Eric Young, Jr.

Eric Orlando Young Jr. (born May 25, 1985) is an American professional baseball former outfielder and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels. He was the National League stolen base leader in 2013. Baseball career Young was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and graduated from Piscataway Township High School in Piscataway, New Jersey. He had a football scholarship to attend Villanova University. The Colorado Rockies selected Young in the 30th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed rather than attend college. Young began his career playing in 2004 for the Casper Rockies (now the Grand Junction Rockies), that was an advanced rookie team located in Casper, Wyoming and was part of the Pioneer League. In 2006, Young led all minor leaguers in stolen bases with 87. He then won the Arizona Fall League batting title, finishing with a .430 average. Young appeared in the 2009 Futures Game, hitting a three-run home run. The world team won 7 to 5. Colorado Rockies Young made his major league debut on August 25, 2009, for the Colorado Rockies playing center field. He had his first career hit in this game during the 5th inning and ended the game 1–4. Eric Young Sr. was in attendance for his son's debut. On September 8, 2009, Young Jr. hit his first career home run in the bottom of the 6th inning against the Cincinnati Reds.