1. Early Life and Background
1.1. Childhood and Education
Joseph Taylor Crede was born on April 26, 1978, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He grew up in mid-Missouri and maintained strong ties to his hometown throughout his career. Crede attended Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri. His older brother, Brad Crede, also achieved notable success in baseball, winning a high school state championship with Fatima High School in 1992. Brad later went on to win an NCAA Division II National Championship with CMSU in 1994. Brad was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 44th round (1,220th overall) of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft but opted to play college baseball first. He was drafted again by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round (556th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft, on the same day Joe was drafted. In recognition of Joe Crede's achievements, Fatima High School retired his jersey in February 2006.
2. Amateur Career and Draft
Joe Crede was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fifth round of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft on June 4, 1996, and signed his contract the following day, June 5.
3. Professional Career
Joe Crede's professional baseball career spanned from 1996 to 2011, progressing through the minor leagues before a significant tenure in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, ultimately concluding his playing days after battling persistent injuries.
3.1. Minor League Career
After being drafted, Crede began his professional journey in the minor leagues.
- 1996:** He was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League White Sox, where he played 56 games. He posted a batting average of .299 with 4 home runs and 32 runs batted in (RBI), achieving an OPS of .765. Defensively, he played 53 games at third base, recording 25 errors and a fielding percentage of .857.
- 1997:** Crede was promoted to the Class A Hickory Crawdads. In 113 games, he batted .271 with 5 home runs and 62 RBI, with an OPS of .689. His fielding improved, as he committed 33 errors in 112 games at third base for a fielding percentage of .905.
- 1998:** Playing for the Class A-Advanced Winston-Salem Warthogs, Crede had a breakout season, appearing in 137 games. He hit .315 with 20 home runs and 88 RBI, and an OPS of .902. In the Carolina League, he ranked second in batting average, tied for third in home runs, and was first in RBI among players with at least 139 at-bats. His defensive performance continued to improve with 30 errors in 132 games at third base, resulting in a .929 fielding percentage.
- 1999:** Crede moved up to the Double-A Birmingham Barons, playing 74 games. He recorded a .251 batting average, 4 home run and 42 RBI, and an OPS of .650. At third base, he had 20 errors in 72 games, with a .910 fielding percentage.
- 2000:** He continued with the Birmingham Barons for 138 games, achieving a .306 batting average, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, and an OPS of .874. His fielding at third base saw further improvement, with 19 errors in 135 games and a career-best minor league fielding percentage of .942 at that point.
- 2001:** Crede spent most of the season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, playing 124 games. He batted .276 with 17 home runs, 65 RBI, and an OPS of .813. He committed 20 errors in 123 games at third base, with a fielding percentage of .946.
- 2002:** In 95 games with the Charlotte Knights, he maintained strong offensive numbers, hitting .312 with 24 home runs, 65 RBI, and an OPS of .930.
3.2. Major League Baseball Career
Crede made his Major League Baseball debut in 2000 and played for two teams over a decade, achieving significant success before injuries curtailed his career.
3.2.1. Chicago White Sox
Joe Crede made his Major League Baseball debut on September 12, 2000, against the Detroit Tigers. He entered the game as a defensive replacement at third base and flew out in his first at-bat. He appeared in 7 games that season, batting .357 with 3 RBI and an OPS of .762, playing third base in 6 of those games.
In 2001, Crede played 17 games in the majors, hitting .220 with 7 RBI and one stolen base, with an OPS of .553. He played 15 games at third base without committing an error. The 2001 and 2002 seasons saw him split time between the major and minor leagues. On August 11, 2002, he hit his first Major League home run against the Seattle Mariners. He was also recognized as the Player of the Week for the first week of September 2002. In 53 games that year, he batted .285 with 12 home run and 35 RBI, achieving an OPS of .826. His defense at third base included 8 errors in 53 games, with a fielding percentage of .938.
