Joshua Blake Satin (born December 23, 1984) is an American former professional baseball corner infielder. Satin played first base, second base, and third base.[1][2] During his career, he played for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, as well as for the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres organizations.

Josh Satin
Satin with the New York Mets
First baseman / Third baseman
Born: (1984-12-23) December 23, 1984 (age 39)
Hidden Hills, California, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2011, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
September 25, 2014, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Batting average.243
Home runs3
Runs batted in22
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

He was a first-team college All-American at the University of California, Berkeley. The Mets drafted him in the 6th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. Satin batted .303 in 2008 in the minor leagues, and .288 in 2009 while being voted a South Atlantic League All-Star. He hit .311 and was a Florida State League All-Star in 2010. In 2011, he batted .325 for Binghamton while leading the league in on-base percentage (.423) and OPS (.962), as he was voted an Eastern League All-Star. He also played in AAA, batting .347 with a .410 on-base percentage with the Buffalo Bisons.

He made his MLB debut for the Mets on September 4, 2011, and played in 15 games. In June 2012 Satin rejoined the Mets, but he was designated for assignment three days later.[3][4] In June 2013, he was again called up to the Mets, after batting .305 in AAA. He tied a Mets rookie record set in 1977, by reaching base in 29 consecutive games that he started, and for the season batted .279 (.317 against left-handers). Satin twice played third base for the Israeli national baseball team during the World Baseball Classic.

Early and personal life

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Satin is Jewish, and was born in Hidden Hills, California.[5][6] His parents are David and Gail Satin. He also has two younger brothers, Danny and Dylan Satin.[7] His mother at one time co-owned a clothing store with the wife of comedian Howie Mandel.[8] He and outfielder Blake Gailen—also a member of the Israeli national baseball team—have been friends since they were children, and Gailen attended Satin's bar mitzvah.[9]

For grade school he went to Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School. In high school, playing for the Harvard-Westlake School Wolverines in Studio City, Los Angeles, Satin was a three-time all-league selection and the MVP of the 2002 Los Angeles Daily News Tournament.[7][10][11] In 2002, he played shortstop and batted .500 with 11 homers.[12] As a senior, he batted .478 with 10 home runs, was first-team All-CIF Southern Section, and was Los Angeles Times All-Region.[7] He played alongside future major league outfielder Brennan Boesch.[7] Academically, he scored 1,390 on the SAT.[13] He was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.[14]

On November 9, 2013, Satin married Allyson Murrow.[15][failed verification]

College

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Satin batting for Cal in 2007

Satin attended the University of California, Berkeley.[7] There, in his freshman year in 2005 he played second base for the California Golden Bears baseball team.[7][16] He batted .348 (7th in the Pac-10) with 77 hits (8th in the Pac-10), and led the team with 26 multiple-hit games.[7] He was the team's 2005 Freshman of the Year, and co-winner of the Clint Evans Award as the team's most valuable player (along with his former high school teammate who joined him at Berkeley, Brennan Boesch).[7][17] As a junior in 2007 he batted .287.[7]

He played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod League in both 2006 (for the Orleans Cardinals) and 2007 (for the Bourne Braves), was voted an All-Star both years, and was named the East Division MVP during the league's 2006 All-Star Game.[7][18][19]

Satin was a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American in 2005, and first-team All-Pac-10.[7] He is the only Cal freshman to earn both of those awards other than Xavier Nady, who won them in 1998.[7][20] Jewish Sports Review named Satin to its All-America First Team, NCAA Division 1, of the best Jewish college players in the U.S. in both 2005 (along with Ryan Braun) and in 2007 (along with Ike Davis, Ryan Lavarnway, and Michael Schwimer).[5][21][22]

In 2008, his final year, he batted .379/.500/.723, with 18 home runs in 195 at-bats.[23][24] He also set the school hitting streak record, with 27.[16] That year he was a Baseball America first team All-American (joining among others future Mets teammate Ike Davis).[25] He was also a Rivals.com second team All American, Collegiate Baseball Louisville Slugger third-team All-American, and first-team All-Pac-10.[26][27] He is 5th all-time for the school in career hits (246) and total bases (381), 6th in RBIs (153), 8th in career walks (119), 9th in career home runs (29; tied with Jerry Goff), and 3rd for the school in season-best slugging percentage (.723; 2008) and home runs (18; 2008).[28] He graduated with a degree in political science.[10][16]

Minor leagues

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Satin during his tenure with the Binghamton Mets, Double-A affiliates of the New York Mets, in 2011.

