Danny Graves‚ born on August 7‚ 1973‚ in Saigon‚ Vietnam‚ is a Vietnamese-American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is known as the ″Baby-faced Assassin″ and has left a lasting impact on the game. Let’s take a closer look at Graves’ career and achievements.
Early Life and Career
Danny Graves was born on August 7‚ 1973‚ in Saigon‚ South Vietnam. His father was an American serviceman‚ and his mother was Vietnamese. Graves and his family emigrated to the United States just months before the fall of Saigon. He grew up in Florida and attended Brandon High School. Graves excelled in baseball and caught the attention of scouts with his talent.
In 1994‚ Graves was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft. He began his professional career in the minor leagues and worked his way up to the major leagues. On July 13‚ 1996‚ Graves made his debut in the big leagues with the Cleveland Indians.
Career Highlights
Graves is best known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds‚ where he played from 1997 to 2005. He was the team’s all-time leader in saves with 182 and games finished with 337. He was selected as an All-Star player in 2000 and 2004‚ showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.
In 2004‚ Graves recorded 41 saves‚ which ranks him third in franchise history. Additionally‚ he had a brief stint as a starter in 2003‚ starting 26 games and even throwing a complete-game shutout against the Cardinals on May 14.
Off the Field
Off the field‚ Graves was actively involved in the community‚ particularly during his time with the Reds. He hosted underprivileged children as part of his ″Gravys Train″ ticket program‚ showing his commitment to giving back.
Graves is a family man and has four children. His sons Austin‚ Trey‚ and Jayden‚ as well as his daughter Shea‚ form an important part of his life.
Honors and Recognition
In 2023‚ Graves was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame. His 182 saves and status as the only Vietnamese-born player in MLB history were recognized by the Hall’s veterans committee. This honor solidifies Graves’ contributions to the sport and his legacy within the Reds organization.
Conclusion
Danny Graves’ career in Major League Baseball is a testament to his talent and dedication to the game. As the all-time saves leader for the Cincinnati Reds and a two-time All-Star‚ he has left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport. Graves’ journey from Vietnam to the United States and his success in the major leagues are inspiring‚ and his induction into the Reds Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his accomplishments.