Crede became the White Sox's regular third baseman in 2003, playing in 151 games. Despite being known as a "free swinger" and being pitched to accordingly, he maintained a .261 batting average with 19 home runs, 75 RBI, and one stolen base, for an OPS of .741. Defensively, he played 151 games at third base, making 14 errors with a .964 fielding percentage and a DRS of +12. However, he occasionally made errors on routine ground balls.
In 2004, Crede played 144 games, hitting .239 with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, and one stolen base, with an OPS of .717. His tendency to pull the ball when trying for home runs was noted as a factor affecting his batting average. His defensive numbers included 12 errors in 144 games at third base, a .965 fielding percentage, and a DRS of -8, indicating a decline in his defensive value from the previous year.
The 2005 season was a career highlight for Crede. In 132 games, he batted .252 with 22 home runs, 62 RBI, and one stolen base, with an OPS of .756. He showed improvement in his hitting approach, demonstrating an ability to hit to the opposite field. Defensively, he recorded 10 errors in 130 games at third base, with a .971 fielding percentage and a DRS of +2, showing a positive shift in his defensive metrics. In the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Crede was a standout performer, batting .368 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI, and an OPS of 1.139 over 5 games. He continued his clutch hitting in the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros, batting .294 with 2 home runs and 3 RBI, and an OPS of 1.074 over 4 games, contributing significantly to the White Sox's first World Series championship in 88 years. On October 22, 2005, the due date of his second daughter, Lucy, Crede hit his first World Series home run. He also hit a game-winning double in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the ALCS.
In 2006, Crede had a career-best season offensively, playing 150 games and hitting .283 with a career-high 30 home runs and 94 RBI, with an OPS of .828. For his outstanding offensive performance, he was selected for the Silver Slugger Award as a third baseman. Defensively, he played 149 games at third base, committing 10 errors with a .978 fielding percentage and an impressive DRS of +23. During the offseason, the White Sox considered trading Crede along with Mark Buehrle to the New York Yankees for Alex Rodriguez, but the deal did not materialize as the Yankees requested other players.
The 2007 season was significantly impacted by injury. Crede was placed on the disabled list in June and underwent surgery for a spinal disc herniation, leading to a long absence. He was limited to just 47 games, batting .216 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI, and an OPS of .576. In 46 games at third base, he committed 4 errors, with a .971 fielding percentage and a DRS of +9.
On January 18, 2008, Crede signed a one-year, 5.10 M USD contract with the White Sox, avoiding arbitration. He started the 2008 season strong, hitting a grand slam on Opening Day against the Minnesota Twins. With a .256 batting average, 16 home runs, and 49 RBI at the time, Crede was selected as a reserve for the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. However, he was injured for most of the second half of the season, finishing with a .248 batting average, 17 home runs, and 55 RBI in 97 games. His defensive stats included 20 errors in 97 games at third base, a .930 fielding percentage, and a DRS of +12. Both his 2007 and 2008 seasons were cut short due to recurring back injuries. On October 30, 2008, Crede elected free agency.
3.2.2. Minnesota Twins
On February 21, 2009, Crede signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins worth 2.50 M USD, with incentives that could increase the deal to up to 7.00 M USD. In his single season with the Twins, Crede played 90 games, batting .225 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI, and an OPS of .703. Defensively, he played 84 games at third base, committing 4 errors with a .983 fielding percentage and a DRS of +14. Due to persistent back pain, he was placed on the disabled list on August 22. On September 20, Crede announced he would undergo his third career season-ending back surgery. He became a free agent on November 5, 2009, and this season ultimately marked his last year in Major League Baseball.
3.2.3. Colorado Rockies
After a one-year absence from baseball in 2010, during which he continued to receive treatment for his back, Crede signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Colorado Rockies on January 20, 2011. However, he became a free agent again on February 17, 2011, when he decided not to report to spring training. Crede subsequently announced his retirement from professional baseball.
