Athletes - Ryan Klesko

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	Athletes - Ryan Klesko

Ryan Anthony Klesko (born June 12, 1971 in Westminster, California) is a first baseman/outfielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the San Diego Padres since 2000. Previously, Klesko played with the Atlanta Braves (1992-99). He bats and throws left handed.

Klesko has belted at least 21 home runs in eight of his 13 major league seasons, with a high 34 homers in 1996. His most productive season came in 2001, when he hit .286 with 30 home runs; posted career-highs in RBI (113), runs (105), stolen bases (23) and slugging average (.539), and made the National League All-Star team. In 2002, he hit .300 with 29 HR and 95 RBI, and collected career-highs in hits (162) and doubles (39).

One thing that Klesko has going for him is that he is a patient hitter. He combines the two most important factors in offense, the ability to get on base and the ability to hit for power. In his career he has a .373 on base percentage with a .551 slugging average, for a solid .924 OPS.

Through the 2004 season, Klesko has collected a .283 batting average with 254 home runs and 883 RBI in 1477 games.

Highlights

All-Star (2001)
19 multi-homer games
Nine career grand slams

Off the field

Klesko has been actively involved with the Padres Community Relations efforts. In 2001, he received the Chairman's Award, presented annually by the Padres Community Relations Department, to the player who best exemplifies the community spirit of John Moores and his family. During his five Padres seasons, Klesko has given his time and money to support numerous philanthropic endeavors in the San Diego community. He has served as the club's spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, hosting Make-A-Wish children for batting practice, a pregame ceremony and a ballgame each homestand. Through his Klesko's Korner program, he has regularly provided Padres tickets to children and families facing cancer for the last four years, and he has also been a leading supporter of the Padres Scholars program.

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