Todd Cunningham

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Todd Cunningham

| position = Outfielder

| image = Todd Cunningham on July 8, 2016.jpg

| image_size = 240

| caption = Cunningham with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016

| team =

| number =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|3|20}}

| birth_place = Jacksonville, Alabama, U.S.

| bats = Switch

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = July 30

| debutyear = 2013

| debutteam = Atlanta Braves

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = July 25

| finalyear = 2016

| finalteam = Los Angeles Angels

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .207

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 0

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 5

| teams =

Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2013}}, {{mlby|2015}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2016}})

}}

Thomas David "Todd" Cunningham III (born March 20, 1989) is an American former professional baseball left fielder. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels.

High school and college

Cunningham was born in Jacksonville, Alabama, on March 20, 1989, to David and Brenda Cunningham.{{cite news|last1=McCarter|first1=Mark|title=Braves' prospect Todd Cunningham shows versatility in video targeted for youth ministry|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/05/braves_prospect_todd_cunningha.html|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=The Huntsville Times|date=May 12, 2012}} He attended Jacksonville High School in his hometown, where he was a three-time first-team All-State selection. In his four seasons with the Golden Eagles, he hit .446 with 216 runs and 112 stolen bases. He was also an All-County punter.{{cite news|title=Todd Cunningham - 2010 Baseball|url=http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=635|access-date=April 17, 2016|publisher=Jacksonville State University}} Cunningham went on to attend Jacksonville State University, where as a freshman, he was named the 2008 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year and was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. After his freshman season, he played for the Brazos Valley Bombers of the Texas Collegiate League, where he led the league with a .310 average and was named to the TCL All-League team. After the 2009 season, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod League (CCBL), where he led the league in batting average (.378), hits, and on-base percentage. He was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2024.{{cite news|title=Todd Cunningham Continues to Receive Cape Cod Awards|url=http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/news/2009/8/17/BB_0817092009.aspx|access-date=April 17, 2016|date=August 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529074754/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1849575261.html|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/index.html?article_id=1367 |title=Falmouth Todd Cunningham Pro Prospect Award |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |date=August 8, 2009 |accessdate=July 20, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=397709&seasonid=21914 |title=#5 Todd Cunningham |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=July 20, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.capecodleague.com/news/seven-standouts-elected-to-2024-class-of-cape-cod-baseball-league-hall-of-fame |title=Seven standouts elected to 2024 Class of Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame |publisher=capecodleague.com |date=June 9, 2024 |accessdate=June 11, 2024}} Cunningham was a Baseball America preseason All-American for the 2010 season.{{cite news|title=JSU's Todd Cunningham Named First-Team Preseason All-American by Baseball America|url=http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/news/2010/2/5/BB_0205101828.aspx?path=wcross|access-date=April 17, 2016|date=February 5, 2010}} In 171 games over three seasons with the Gamecocks, he hit .346 with 22 HR, 118 RBI and 36 SB.

Professional career

=Atlanta Braves=

Cunningham was drafted in the second round, 53rd overall, in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, and he signed.{{cite news|last1=Stephenson|first1=Creg|title=Jacksonville's Todd Cunningham makes most of 1st major-league start with Atlanta Braves|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/05/jacksonvilles_todd_cunningham_1.html|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=The Huntsville Times|date=May 15, 2015}} He was assigned to Single-A Rome as an outfielder. In 65 games, he hit .260 with 1 HR, 20 RBI and 7 SB. Cunningham played 2011 with A-Advanced Lynchburg, where in 87 games, he hit .257 with 4 HR, 20 RBI and 14 SB. He was named to the Carolina League All-Star team, joining fellow Hillcats Joey Terdoslavich, Andrelton Simmons and Adam Milligan.{{cite news|title=Three Hillcats Named to All-Star Team|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-20256090|access-date=April 17, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=June 9, 2011}} After the season, he played with the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.{{cite news|title=Hillcats Impressing In Arizona|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-25711616|access-date=April 17, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=October 19, 2011}}

File:Todd Cunningham Braves spring 2015.jpg spring training]]

