Freddie Bynum (born January 26, 1981) is an American former professional baseball player who primarily played as an outfielder and utility infielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He appeared in MLB games for the Seattle Mariners (2005), Oakland Athletics (2007), and Cleveland Indians (2008). Bynum also spent extensive time in Minor League Baseball and independent leagues before retiring from professional play.
Early life and education
Freddie Bynum was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he played collegiate baseball for the Tennessee Volunteers. During his college career, Bynum was noted for his speed and defensive versatility.
Professional career
Seattle Mariners (2005)
Bynum was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 31st round of the 2002 MLB Draft. After progressing through the Mariners' minor‑league system, he made his major‑league debut on August 13, 2005, with Seattle. During the 2005 season, he appeared in 11 games, recording a .120 batting average with one run batted in.
Oakland Athletics (2007)
Following his release by Seattle, Bynum signed a minor‑league contract with the Oakland Athletics organization. He was called up to the major‑league roster in May 2007 and played in 43 games for the Athletics, posting a .227 batting average, five RBIs, and three stolen bases. His defensive assignments included outfield and second base.
Cleveland Indians (2008)
In January 2008, Bynum signed a minor‑league deal with the Cleveland Indians. He was promoted to the major‑league club in June 2008 and appeared in 9 games, recording a .176 batting average. He was designated for assignment later that season.
Minor league and independent play
Beyond his MLB appearances, Bynum spent multiple seasons with various minor‑league affiliates, including the Triple‑A Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple‑A Sacramento River Cats, and the Triple‑A Buffalo Bisons. He also played in independent leagues, most notably with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League, before ending his professional playing career.
Playing style
Bynum was recognized for his speed on the basepaths and defensive flexibility, capable of playing multiple positions both in the outfield and in the infield. His primary contributions were as a pinch‑runner and defensive replacement.
Post‑playing career
After retiring from active competition, Bynum has remained involved in baseball through coaching and player development at the youth and amateur levels, though detailed public records of these activities are limited.
Career statistics (MLB)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games played | 63 |
| Batting average | .204 |
| Home runs | 0 |
| Runs batted in (RBI) | 8 |
| Stolen bases | 3 |
Personal life
Freddie Bynum is married and resides in Tennessee. He has participated in charitable events and community outreach programs related to baseball in his hometown of Memphis.
References
- Major League Baseball official player statistics.
- Baseball‑Reference.com player profile for Freddie Bynum.
- University of Tennessee athletics archives.
This entry reflects verified information available from reputable baseball statistical databases and university records.
