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5 Greatest Moments of Jason Giambi’s Career

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5 Greatest Moments of Giambi’s Career

Jason Giambi Cleveland Indians
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After an illustrious and eventful 20-year career, Jason Giambi called it quits and retired from Major League Baseball on Monday. The 44-year-old retires with a career .277 batting average, 2,010 hits, 440 home runs and 1,441 RBIs. Let’s take a look back at the five greatest moments of Jason Giambi’s career.

5. American League Most Valuable Player in 2000

Jason Giambi Oakland A's MVP
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5. American League Most Valuable Player in 2000

Jason Giambi Oakland A's MVP
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Giambi made his MLB debut with the Oakland A’s in 1995, and became the full-time first baseman following the trade of Mark McGwire to the Cardinals in 1997. In 2000, Giambi narrowly won the American League Most Valuable Player Award over Frank Thomas. He led the league in on-base percentage (.476) and walks (137), and hit .333 with 43 home runs and 137 RBIs.

4. Huge Contract with New York Yankees

Jason Giambi New York Yankees
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4. Huge Contract with New York Yankees

Jason Giambi New York Yankees
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After another outstanding season in 2001, in which he finished second in MVP voting, Giambi became a free agent. On Dec. 13, 2001, he signed a seven-year $120 million contract with the New York Yankees. Oakland fans, feeling betrayed, became enraged by Giambi’s decision and routinely booed him whenever the Yankees visited Oakland.

3. 400th Career Home Run

Jason Giambi Oakland Athletics
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3. 400th Career Home Run

Jason Giambi Oakland Athletics
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Despite having a miserable season, 2009 was a year to remember for Giambi. He agreed to a contract with the A’s and rejoined his old team. Then, on May 23, Giambi hit his 400th career home in an 8-7 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Aug. 7, the A’s released their former MVP.

2. Three Home Run Game

Jason Giambi Colorado Rockies
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2. Three Home Run Game

Jason Giambi Colorado Rockies
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Now with the Colorado Rockies, Giambi had his first, and only, three home run game on May 19, 2011, against the Philadelphia Phillies. By accomplishing the feat at the age of 41, he became the second oldest player to ever hit three dingers in one game. On July 29, 2013, Giambi, at the age of 42, became the oldest player to ever hit a walk-off home run. He would break his own record later that same year in September.

1. Apology for Steroid Use

Jason Giambi Addresses Press About BALCO Steroid Scandal
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1. Apology for Steroid Use

Jason Giambi Addresses Press About BALCO Steroid Scandal
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Late in 2003, Giambi was named by FBI officers as one of the players believed to have received anabolic steroids from trainer Greg Anderson. In a press conference prior to the 2005 season, Giambi apologized publicly to the media and his fans, though he did not specifically state what for. He apologized again in 2007, this time specifically for using steroids, and urged other players to do the same.

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