MLB Player Profile: Luke Hughes
Minnesota Twins’ infielder, Luke Hughes showed a glowing performance in preceding games as he hit number of home-runs and RBIs during second half of regular season. He also rated himself in top infielders throughout his MLB career. Born on August 2, 1984,
Hughes is an infielder in Twins’ roster and stands 5ft 11in with a weight of 205 lbs.
The 27-year-old Hughes has only one year of experience in his professional MLB career. He was a natural sportsperson and had great endowment in baseball. Due to his notable efforts in college baseball, he was geared up to make his place in the first round
of MLB Draft during 2002. Before playing his first-round, Hughes was selected in the International Baseball League of Australia to display his tremendous abilities.
Hughes was awarded titles like All-Star second baseman due to his outstanding performance with the Perth Heat. He did not sign any contract after the Minor Leagues’ draft and become a free agent until the next year. After playing his debut game in the first
round, Hughes earned much fame due to his exceptional performance against the rivals as he batted with an average of .429 and helped his team to get a victory in the 2003 Claxton Shield.
Twins’ officials kept an eye on Hughes’ performance and added him in their 40-man Minor League’s rosters. He made his debut on similar day and performed particularly well throughout the Minor League season. In 2004, Hughes was selected in the Australian
Baseball League where he proved his spot by raising his batting average and won the Golden Glove Award.
Hughes executed particularly well in different Leagues and became the renowned player in Minor Leagues. He was an ace for Twins roster due to his promising average and gave them some implausible victories. Hughes joined the Elizabethton Twins at the end
of 2004 and maintained his batting tricks.
He was selected by the Gulf Coast League All-Star team in the same year. During 2005 and 2006, Hughes was the member of New Britain Rock Cats and got some valuable awards with his great contribution in each game. Then, Hughes joined Rochester Red Wings and
played there for almost two years.
2008 season also went remarkable for Hughes as he took part in All-Star Future Game. He batted with a promising average and also hit some home runs for the Red Wings. Then, he was little bit shaky with the bat at the end of 2008.
Injuries occurred with nonstop interval for Hughes but he recovered before the start of 2009. He played a key role in his return game and smashed unbelievable home runs to give Twins an influential win. Hughes used much of his time with the Rochester in
2009.
In the next half of the 2009 season, Hughes batted with a full confidence and hit decisive RBIs with high grand slams. That season was most helpful for him and the Twins. Hughes showed his smart act in the fielding as well. He gave the Twins some amazing
victories also by making stunning catches at left and right-fields.
He began his 2010 season with MLB and joined the Twins as a replacement for Nick Punto. Hughes played regularly for the Twins as their veteran players suffered some injuries at that time. April 28, 2010 was an unforgettable day in his professional career
as Hughes played a leading role in the game against Detroit Tigers and struck a solo home-run.
Hughes’s career has been solid and a slight dip in form is usual. However, he will be looking to articulate himself and put in a strong performance as the regular season is winding down. His valuable contribution will be needed if the Twins are to go into
the MLB postseason.
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