Cunningham played 2012 with Double-A Mississippi, where in 120 games, he hit .309 with 3 HR, 51 RBI and 24 SB. Cunningham was a mid-season and post-season All-Star.{{cite news|last1=Dorado|first1=Juan|title=Todd Cunningham Purchased by Atlanta|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-55243280|access-date=April 17, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=July 30, 2013}} After the year, he was announced the Braves' Organizational Player of the Year.{{cite news|last1=Medley|first1=Joe|title=Baseball: Cunningham eyes opportunity after Braves' offseason moves|url=http://www.annistonstar.com/sports/baseball-cunningham-eyes-opportunity-after-braves-offseason-moves/article_a8498588-b023-11e4-8f7c-fff52560b1c4.html|access-date=April 16, 2016|work=Anniston Star|date=February 9, 2015}} Cunningham was invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Gattis, Gilmartin on Braves' non-roster invitees list|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/40918820|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426031236/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/40918820|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=January 10, 2013}} Cunningham began 2013 with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he hit .279 with 2 HR, 30 RBI and 18 SB in 99 games before being called up.

He was called up to the major leagues for the first time on July 30, 2013, to replace the injured Reed Johnson,{{cite web|last=Single|first=Eric|title=Braves place R. Johnson on DL; Cunningham recalled|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/55231826|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306074803/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/55231826|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|work=MLB.com|access-date=April 16, 2016|date=July 30, 2013}} and recorded his first career major league hit and subsequent run the same day against the Colorado Rockies.{{cite news|last1=Walton|first1=Carroll Rogers|title=Cunningham gets first hit after surprise call-up - updated|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/cunningham-gets-surprise-call-up/nY8Sh/|access-date=April 16, 2016|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=July 30, 2013}} Cunningham was optioned to the minors on August 11, having made six appearances in his first major league stint.{{cite news|last1=Single|first1=Eric|title=Laird coming off DL, Cunningham to Triple-A|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/56622684|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426042637/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/56622684|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=August 11, 2013}} After Brandon Beachy was placed on the disabled list, Cunningham was recalled on August 23, only to be sent to the minors five days later, when Dan Uggla was reactivated.{{cite news|title=Braves place Beachy on 15-day disabled list|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/braves-place-beachy-on-15-day-disabled-list/|access-date=April 17, 2016|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Sportsnet|date=August 23, 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|last2=Single|first2=Eric|title=Uggla returns from DL confident in approach|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/58712742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102121412/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/58712742/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 2, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=August 28, 2013}} He was invited to spring training in 2014, and sent down to Gwinnett on March 20.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Bethancourt among five Braves' roster cuts|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/69728274|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426061715/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/69728274|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=March 20, 2014}} Cunningham spent the entire 2014 season in the minors. He was again invited to spring training in 2015,{{cite news|last1=Stephenson|first1=Creg|title=Atlanta Braves send ex-JSU star Todd Cunningham to Triple-A Gwinnett as final roster cuts loom|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/04/atlanta_braves_send_todd_cunni.html|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=The Huntsville Times|date=April 4, 2015}} but not recalled until May 15, 2015, to make his first major league start against the Miami Marlins.{{cite news|last1=Wine|first1=Stephen|title=Atlanta's Todd Cunningham has memorable first start|url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/sports/baseball/2015-05-15/atlantas-todd-cunningham-has-memorable-first-start|access-date=April 16, 2016|work=Augusta Chronicle|agency=Associated Press|date=May 15, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Cunningham makes immediate impact in debut|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/124600112|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426060746/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/124600112|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=May 15, 2016}} On June 14, Cunningham was optioned to Gwinnett,{{cite news|title=Atlanta Braves' moves include demotion of Bethancourt to Gwinnett|url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/braves/atlanta-braves-moves-include-demotion-of-bethancourt-to-gwinnett/article_ec77e840-1081-534d-a18e-d2c274f32eb0.html|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=Gwinnett Daily Post|date=June 14, 2015}} and returned to the majors for a one-day stint on August 7.{{cite news|title=Braves deal Chris Johnson to the Cleveland Indians|url=http://www.wrdw.com/sports/headlines/Braves-deal-Chris-Johnson-to-the-Cleveland-Indians--321077571.html|access-date=October 2, 2016|publisher=WRDW-TV|date=August 7, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=David|title=Braves rookie Castro left good impression|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-rookie-castro-left-good-impression/nnGGY/|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=August 8, 2015}} He was recalled on September 8 and spent the final three weeks of the season in Atlanta.{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=David|title=Cunningham recalled by Braves; no Paco in 'pen in September|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/baseball/cunningham-recalled-by-braves-no-paco-in-pen-in-se/nnbDL/|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=September 8, 2015}}

