Blake Lalli
Blake Thomas Lalli is an American former professional baseball first baseman and catcher and current third base coach for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball. He played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves.
Playing career
Amateur
Lalli graduated from Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, in 2001. He attended Gardner-Webb University from 2002 through 2006, where he played for the school's baseball team. Lalli was named to the All-Atlantic Sun Conference's first team as a third baseman in 2005 and as a catcher in 2006. In 2005, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League.Chicago Cubs
Undrafted out of college, Lalli signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent in 2006. He was named a Southern League All-Star in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The Cubs promoted Lalli to MLB on May 18, 2012, and he made his MLB debut that day. He became the first GWU alumnus to appear in MLB.Oakland Athletics
On August 27, 2012, the Athletics acquired Lalli from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for catcher Anthony Recker.Milwaukee Brewers
On November 14, 2012, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Lalli to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. On April 9, 2013, Lalli's contract was purchased and he was added to the Major League roster by the Brewers. He was designated for assignment on September 19, 2013, and became a free agent on October 1.Arizona Diamondbacks
On October 28, 2013, Lalli signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He became a minor league free agent after the 2014 season.On November 26, 2014, Lalli re–signed with the Diamondbacks organization on a minor league contract.