Satin was drafted by the Mets in the 6th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. He signed for $25,000.[23] After signing, he batted a combined .303/.370/.503 for the Kingsport Mets in the Rookie Appalachian League and the Brooklyn Cyclones in the A- New York–Penn League in 2008.[23][29]

In 2009, he hit .284/.385/.418 for the Savannah Sand Gnats in the A-level South Atlantic League, with 38 doubles and 73 walks.[23] He was voted a SAL Mid-Season All-Star.[30] Still, he recalled years later, "You just look around and you're like, 'I'm really far from the big leagues.' I used to tell myself in Low A, 'Well, I'll just go to law school.'"[31] He closed out the season by playing seven games for the St. Lucie Mets in the A+ Florida State League, batting .364/.464/.591.[29]

Playing for St. Lucie in at the beginning of 2010, Satin batted .316/.406/.459.[23] Promoted to the Binghamton Mets in the Double-A Eastern League, he hit .308/.395/.472. He batted .311/.399/.467 with 39 doubles and 66 walks over the two levels.[23][29] In 2010, he was a FSL Mid-Season All-Star, and the FSL All-Star Game MVP.[10][30] John Sickels gave him a C grade because he was older than his competition, but wrote in his 2011 Baseball Prospect Book: "provides plenty of doubles, can draw a walk, and seems to hit .300 in his sleep ... my gut likes him."[23] Playing for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League after the regular season, he batted .390/.468/.512.[10]

In 2011, he batted .325/.423/.538 for Binghamton in 338 at-bats, with a league-leading 35 doubles at the time of his promotion, and 11 home runs.[10][23][32] He led the league in on-base percentage (.423) and OPS (.962), and was 7th in Double-A in batting average and 10th in slugging percentage. .[33] He became the first player in Binghamton's 20-year history to hit for the cycle, on June 24.[34] In April 2011 he won an Eastern League Player of the Week Award, and he was both an Eastern League Mid-Season and Post-Season All Star.[30][32] He was named to the Topps Double-A All-Star Team.[33] He hit .347/.410/.453 in 95 at-bats after he was promoted to the Buffalo Bisons in the Triple-A International League, through August 19.[10][23]

Satin's 2011 season totals were a .330 batting average with 42 doubles, 12 homers, and 66 walks.[23]

In June 2013, Satin was hitting .305/.418/.491 (and batting .354 against left-handers) with 9 home runs and 32 RBIs in 59 games with AAA Las Vegas (the Mets had changed AAA affiliations from Buffalo to Las Vegas), when he was called up to the Mets.[35][36] Through 2013, his career minor league batting statistics were .301/.397/.461, with 413 walks and 618 strikeouts in 2,630 at bats.[23]

Major leagues

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New York Mets

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Satin was promoted to the majors on September 1, 2011. Mets manager Terry Collins called his promotion "one of the great stories in this organization". Collins said he would most probably be used as a reserve infielder, primarily at first base and third base, but that the team would like to play him in the outfield as well.[31][37][38]

In his debut on September 4, Satin singled in his first at bat.[39]

Sent down[when?], Satin was recalled back to the Mets on June 3, 2012, to fill the roster slot vacated when Mike Baxter was placed on the DL.[3] After appearing in only one game, Satin was designated for assignment on June 6, in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for Pedro Beato, who was returning from the 60-day disabled list.[4] Satin cleared waivers and returned to the Bisons.[40] In 2012, he struck out in his only major league at bat.[41]

In spring training in 2013, Satin batted .455 with a .647 on-base percentage in 16 plate appearances, but was sent to AAA to start the season.[42] On June 9, 2013, Satin was promoted to the Mets as Ike Davis was demoted. He tied a Mets rookie record set by Steve Henderson in 1977, by reaching base in 29 consecutive games that he started.[43][44] For the season, he batted .279 (.317 against left-handers) with a .376 on-base percentage.[45] His on-base percentage was the second-highest among major league rookies with at least 175 at bats, and the second-highest on the Mets.[46][47]

Satin began 2014 with the Mets as the right-handed part of an unusual three-man platoon at first base.[48] While Lucas Duda won the everyday job, Satin struggled in limited playing time, hitting just .107 in 15 games, and was demoted on May 10. Satin spent much of the season at Las Vegas before being recalled when the major-league rosters expanded on September 1.[49] After his call-up, Satin made just nine plate appearances, going 0-for-7 to finish the season with a .086 batting average. He was outrighted off the 40 man roster after the season, making him a free agent.

