{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1986)}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Eric Sogard |image = Eric Sogard (49954072772) (cropped).jpg |image_size = 220 |caption = Sogard batting for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019 |position = Infielder |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|5|22}} |birth_place= Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |bats = Left |throws = Right |debutleague= MLB |debutdate = September 14 |debutyear = 2010 |debutteam = Oakland Athletics |finalleague = MLB |finaldate = July 21 |finalyear = 2021 |finalteam = Chicago Cubs |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Batting average |stat1value = .246 |stat2label = Home runs |stat2value = 26 |stat3label = Runs batted in |stat3value = 187 |teams = * Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2015}}) * Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}}) * Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2019}}) * Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2019}}) * Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2020}}) * Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2021}}) | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport | Men's baseball}} {{MedalCountry | {{bb|CZE}}}} {{MedalCompetition|European Championship}} {{MedalBronze | 2025 Rotterdam | Team}} }} '''Eric Sidney Sogard''' (born May 22, 1986) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago Cubs.
Sogard attended Arizona State University and played college baseball for the Arizona State Sun Devils. In international competition, he represents the Czech Republic. His nickname "'''Nerd Power'''" was given to him by Athletics fans, who liked his play style and distinct glasses.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2019/04/29/sogard-gives-blue-jays-jolt-of-nerd-power.html Zwolinski, Mark. "Sogard gives Blue Jays jolt of Nerd Power," ''The Star'' (Toronto, ON), Monday, April 29, 2019.] Retrieved July 23, 2019</ref>
==Early life== Sogard's parents are Anna Vodicka Sogard and Bruce R. "Rudy" Sogard.<ref name=thesundevils.cstv/> Anna was born near Prague and moved to the United States with her family when she was 12 years old.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230217005500315 | title=(Yonhap Interview) Manager sees 'worthy role' for underdog Czechia at World Baseball Classic | work=Yonhap News Agency | date=February 17, 2023 | author1=유지호 }}</ref> Rudy was also a collegiate baseball player and set the home run record for DePauw University in 1975 while playing third base. Sogard is the brother of Alex Sogard.<ref name=thesundevils.cstv>[http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/sogard_eric00.html thesundevils.cstv] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602065725/http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/sogard_eric00.html |date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref>
==High school== Sogard attended Thunderbird High School in Phoenix. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies scout teams in 2002 and 2003.<ref name="thesundevils.cstv" /> He was the 2003 ''Arizona Republic'''s NW Valley H.S. Baseball Player of the Year, the Region Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-State shortstop. He repeated as All-State shortstop in 2004, and represented Arizona in the 2003 and 2004 Sunbelt Classic Baseball Series. Sogard broke numerous Thunderbird school batting records, including highest batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. In addition, Sogard was a star midfielder on Thunderbird's 2002 state runner-up (21–2) soccer team.
==College== Sogard received both academic and athletic scholarships from Arizona State University. He was ranked as the number 7 high school prospect in Arizona in 2004. He majored in kinesiology at ASU.
Sogard was a two-time All-American as a Sun Devil in 2006 and 2007, and was a 1st Team All-Pac-10 selection both years as well. He was also the 2007 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name=draft>{{cite web|url=https://www.statepress.com/article/2007/06/eight-sun-devils-taken-in-mlb-draft|title=EIGHT SUN DEVILS TAKEN IN MLB DRAFT|work=The State Press|date=June 10, 2007|access-date=December 18, 2023}}</ref> He played many positions in 2006 but stayed at second base for ASU in 2007. In 2006, Sogard had a slugging percentage of .625, third-best in the Pac-10, and an OPS of 1.057, fourth-best in the Pac-10.<ref name="thebaseballcube.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?P=eric-sogard|title = Major Leaguers - the Baseball Cube}}</ref> In 2007, he was second in the Pac-10 in average (.394) and runs (74), and third in walks (39) and on-base percentage (.488).<ref name="thebaseballcube.com"/> In 2007, Sogard became one of only a few ASU players ever to hit .400 for an entire season, with at least 100 hits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thesundevils.com/documents/2017/3/26//2007_Stats.pdf?id=3949|title=TheSunDevils.com {{!}} Arizona State University Athletics|website=thesundevils.com|language=en|access-date=2018-06-23}}</ref>
Sogard finished with the 15th-highest career batting average in ASU baseball history at .371. He is a member of the ASU All-Decade Team of 2000–09.
