Joe Crede

Joseph Crede was born on April 26, 1978, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 5th round of the 1996 MLB draft out of Fatima High School in Westphalia, MO. Crede made his Major League Baseball debut on September 12, 2000, and spent his initial seasons splitting time between the major league team and their minor league affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. During this period, he earned recognition as the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2000 while playing for the Birmingham Barons and was rated as the No. 10 Prospect in the International League by Baseball America in 2002.

Crede’s career gained significant momentum in 2005 when he was a key member of the Chicago White Sox team that won the World Series, their first championship in 88 years. He demonstrated consistent offensive production, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 62 runs that season. In 2006, Crede achieved career highs, batting .283 with 30 home runs and 94 RBI, earning him his first Silver Slugger Award and a spot on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team. He also recorded a career-best .978 fielding percentage at third base. Throughout his career, Crede was known for his impactful hitting, particularly in clutch situations, and his defensive contributions at third base.

His career saw progression with his selection to the American League All-Star team in 2008 and being honored with the MLBPAA White Sox Heart and Hustle Award in the same year. After nine seasons with the White Sox, Crede played his final MLB season with the Minnesota Twins in 2009. His career concluded with a tryout with the Colorado Rockies in 2011 after a one-year absence from baseball, eventually leading to his retirement. Crede was celebrated in his hometown with “Joe Crede Day” in 2005, receiving the keys to the city.