*Torii Kedar Hunter’ was born on July 18, 1975 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He plays center field for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Minor LeaguesTorii was selected as the Minnesota Twins’ first-round pick in 1993, righy out of high school.*Major Leagues’Torii made his first appearance with the Twins as a pinch runner in Baltimore on August 22, 1997. He did not become a starter until 1999.
In 2001, Torii led the Twins in at-bats, homeruns and outfield assists (with 14 - tied for second best in the league), and was second in RBI and total bases, leading the Twins to their first winning season since 1992.
Torii was selected by the fans to his first All-Star Game, in Milwaukee in 2002, becoming the first Twin since Kirby Puckett in 1995 to start an All-Star game in center field. At the end of the year, Torii led the club in home runs, RBI, and stolen bases, and was tied for the lead in games and doubles.
| Team |
Los Angeles Angels
|
| Position | Center Field |
| Born | 18 Jul 1975 |
| Nationality |
United States
|
| Team History | |
|
Anaheim
|
2008 - present |
Minnesota Twins
|
1997 - 2007 |
Torii struggled offensively in 2003, posting significantly lower numbers – but his defense was as strong as ever.
Torii missed much of the 2005 season after breaking his ankle and tearing ligaments when he attempted to scale the right field wall in Fenway Park on July 29. Although he playeed only half a season, he was awarded his fifth consecutive Gold Glove.
On October 10, The Twins notified Hunter that they had picked up his $12 million option for the 2007 season, keeping him from becoming a free agent.
Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimTorii turning down a three-year, $45 million deal in August, 2007 from the Twins, and signed on November 21 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. His five-year contract was worth $90 million. Torii replaced Gary Matthews Jr. as the starting center fielder.
PersonalTori lives during the off-season in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Prosper, Texas. He is a cousin of former MLB outfielder Choo Freeman.
