Jason Tyner

{{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

| stat1value = .275

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 1

| stat3label = 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, 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 hits and stolen bases, was second in batting average, and third in at-bats. 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.{{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}} He signed with the team, earning a $1.07 million signing bonus.{{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}} Tyner rose quickly through the Mets' minor league system, and was recalled by the Mets on June 5, {{mlby|2000}}.{{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}} 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.{{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}} He was optioned back to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on June 26.{{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}} In 13 games with the Mets, Tyner hit .195 with 5 RBI and a stolen base.{{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}}

= Tampa Bay Devil Rays =

On July 28, 2000, Tyner was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays along with pitcher Paul Wilson for pitcher Rick White and outfielder Bubba Trammell.{{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}} Tyner played in 37 games with the Devil Rays after the trade, batting .241 with 8 RBI and six stolen bases in seven attempts.

In {{mlby|2001}}, Tyner established himself as a good baserunner, collecting a then club record and personal career best 31 stolen bases. His bat, however, was not nearly as quick as his feet. He hit .280 with 111 hits, only 13 of which went for extra bases. These numbers along with 105 games, 396 at-bats, and 21 RBI are all career highs.

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.{{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 Devil Rays |publisher=MLB.com}}

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.{{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}}

= Texas Rangers =

On December 8, 2003, Tyner was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers.{{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 |publisher=MLB.com}} The Rangers released him on April 7, {{mlby|2004}}.{{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 |publisher=MLB.com}}

= Atlanta Braves =

Tyner signed with the Atlanta Braves as a free agent on April 27, 2004. The Braves released him on July 25, 2004.

= Cleveland Indians =

Five days after his release from the Braves, Tyner signed with the Cleveland Indians. 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.{{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}}

= Minnesota Twins =

Tyner signed with the Minnesota Twins on November 15, 2004. 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. On September 2, Tyner was selected to the active roster as part of the Twins' September call-ups.{{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}} He batted .321, collecting 18 hits in 56 at bats with 5 RBI in 18 games.

On October 14, 2005, Tyner signed another minor league deal with Minnesota. Tyner returned to the Twins on July 14, {{mlby|2006}}, due to injuries to outfielders Shannon Stewart and Jason Kubel.{{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}} In his first game back that day, he hit a walk-off single to defeat the Cleveland Indians, 3–2.{{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}}

Tyner's scrappy play, swift speed, and small ball mentality fit well with much of the Twins' mantra. Nicknamed "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, who was traded to the New York Mets on July 30, {{mlby|2007}}, 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.{{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}}{{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}} Tyner hit .312 with 18 RBI in 62 games with Minnesota in 2006. 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.{{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}}

Tyner finished the 2007 season batting .281 with a home run, 22 RBI and eight stolen bases in 114 games.

= Cleveland Indians Again =

On February 21, {{baseball year|2008}}, Tyner signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians.{{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}} On May 11, Tyner's contract was bought from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.{{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 Indians |publisher=MLB.com}} Five days later, on May 16, Cleveland designated Tyner for assignment.{{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}} The Indians released him on July 24.

= 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.

= Houston Astros =

Tyner signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros on January 16, {{baseball year|2009}}. He was released during spring training.

= Milwaukee Brewers =

Tyner signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in March 2009.{{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}}

= Detroit Tigers =

On April 22, 2009, Tyner was traded to the Detroit Tigers.{{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}} The Tigers released Tyner on June 15, 2009.{{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}}

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 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 major league at bats in 390 career games and traveled 352 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 at-bats.{{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}}

Of MLB players who made their debut in 2000 or later, Tyner has the most at bats with exactly one career home run.{{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=Stathead |language=en}}

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.[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.

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.{{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}}