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United States Corey Patterson holds a significant place in baseball history as a first-round MLB draft pick who transitioned into a seasoned center fielder, bringing speed and power to multiple major league teams.
Corey Patterson was the third overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft by the Chicago Cubs and played with them for six seasons, representing a significant portion of his major league career and earning an estimated $3,872,500 over several contracts from 2002-2005.
Patterson was traded to the Orioles in 2006 and signed a 1-year deal for $4.3 million in 2007, earning $2,800,000 for the 2006 season. He also returned to the Orioles in 2010 on a minor league deal.
Signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008, earning $3,000,000 for the season.
Patterson signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Washington Nationals in 2008.
Signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 and again in 2012. He earned $14,872,500 over his career, with parts of those years spent with Milwaukee.
Patterson signed two minor league contracts with the Seattle Mariners, one in 2009 (opting out in March 2010), and another in 2013.
Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010, earning $900,000 for the 2011 season.
Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 as part of a multi-player deal.
Signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets in 2013.
Signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees in 2013.
Donald Corey Patterson, born on August 13, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia, embarked on a notable professional baseball career after an outstanding amateur tenure. At Harrison High School in Kennesaw, GA, he led his team to a state championship in 1998, boasting a .528 batting average, 22 home runs, 61 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him national recognition, including being named USA Baseball’s Amateur Player of the Year. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft, Patterson quickly rose through the minors, earning the Midwest League’s Prospect of the Year Award in 1999 with the Lansing Lugnuts for his .320 average, 20 homers, and 79 RBI. He made his MLB debut on September 18, 2000, for the Chicago Cubs.
Corey Patterson spent six seasons with the Chicago Cubs, playing a significant role as a center fielder. After a partial season in 2000 and 2001, he became a full-time starter in 2002, finishing the season with a .253 batting average. His 2003 season showed strong progress with a .298 average and 55 RBI in 83 games before a torn ACL prematurely ended his year. He bounced back in 2004, playing 157 games and recording a .266 batting average, 24 home runs, and 72 RBI. Following his time in Chicago, Patterson moved to the Baltimore Orioles (2006-2007), where he showcased his speed with 45 stolen bases in 2006, ranking third in the American League. He continued his career with stints at the Cincinnati Reds (2008), Washington Nationals (2009), a brief return to the Baltimore Orioles (2010), Toronto Blue Jays (2011), and St. Louis Cardinals (2011).
Throughout his 12-year MLB career, Corey Patterson accumulated 1,050 hits, 118 home runs, and 431 RBI, alongside 218 stolen bases, demonstrating his consistent contribution across different teams. After his major league playing career concluded in 2011, he continued to play in various minor league organizations. Patterson’s journey highlights his dedication to the sport, from a highly-touted high school prospect to a major league center fielder known for his balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. He currently serves as the manager for the Brookhaven Bucks in the Sunbelt Baseball League, continuing his involvement in baseball.
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