Steven Joseph Clevenger (born April 5, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Chicago Cubs]] (2012–2013), [[Baltimore Orioles]] (2013–2015), and [[Seattle Mariners]] (2016).
Early Life Clevenger was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended [[Dundalk High School]] in Dundalk, Maryland, where he excelled in baseball. He then played college baseball at [[Harford Community College]] before transferring to the [[University of Memphis]]. In 2006, he played collegiate summer baseball with the [[Hyannis Mets]] of the [[Cape Cod Baseball League]]. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the seventh round of the [[2006 Major League Baseball draft]].
Professional Career
Chicago Cubs Clevenger spent several years in the Cubs' minor league system, gradually progressing through the ranks. He made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on June 20, 2012. He played sparingly for the Cubs in 2012 and 2013, primarily serving as a backup catcher and occasional first baseman.
Baltimore Orioles On July 2, 2013, Clevenger was traded by the Cubs along with minor league pitcher Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop. He made his debut with his hometown team later that season. Clevenger spent parts of three seasons with the Orioles, serving primarily as a backup catcher. He was known for his strong defensive skills and ability to hit for a decent average against right-handed pitching.
Seattle Mariners On December 2, 2015, Clevenger was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for first baseman Mark Trumbo and pitcher C.J. Riefenhauser. He was expected to compete for a backup catching role with the Mariners.
Controversy and Retirement In September 2016, Clevenger garnered significant media attention and controversy after posting a series of racially charged tweets concerning the [[Black Lives Matter]] movement and protests in Charlotte, North Carolina. His tweets included statements criticizing protesters and using derogatory language. The Seattle Mariners organization strongly condemned his comments, calling them "unacceptable" and "offensive." Clevenger was suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2016 season and issued a public apology. Following the incident, he was designated for assignment by the Mariners in December 2016 and subsequently released.
Clevenger did not play in Major League Baseball after the 2016 season. He briefly played for the [[Lancaster Barnstormers]] of the independent [[Atlantic League of Professional Baseball]] in 2017 before retiring from professional baseball.
Personal Life Clevenger is married and has children.