Game Wrapup |publisher=Chicago.cubs.mlb.com |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=2011-04-05}} On August 29, 2009, Fox hit his first career grand slam against Bobby Parnell of the New York Mets.{{cite web|author=Carrie Muskat |url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090829&content_id=6680216&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831212201/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090829&content_id=6680216&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 31, 2009 |title=Fox's first grand slam leads rout of Mets |publisher=Chicago.cubs.mlb.com |date=August 29, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2011}}

In Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs in 2009, Fox had a breakout year. He was batting .423 and had hit 17 home runs and 50 RBIs by June 1, 2009, and was leading the PCL in both of these categories along with RBI, slugging percentage, and OPS.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=fox---003jac |title=Jake Fox Minor League Statistics & History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 5, 2011}} He was recalled to the Cubs on May 27, 2009.{{cite press release|url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090527&content_id=4985214&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530075644/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090527&content_id=4985214&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |title=Cubs add infielders Andres Blanco and Jake Fox, left-handed pitcher Jason Waddell to roster |publisher=Chicago.cubs.mlb.com |date=May 27, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2011}} Fox was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa on June 10, 2009,{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=chc#month=6&year=2009&team_id=112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216002720/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=chc#month=6&year=2009&team_id=112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 16, 2007 |title=Transactions |publisher=Chicago.cubs.mlb.com |access-date=April 5, 2011}} and was recalled to the Chicago Cubs again on June 16. He achieved success as a part-time utility player, capable of filling in at corner outfield and infield positions, as well as catcher.{{cite press release|url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090616&content_id=5354278&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620180717/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090616&content_id=5354278&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 20, 2009 |title=Cubs recall INF/OF Jake Fox from Triple-A Iowa; place LHP Jason Waddell on 15-day disabled list |publisher=Chicago.cubs.mlb.com |date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2011}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On December 3, 2009, the Oakland Athletics acquired Fox along with Aaron Miles, from the Chicago Cubs for Jeff Gray, Matt Spencer and Ronny Morla.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=4711150 |title=Chicago Cubs trade Jake Fox and Aaron Miles to the Oakland A's for Jeff Gray and two minor-leaguers |publisher=ESPN |date=December 4, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2011}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On June 22, 2010, Fox was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Ross Wolf and cash considerations.{{cite news|title=O's deal minor leaguer, cash for Fox|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5315751|access-date=December 13, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=June 22, 2010}} In Spring Training in 2011, he led the major leagues in home runs, with 10, and extra base hits, with 17.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?tcid=mm_mlb_stats&statType=1&teamPosCode=All&c_id=mlb§ion1=1&noHighlight=true&timeFrame=1&baseballScope=mlb&statSet1=1&timeSubFrame=23&&sortByStat=HR |title=Major League Baseball Stats: Sortable Statistics |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=April 5, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?statType=1&teamPosCode=All&c_id=mlb§ion1=1&timeFrame=1&baseballScope=mlb&statSet1=2&timeSubFrame=23&&sortByStat=XBH |title=Major League Baseball Stats: Sortable Statistics |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=April 5, 2011}} He was designated for assignment on June 1,{{cite news|last1=Ghiroli|first1=Brittany|title=O's designate catcher Fox for assignment|url=http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/19874100/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215085230/http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/19874100/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=June 1, 2011}} and elected free agency on November 2.{{cite news|last1=Kubatko|first1=Roch|title=Orioles claim O'Day off waivers; Fox a free agent|url=http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2011/11/orioles-claim-oday-off-waivers.html|access-date=December 13, 2014|publisher=Mid Atlantic Sports Network|date=November 2, 2011}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Fox to a minor league contract in November 2011,{{cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111123&content_id=26032808&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125232019/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111123&content_id=26032808&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 25, 2011|title=Pirates sign six players to Minor League deals|last=Langosch|first=Jenifer|date=November 23, 2011}} and released him in June 2012.{{cite news|last1=Dunleavy|first1=Ryan|title=Jake Fox's versatility a nice complement to a big bat|url=http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/patriots/2012/07/27/jake-foxs-versatility-a-nice-complement-to-big-bat/|access-date=December 13, 2014|work=Courier News|date=July 27, 2012}}

=Somerset Patriots=

On July 13, 2012, Fox signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetpatriots.com/news/index.html?article_id=2363|title=Patriots sign Jake Fox}} In 21 games he hit a fantastic .388/.433/.750 with 7 home runs and 20 RBIs.

