Carlos Pena

Carlos Felipe Pena was born on May 17, 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He plays first base for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Carlos is 6’ 2”, weighs 215 pounds, and bats and throws left.

High School Carlos’ family moved to the United States when he was quite young, locating in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Carlos graduated from Haverhill High School in 1995.

College Carlos attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio for a semester, before transferring to Northeastern University. As a collegiate player, he competed in the Cape Cod League, which showcases top amateur prospects every summer. He was a member of the Wareham Gatemen in 1997.

Minor Leagues The Texas Rangers picked Carlos as t he 10th overall pick in the 1998 major league draft.

He made his way through their farm system, always listed as a top prospect in the media.

Major Leagues The Rangers called Carlos up to the big leagues during September 2001, when rosters expanded. He made his Major League debut on September 5, 2001, starting at first base and going 0-3. He finished the 2001 season with a .258 batting average and 3 home runs in 22 games played.

Oakland As On January 14, 2002, Carlos was traded, along with Mike Venafro, to the Oakland Athletics for Jason Hart, Gerald Laird, Ryan Ludwick, and Mario Ramos. Although he was on the opening day roster for the As, he was demoted shortly thereafter, due to a poor batting average.

Detroit Tigers After a season-ending injury to Tigers’ DH Dmitri Young, the Tigers traded for Pena, acquiring him in a three-team deal on July 6, 2002. He became the first baseman, while the starting first baseman, Randall Simon, became their DH.

Carlos continued to start at first base during the 2003 season. In 2004, he established career highs in various batting statistics, although his average was only .241.

In 2005, Carlos’ batting average over the course of 40 games was terrible, and he was sent back to AAA. The Tigers released him on March 26, 2006.

New York Yankees Carlos signed a minor league contract with the Yankees, but never made it out of AAA, and exercised a clause in his contract to become a free agent, on August 16, 2006.

Boston Red Sox Still in the 2006 season, Carlos signed with the Red Sox and played a handful of games at the major league level. Following the season, he elected free agency.

Tampa Bay Rays Carlos signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on February 1, 2007, and was invited to Spring training. Due to poor hitting, he was assigned to AAA< but was brought up when a knee injury to Greg Norton necessitated the move. He has been on the roster ever since.

Personal Carlos and his wife, Pamela (married December 22, 2003), live with their daughter in Orlando, Florida, during the offseason.