WSC Birth Years: Joe Crede

Card #84 - Joe Crede

Born: April 26, 1978

Joe was originally selected in the fifth round of the 1996 draft by the White Sox. He made his MLB debut in 2000, but was behind Herbert Perry at third base. When Crede played a full season at third, in 2003, his defensive skills improved dramatically. The last few years of his tenure with the Pale Hose drew defensive comparisons to Brooks Robinson.

Crede has never been a prolific hitter, but rather a smart hitter. During the 2005 playoffs, Joe played a big role in Chicago's success by hitting extremely well in the late innings, when the game was on the line. Some fans even dubbed him "Clutch Crede" because of his uncanny ability to come up with lethal hits in crucial times.

Lower back troubles have sidelined Crede during the last years of his career, including a short but productive stint with the Minnesota Twins. His last hurrah with the Sox included his only All-Star Game selection, in 2008.