By re-signing Eric Hinske this offseason, the Atlanta Braves brought back arguably their best bench player, as well as all but guaranteed themselves a place in the 2011 postseason.
Hinske, 33, has been to the postseason each of the last four years, each time with a different organization.
In 2007, Hinske found himself in Boston, where he played in 84 games, ending with six home runs and 21 RBI. That year, the Boston Red Sox clinched their first AL East title since 1995 and went on to win the World Series, Hinske’s first World Series ring.
That offseason, Hinske signed a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, but earned an invite to Spring Training. After a solid performance at Spring Training, Hinske was added to the Rays’ 40-man roster in late March and was named the club’s opening day right fielder.
The 2008 season saw Hinske hit 20 home runs for the Rays, who won the AL East pennant. The Rays made it to the World Series for the first time in franchise history that season, but lost to the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies.
In January 2009, Hinske signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played in 54 games before being traded to the New York Yankees in July. In 39 games with the Yankees, Hinske hit seven home runs in his 84 at-bats.
The team clinched the AL East pennant and went on to the World Series, Hinske’s third straight World Series appearance with his third different team, all of which were from the AL East.
The Yankees went on to win the Fall Classic, earning Hinske his second career championship ring.
On January 5, 2010, Hinske reached a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. Over the course of the season, Hinske appeared in 131 games. He ended the season with 11 home runs, 51 RBI and a .256 batting average.
In one of his more memorable at bats of the season, Hinske hit a go-ahead two-run home run off San Francisco Giants reliever Sergio Romo in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the NLDS. However, the Braves ultimately lost the game and were eliminated in Game 4.
On December 2, 2010, the Braves signed Hinske to a one-year, $1.45 million contract that includes an option for the 2012 season, further ensuring their likelihood to clinch a playoff berth in 2011.
Look for Hinske’s talent, and luck, to carry the Braves into the postseason for a second consecutive season.
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