Cincinnati Reds

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On November 22, 2014, Satin signed a minor-league free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[50] He played for the Triple–A Louisville Bats, batting .247 with four home runs in 70 games.[51]

San Diego Padres

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On March 7, 2016, Satin signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. He played for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, and batted .182/.250/.273 in 49 plate appearances.[52]

Retirement

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On June 9, 2016, Satin retired from baseball, saying that head injuries had taken a toll on his skills.[53][54]

Team Israel

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Satin twice played third base for the Israeli national baseball team during the World Baseball Classic.

In September 2012, he played for Israel at the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifying round.[55][56] Satin was the starting third baseman during all three of Israel's games, while batting sixth. During the first game, Satin went 1 for 3 with 2 walks and scored twice.[57] During the second game Satin went 1 for 2 while again walking twice.[58] Israel's final game saw Satin going 1 for 6 with a strike out, ending the series batting .273,[59] as Israel fell to Spain in extra innings in the qualifier finals, missing out on a spot in the World Baseball Classic.[56][60][61]

Satin again played in the qualifying round for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic,[62] starting in the first two games batting sixth, before sitting out the final game. During both the first and second games Satin went hitless in three at bats, ending the series 0 for 6 with a strike out.[63][64]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ According to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905–1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. Searchable at http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/39461 Archived April 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Andy McCullough (September 1, 2011). "Mets welcome infielder Josh Satin, pitcher Josh Stinson". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Simon, Andrew (June 3, 2012). "Mets place Baxter on DL, recall infielder Satin". www.mlb.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  4. ^ a b DiComo, Anthony (June 6, 2012). "Bay's return means decisions will be coming". www.mlb.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Bloom, Nate (August 26, 2005). "Celebrity Jews; Jews at Bat". Jweekly. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  6. ^ "New York Mets call up prospect Josh Satin". Jewish Baseball News. September 1, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Player Bio: Josh Satin". California Golden Bears. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  8. ^ Interview with Howie Mandel, Howard Stern Radio Show, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, July 16, 2013
  9. ^ Rob Isbitts (November 10, 2016)."Blake Gailen's long road to Team Israel," Jewish Baseball News
  10. ^ a b c d e f "Josh Satin Baseball Stats". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  11. ^ "Josh Satin Awards". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  12. ^ Eric Sondheimer (February 23, 2003). "Players to Watch". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  13. ^ Eric Sondheimer (April 8, 2003). "Powered Up at Harvard-Westlake". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  14. ^ "Hall of Fame inducts 10 new members during Homecoming". Harvard Westlake Chronicle. October 19, 2009. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  15. ^ Bill Boyarsky (November 26, 2013). "Jews and baseball: An American news media love story". Jewish Journal.
  16. ^ a b c Steve Kroner (May 30, 2008). "Smooth finish for Cal senior; Unexpected Return of Infielder a Boon for Bears". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  17. ^ "Player Bio: Brennan Boesch". Calbears.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  18. ^ "2006 Orleans Cardinals". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  19. ^ "2007 Bourne Braves". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  20. ^ "Josh Satin Called Up to Major Leagues". Calbears.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  21. ^ "50th Edition of Jewish Sports Review Names Jewish All America Baseball Team". CSTV. July 12, 2005. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  22. ^ "Jewish Sports Review Tabs Adam Amar and Joey Lieberman 2007 All-Americans". CSTV. July 17, 2007. Archived from the original on June 22, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k John Sickels (August 19, 2011). "Prospect of the Day: Josh Satin, INF, New York Mets". Minor League Ball. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  24. ^ "Josh Satin Drafted in the Sixth Round by the New York Mets; Golden Bear senior second baseman concludes outstanding career". Calbears.com. June 5, 2008. