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Former Oakland A’s outfielder Jeremy Giambi passes away at 47

By David Hill

5 Sep 2001: Jeremy Giambi #7 of the Oakland Athetics looks on during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Orioles 12-6.Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
5 Sep 2001: Jeremy Giambi #7 of the Oakland Athetics looks on during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Orioles 12-6.Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /
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The Oakland A’s family has lost another member. It was announced on Wednesday that former outfielder Jeremy Giambi suddenly passed away at his parent’s house. He was 47 years old.

Former Oakland A’s outfielder Jeremy Giambi has passed away

It did not take long for Giambi to make his major league debut. A sixth round selection by the Royals in the 1996 MLB Draft, he made his debut as a September callup in 1998. Giambi was listed amongst the top 100 prospects in the game according to Baseball America, a power hitting first baseman/outfielder with a strong eye at the plate who was expected to help the Royals going forward.

Instead, he was sent to the A’s after the 1999 season in another of the typically shortsighted deals that Kansas City made in those days. Brett Laxton was sent to the Royals, where he made six appearances in 2000 before never returning to the majors.

Although he never lived up to that top prospect billing, Giambi was still a solid player. Paired with his brother Jason Giambi, he was a solid on base threat for his two and a half years with the A’s. He was later traded to the Phillies partway through the 2002 season for John Mabry, and was then dealt to the Red Sox during the offseason.

Giambi actually holds an interesting place in Red Sox history. He was their primary first baseman at the beginning of the year before being supplanted by David Ortiz after struggling at the start of the season. While he bounced around the minors with the Dodgers and White Sox in the following two seasons, that 2003 campaign was his last year in the majors.

Even if he was not his brother, Giambi put together a solid career. He posted a .263/.377/.430 batting line in his 1705 plate appearances in his six years in the majors, hitting 52 homers and 75 doubles. His ability to get on base and play both corner outfield spots, as well as first, made him a valuable player.

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Former Oakland A’s outfielder Jeremy Giambi passed away at 47 years old. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this time.