3.3. Career Statistics
| Year | Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | TB | RBI | SB | CS | SH | SF | BB | IBB | HBP | SO | GDP | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | CWS | 7 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | .357 | .333 | .429 | .762 |
| 2001 | 17 | 55 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 1 | .220 | .273 | .280 | .553 | |
| 2002 | 53 | 209 | 28 | 57 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 103 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 1 | .285 | .311 | .515 | .826 | |
| 2003 | 151 | 580 | 68 | 140 | 31 | 2 | 19 | 232 | 75 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 1 | 6 | 75 | 11 | .261 | .308 | .433 | .741 | |
| 2004 | 144 | 543 | 67 | 117 | 25 | 0 | 21 | 205 | 69 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 34 | 0 | 10 | 81 | 14 | .239 | .299 | .418 | .717 | |
| 2005 | 132 | 471 | 54 | 109 | 21 | 0 | 22 | 196 | 62 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 25 | 3 | 8 | 66 | 7 | .252 | .303 | .454 | .757 | |
| 2006 | 150 | 586 | 76 | 154 | 31 | 0 | 30 | 275 | 94 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 28 | 1 | 7 | 58 | 18 | .283 | .323 | .506 | .829 | |
| 2007 | 47 | 178 | 13 | 36 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 53 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | .216 | .258 | .317 | .575 | |
| 2008 | 97 | 373 | 41 | 83 | 18 | 1 | 17 | 154 | 55 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 0 | 4 | 45 | 10 | .248 | .314 | .460 | .774 | |
| 2009 | MIN | 90 | 367 | 42 | 75 | 16 | 1 | 15 | 138 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 29 | 1 | 2 | 56 | 6 | .225 | .289 | .414 | .703 |
| MLB: 10 years | 888 | 3377 | 392 | 787 | 159 | 5 | 140 | 1376 | 470 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 31 | 199 | 6 | 38 | 459 | 69 | .254 | .304 | .444 | .748 | |
3.4. Uniform Number
- 24 (2000-2009)
4. Play Style and Characteristics
Joe Crede was known for his aggressive approach at the plate, often described as a "free swinger." This tendency meant he did not accumulate many walks or strikeouts. While his speed on the bases was considered below average, his offensive contributions were significant, especially for a lower-order batter, as evidenced by his Silver Slugger Award.
Defensively, Crede initially had a reputation for inconsistent or rough play, but his skills at third base improved significantly over his career, with his defensive range becoming among the best in Major League Baseball. He was regarded as an excellent defender in his later years.
Despite his dual threat as a capable hitter and strong defender, Crede's career was heavily impacted by chronic back pain and other injuries. These persistent issues, particularly his back problems, ultimately hastened his retirement from the sport. Teammate Aaron Rowand praised Crede's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, stating, "There's nobody better than that guy in the clutch. He's done it over and over and over again. It's not the first time, and it definitely won't be the last time."
5. Personal Life
Joe Crede is married to Lisa, and they have two daughters, Anna and Lucy, and one son, Jace. His second daughter, Lucy, was born on October 22, 2005, coincidentally the same day Crede hit his first World Series home run. On November 6, 2005, his hometown of Westphalia, Missouri, honored him with "Joe Crede Day," where he was presented with the key to the city. Crede resides in mid-Missouri and is a season-ticket holder for Missouri Tigers basketball.
6. Awards and Honors
- 2005 World Series Champion
- Silver Slugger Award (Third Baseman): 2006
- MLB All-Star Game Selection: 2008
7. Post-Retirement Activities
Following his retirement from professional baseball, Joe Crede has remained in mid-Missouri. He is known to be a season-ticket holder for Missouri Tigers basketball, indicating his continued interest in sports.
8. Assessment
Joe Crede's career was marked by significant contributions to the Chicago White Sox, most notably as a key player in their 2005 World Series victory. His ability to deliver clutch hits and his improved defensive prowess at third base made him a valuable asset. The 2006 Silver Slugger Award highlighted his peak offensive performance, demonstrating his capability as a powerful hitter. However, his professional journey was a constant battle against chronic back injuries, which severely limited his playing time in later seasons and ultimately forced his early retirement. Despite these challenges, Crede is remembered for his resilience and his impactful moments on the field, particularly his clutch hitting in critical playoff situations.