== Professional career== [[File:Eric Sogard bunting.jpg|thumb|upright|Sogard bunting for the Lake Elsinore Storm in 2008]] === San Diego Padres organization === Sogard was the first Sun Devil to be selected in the 2007 Major League draft, going in the second round, 81st overall, to the San Diego Padres.<ref name=draft/> With Lake Elsinore in 2008, he led the California League in doubles (42) and on-base percentage (.394).<ref name="thebaseballcube.com" /> He was a ''Baseball America'' High Class A All-Star, and a California League mid-season and post-season All-Star.<ref name="oakland.athletics.mlb.com">{{cite web| url = http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=519299#gameType=%27R%27| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101210145512/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=519299| archive-date = 2010-12-10| title = Eric Sogard Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights}} </ref> He was also selected for the Topps' Class-A All-Star Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://padres.scout.com/2/816204.html|title=Three Storm players among Topps All-Stars|date=November 27, 2008|publisher=scout.com|access-date=April 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116093037/http://padres.scout.com/2/816204.html|archive-date=January 16, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, playing for the San Antonio Missions in AA, Scout.com ranked Sogard as one of the top hitting prospects in the Padres organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://padres.scout.com/2/845564.html|title=Tool Time: Top Hitters for Average|last=Savage|first=Denis|date=March 9, 2009|publisher=scout.com|access-date=April 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515140539/http://padres.scout.com/2/845564.html|archive-date=May 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was named a Texas League mid-season All-Star at second base/designated hitter.<ref name="oakland.athletics.mlb.com" />
===Oakland Athletics=== [[File:Eric Sogard on April 27, 2012 (1).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Sogard with the Oakland Athletics in 2012]] On January 16, 2010, Sogard was traded along with Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100116&content_id=7928384&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|title=A's Acquire 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff from San Diego|publisher=Oakland.athletics.mlb.com|access-date=April 14, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021636/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100116&content_id=7928384&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, he was an MiLB.com Organization All-Star with the Oakland organization.<ref name="oakland.athletics.mlb.com" /> Sogard ended the 2010 season as one of Sacramento's more consistent players, earning a promotion to Oakland in September. In 2011, he was a Pacific Coast League mid-season All-Star at shortstop with Sacramento.<ref name="oakland.athletics.mlb.com" /> He had the highest fielding percentage in the league. He spent the second half of the season with Oakland in the majors. On August 23, 2011, Sogard hit his first career home run off then-Yankees pitcher Bartolo Colón.
The A's entered spring training in the beginning of the 2013 season with a battle over the everyday second baseman job. Sogard was put into the competition along with Scott Sizemore, who was returning after missing the entire 2012 season, Jemile Weeks, Adam Rosales, Andy Parrino, and Jed Lowrie. Lowrie was first put into the competition and promised an everyday job but instead took over everyday shortstop due to the struggles and injury of Hiroyuki Nakajima. Sogard then won the second base battle as he was the opening day starting second baseman.