=Los Angeles Angels=

Cunningham was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on October 9, 2015.{{cite news|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Alden|title=Angels claim Cunningham from Braves|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-claim-todd-cunningham-off-waivers/c-153911806|access-date=April 16, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=October 9, 2015}} He was outrighted to the minors on April 2, 2016.{{cite news|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Alden|title=Angels finalize Opening Day roster|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-finalize-opening-day-roster-c170252318|access-date=April 16, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=April 2, 2016}} On June 11, Cunningham was recalled for the first time in 2016.{{cite news|last1=Ardaya|first1=Fabian|title=Ortega heads to Triple-A to continue development|url=http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/183520206/angels-send-rafael-ortega-to-minor-leagues/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613121306/http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/183520206/angels-send-rafael-ortega-to-minor-leagues|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 13, 2016|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=June 11, 2016}} Seven days later, Cunningham was designated for assignment and subsequently sent to the Triple A Salt Lake Bees.{{cite news|last1=Chiarelli|first1=Mark|title=Outfielder Cunningham DFA'd by Angels|url=http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/184814016/todd-cunningham-designated-for-assignment/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619145114/http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/184814016/todd-cunningham-designated-for-assignment|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 19, 2016|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=June 18, 2016}} He was recalled on July 6,{{cite news|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Alden|title=Robinson placed on DL with right ankle sprain|url=http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/188355494/angels-place-outfielder-robinson-on-dl/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708141540/http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/188355494/angels-place-outfielder-robinson-on-dl/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2016|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=July 7, 2016}} and again designated for assignment on July 26.{{cite news|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Alden|title=Heaney inspired by Skaggs after TJ surgery|url=http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/191860998/andrew-heaney-inspired-by-tyler-skaggs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728140041/http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/191860998/andrew-heaney-inspired-by-tyler-skaggs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 28, 2016|access-date=October 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=July 26, 2016}} Cunningham spent the rest of the season with the Bees.{{cite news|title=Scribner Crafts Gem in Bees Win|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-192779054|access-date=October 3, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=July 31, 2016}}{{cite news|title=Cunningham's Blast Wins It For Salt Lake|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-198663910|access-date=October 3, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=August 31, 2016}}

=St. Louis Cardinals=

On November 18, 2016, Cunningham signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/209180974/cardinals-add-four-prospects-to-40-man-roster/|title=Sierra among 4 added to Cards' 40-man roster|last=Berry|first=Adam|work=MLB.com|date=November 18, 2016|access-date=November 19, 2016|archive-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120150517/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/209180974/cardinals-add-four-prospects-to-40-man-roster/|url-status=dead}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On July 10, 2017, Cunningham was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations. In 20 games for the Triple–A Oklahoma City Dodgers, he batted .339/.417/.468 with no home runs and 4 RBI.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=cunnin003tho|title=Todd Cunningham Minor League Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=September 6, 2017}} Cunningham 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=July 15, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=7 November 2017 |language=en}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On December 8, 2017, Cunningham signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/minor-mlb-transactions-12817-2.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 12/8/17|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 8, 2017|access-date=December 8, 2017}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On April 26, 2018, Cunningham was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a player to be named later.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/04/pirates-trade-todd-cunningham-white-sox.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 4/26/18|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018}} He was released on May 15, 2018.

=Sugar Land Skeeters=

On May 29, 2018, Cunningham signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 2 games he went 0-1 at the plate.

=Kansas City T-Bones=

On June 1, 2018, Cunningham was traded to the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association. He was released prior to the 2019 season on February 19. In 83 games he hit .333/.437/.484 with 4 home runs, 47 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

He was then hired by the Los Angeles Angels to be their Defensive Coach at Inland Empire 66ers for 2019 season.