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On August 5, 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Fox to a minor league contract.{{cite news|title=Jake Fox Signed By Phillies|url=http://www.somersetpatriots.com/blog/post/1543/jake-fox-signed-by-phillies|access-date=December 13, 2014|publisher=Somerset Patriots|date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025150408/http://www.somersetpatriots.com/blog/post/1543/jake-fox-signed-by-phillies|archive-date=October 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}

=Somerset Patriots (second stint)=

On March 6, 2013, Fox signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{cite web |url=http://www.somersetpatriots.com/blog/post/2672/patriots-welcome-back-jake-fox |title=Patriots Welcome Back Jake Fox |work=SomersetPatriots.com |date=March 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024183100/http://www.somersetpatriots.com/blog/post/2672/patriots-welcome-back-jake-fox |archive-date=October 24, 2013 }} He hit .310/.387/.572 with 25 home runs in 374 at bats.

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

On August 11, 2013, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Fox to a minor league deal.{{cite news|last1=Ashmore|first1=Mike|title=Fox Signed By Diamondbacks|url=http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/patriots/2013/08/11/fox-signed-by-diamondbacks/|access-date=December 13, 2014|work=Courier News|date=August 11, 2013}}

=Vaqueros Laguna=

Fox spent the 2013–14 Mexican Pacific League season with the Cañeros de Los Mochis, before signing with the Mexican League's Vaqueros Laguna on February 7, 2014.{{cite news|title=Jake Fox llega a los Vaqueros Laguna|language=es|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-67555230|access-date=December 13, 2014|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=February 7, 2014}} In 57 games he hit .307/.397/.605 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs.

=Philadelphia Phillies (second stint)=

On June 12, 2014, Fox was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.{{cite news|last1=Housenick|first1=Tom|title=Fox enjoying dual role in Reading|url=https://www.mcall.com/2014/08/09/fox-enjoying-dual-role-in-reading/|access-date=December 13, 2014|work=Morning Call|date=August 9, 2014}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

Fox signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on December 12, 2014, that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite news|title=Blue Jays sign Lopez, Gindl, Fox to minor deals|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12021300|access-date=December 13, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=December 12, 2014}}

=Hanwha Eagles=

He played 29 games for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats before being released in order to sign a 1-year, $120,000 contract with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization.{{cite news|title=KBO's Hanwha Eagles acquire ex-big leaguer Jake Fox|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2015/05/15/88/0702000000AEN20150515007600315F.html|access-date=May 15, 2015|agency=Yonhapnews Agency|publisher=yonhapnews.co.kr|date=May 15, 2015}}

=Philadelphia Phillies (third stint)=

On January 8, 2016, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Fox to a minor league contract. He played in 123 games for the Double–A Reading Fightin Phils, hitting .264/.329/.494 with 23 home runs and 71 RBI. Fox elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=July 27, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

On July 29, 2017, Fox signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. He did not appear for the organization and elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=October 18, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 7, 2017 |language=en}}

=Coaching career=

Fox was named as the hitting coach of the Augusta GreenJackets for the 2019 season.

Post-baseball

After a career in Minor and Major League Baseball, Fox entered the business world with his own brand The Fox Code, a lifestyle and clothing line inspired by the lessons he learned from the sport.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefox-code.com/|title=Baseball {{!}} The Fox Code {{!}} United States|website=Foxcode|language=en|access-date=2019-05-20}}