Sogard finished a close second in the contest, voted on by fans, to be named the "Face of MLB" in February 2014. Mets third baseman David Wright won.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/athletics/ci_25246672/eric-sogard-falls-short-face-mlb|title=A's Eric Sogard falls short in the Face of MLB|date=February 28, 2014|work=San Jose Mercury News|agency=Bay Area News Group|access-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref>
In April 2016, Sogard underwent surgery on his left knee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eric Sogard of Oakland Athletics undergoes surgery to knee|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15283484/eric-sogard-oakland-athletics-undergoes-surgery-knee|website=ESPN.com|date=April 21, 2016|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</ref> He played in only two games for the Stockton Ports on rehab assignment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eric Sogard|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=sogard001eri|website=Baseball Reference|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</ref> He was sent outright to Triple-A after the 2016 season and elected to become a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.athleticsnation.com/2016/10/7/13207854/oakland-as-roster-moves-eric-sogard-jarrod-parker-free-agency |title=Oakland A's roster moves: Eric Sogard, Jarrod Parker, 4 others head to free agency |first=Alex |last=Hall |date=October 7, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2016}}</ref>
===Milwaukee Brewers=== On December 15, 2016, Sogard signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers that included an invitation to spring training. In Sogard's first game with the Brewers, he hit a three-run home run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/brewers-sign-eric-sogard-andy-oliver-hiram-burgos-to-minors-deals.html|title=Brewers Sign Eric Sogard, Andy Oliver, Hiram Burgos To Minors Deals|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 15, 2016|access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> He finished the season playing in 94 games, establishing career highs in home runs (3), walks (45) and batting average (.273). The following season, Sogard played through injury, hitting a career worst .134 in 94 at bats. He was released by the team on July 10, 2018. He resigned a minor league deal on July 27, 2018. Sogard was released again by the Brewers on September 1, 2018.
===Toronto Blue Jays=== [[File:Eric Sogard with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 (Cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Sogard with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019]] On December 21, 2018, Sogard signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and was invited to spring training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/report-jays-agree-to-deal-with-util-sogard-1.1229925|title=Report: Jays agree to deal with UTIL Sogard|work=TSN.ca|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=December 21, 2018}}</ref> He battled against Richard Ureña for the utility infielder spot on the opening day roster, but was ultimately sent to Triple-A affiliate Buffalo following the conclusion of spring training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jaysjournal.com/2019/03/27/blue-jays-news-aplenty-as-spring-training-comes-to-a-close/|title=Blue Jays news aplenty as spring training comes to a close|date=2019-03-27|website=Jays Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-30}}</ref> Sogard had his contract selected on April 15, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/jays-gurriel-jr-to-be-sent-down-to-triple-a-1.1290725|title=Jays demote Gurriel; Borucki on 60-day IL|work=TSN.ca|date=April 15, 2019|access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref> He made his debut with the team the next day, collecting three hits in a 6–5 win over the Minnesota Twins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-lineup-decisions-make-wild-win/|title=Blue Jays have more lineup decisions to make after wild win|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|work=Sportsnet.ca|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref> Sogard saw success during his stint with the Blue Jays, hitting .300 and recording an OPS of .840 in 73 games.
===Tampa Bay Rays=== [[File:Eric Sogard (49961578861) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Sogard batting for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019]] On July 28, 2019, the Blue Jays traded Sogard to the Rays for two players to be named later.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blue Jays bullpen ruins strong Aaron Sanchez start, Rays rally to win while also acquiring Eric Sogard |work=torontosun |url=https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/eric-sogard-scratched-from-jays-starting-lineup-on-sunday-as-trade-speculation-swirls |access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref> The PTBNL were later named as Edisson Gonzalez and Curtis Taylor.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theprovince.com/sports/baseball/former-ubc-ace-taylor-traded-to-blue-jays-excited-to-be-with-my-hometown-team | title=Former UBC ace Taylor traded to Blue Jays, excited to be with 'my hometown team' | work=The Province }}</ref> He hit .266 in 37 games.
===Return to Milwaukee=== On December 20, 2019, Sogard signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers reuniting with his former team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-smoak-deal-with-brewers|title = Brewers ink Smoak, Sogard to one-year deals| website=MLB.com }}</ref> Sogard hit his first career walk-off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 29, 2020 with a two-run home run in the ninth inning, resulting in a 7–6 victory for the Brewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/eric-sogard-walk-off-hr-saves-wild-josh-hader|title=Sogard's walk-off HR saves a wild Hader|first=Adam|last=McCalvy|website=MLB.com|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=February 14, 2021}}</ref> He finished the shortened season hitting .209/.281/.278 with 10 RBIs and 10 runs scored in 43 games.