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  25. ^ "College: Awards: All-America Teams: 2008 First-Team College All-Americans". Baseball America. June 12, 2008. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  26. ^ "Josh Satin and David Cooper Selected Collegiate Baseball All-Americans". Calbears.com. May 29, 2008. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  27. ^ "California Golden Bears Football Media Guide" (PDF). CSTV. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  28. ^ "Josh Satin Named First-Team All-American in Baseball America". Calbears.com. June 12, 2008. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  29. ^ a b c "Joshua Satin Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  30. ^ a b c "Josh Satin Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | Buffalo Bisons Stats". minorleaguebaseball.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  31. ^ a b Viera, Mark (September 1, 2011). "Two New Mets: A First Start and a First Day". The New York Times.
  32. ^ a b "Mets promote Stinson, Satin to majors". Press & Sun-Bulletin. September 1, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  33. ^ a b Minor League Baseball (November 16, 2011). "Topps, MiLB reveal Double-A All-Stars". Milb.com. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  34. ^ "Satin Named To Post Season All-Star Team". WBNG TV. August 25, 2011. Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  35. ^ "Mets promote Satin, Edgin and Cowgill from Minors". Mlb.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  36. ^ "Fantasy Baseball daily notes for June 11, pitcher rankings, batter ratings, news, injuries, next level". ESPN. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  37. ^ Art Stapleton (September 2, 2011). "Mets notes: Josh Thole, Ruben Tejada injured in victory". The Record. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  38. ^ "Josh Satin Learning to Play the Outfield". Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  39. ^ Puma, Mike (September 5, 2011). "New Mets reliever Stinson gets job done". New York Post. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
  40. ^ "Mets sent INF Josh Satin outright to Triple-A Buffalo". rotoworld.com. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  41. ^ "Josh Satin gets invitation to Mets spring training camp » Kaplan's Korner on Jews and Sports". New Jersey Jewish News. January 16, 2013. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  42. ^ "Josh Satin". Jewish Baseball News. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  43. ^ Rob Abel (August 28, 2013). "Satin's big league dream". Jewish Journal. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  44. ^ "Q&A: Josh Satin talks at bats, playing OF". Metsblog. August 22, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  45. ^ "Josh Satin Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  46. ^ "Josh Satin Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  47. ^ "A Met Who Can Reach Base Is Trying to Stretch," The New York Times.
  48. ^ Mike Puma (March 31, 2014). "Ike Davis gets first base start, but Duda, Satin to see time". New York Post. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
  49. ^ Rubin, Adam (September 1, 2014). "Josh Satin disappointed with season". ESPN. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
  50. ^ Rubin, Adam Josh Satin signs with Reds ESPN New York, November 22, 2014.
  51. ^ "Josh Satin Stats, Fantasy & News".
  52. ^ "Josh Satin Stats, Highlights, Bio | El Paso Chihuahuas Stats". Milb.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  53. ^ Baer, Bill (June 9, 2016). "Josh Satin retires | HardballTalk". Mlb.nbcsports.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  54. ^ "Former Mets infielder Josh Satin decides to retire, says head injuries diminished his skills". New York Daily News. June 10, 2016.
  55. ^ Barry Bearak (September 18, 2012). "Wanted: Jewish Ballplayers". The New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  56. ^ a b "Mets' Q-and-A with utility player Josh Satin". NJ.com. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  57. ^ "South Africa vs Israel". mlb.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  58. ^ "Israel vs Spain". mlb.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  59. ^ "Spain vs Israel". mlb.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  60. ^ Corey Brock (October 25, 2012). "Padres prospect Freiman looks to raise his game; First baseman enjoys the competition in World Classic, Arizona Fall League". mlb.com. Retrieved March 12, 2013.
  61. ^ "Astros select Fields, Freiman in Major League portion of Rule 5 Draft". mlb.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2013.
  62. ^ Lara-Cinisomo, Vince (August 26, 2016). "Rosters For WBC Qualifier In Brooklyn". Baseball America. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  63. ^ "Great Britain vs Israel". mlb.com. January 20, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  64. ^ "Brazil vs Israel". mlb.com. January 20, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
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Preceded by Mets Organizational Player of the Year
2011
Succeeded by