===Chicago Cubs=== On March 3, 2021, Sogard signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization that included an invitation to Spring Training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/cubs-sign-eric-sogard.html|title = Cubs Sign Eric Sogard| date=March 3, 2021 }}</ref> On March 28, 2021, Sogard was selected to the 40-man roster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/cubs-select-three-contracts-designate-ildemaro-vargas.html|title = Cubs Select Three Contracts, Designate Ildemaro Vargas| date=March 28, 2021 }}</ref> Although a position player, Sogard recorded 5 pitching appearances in 2021, including 3 in a 10 game losing streak.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Greenberg|first=Steve|date=2021-07-05|title=Cubs' 10th straight loss brings Eric Sogard to mound — again — as embarrassment escalates|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2021/7/5/22564637/cubs-losing-streak-phillies|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref> In 78 games with the Cubs, Sogard hit .249/.283/.314 with 1 home run and 12 RBI. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on July 23.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/cubs-dfa-eric-sogard.html|title = Cubs Designate Eric Sogard for Assignment| date=July 23, 2021 }}</ref> He was released by the Cubs on July 28.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/roster/transactions|title = Transactions| website=MLB.com }}</ref>
==International career== Sogard acquired citizenship in the Czech Republic in February 2022, making him eligible to play for the country's national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/mlb-veteran-eric-sogard-acquires-czech-citizenship|title=MLB veteran Eric Sogard now eligible to represent Czech National Team|access-date=2025-01-16}}</ref> He was announced as a player on the Czech Republic national baseball team’s roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He was the only player on the team with MLB experience.<ref>{{Cite web|author1=J.J. Cooper |author2=Kyle Glaser |date=2023-02-10|title=2023 Czech Republic World Baseball Classic Roster|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-czech-republic-world-baseball-classic-roster/|access-date=2023-02-25|website=Baseball America|language=en}}</ref> He slashed .438/.438/.438 over 16 plate appearances during the tournament, leading the team in hits (7) and batting average.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/czech-republic/2023 |title=Stats - Czech Republic |website=MLB.com |access-date=April 14, 2024}}</ref>
==Personal life== Sogard's younger brother, Alex, is a former professional baseball player, who is now the head baseball coach at Wright State University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_99f1f9ca-b2fe-5ef0-8d58-210bf9f5aae8.html |title=College World Series notebook: Sogard siblings giving Mom a hard time |work=East Valley Tribune |date=June 19, 2007 |access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref>
Sogard married his wife Kaycee in October 2011. They have five children together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/eric-and-kaycee-sogards-children-are-too-cute-for-words/c-255550946|title=Eric and Kaycee Sogards' children are too cute for words|website=MLB.com|date=September 22, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2018-11-04}}</ref>
Sogard's cousin Nick Sogard plays for the Boston Red Sox.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://todaynewspost.com/uncategorized/minor-disruption-shortstop-nick-sogard-can-lean-on-family-of-big-leaguers-for-support/ |title=Minor Disruption: Shortstop Nick Sogard can lean on family of big leaguers for support |website=todaynewspost.com |date=June 29, 2020 |accessdate=June 3, 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Eric Sogard}} {{baseballstats|mlb=519299 |espn=29732 |br=s/sogarer01 |fangraphs=7927 |brm=sogard001eri |retro=S/Psogae001}} *{{Twitter}}
{{Czech Republic roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sogard, Eric}} Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada Category:American people of Czech descent Category:Arizona State Sun Devils baseball players Category:Baseball players from Phoenix, Arizona Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Category:Chicago Cubs players Category:Colorado Springs Sky Sox players Category:Eugene Emeralds players Category:Fort Wayne Wizards players Category:Lake Elsinore Storm players Category:Major League Baseball second basemen Category:Major League Baseball shortstops Category:Major League Baseball third basemen Category:Milwaukee Brewers players Category:Oakland Athletics players Category:Portland Beavers players Category:Toronto Blue Jays players Category:Sacramento River Cats players Category:San Antonio Missions players Category:Tampa Bay Rays players Category:Stockton Ports players Category:Latter Day Saints from Arizona Category:2023 World Baseball Classic players Category:2023 European Baseball Championship players Category:2025 European Baseball Championship players Category:World Baseball Classic players of the Czech Republic