View source for John Olerud

{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1968)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=John Olerud
|position=[[First baseman]]
|image=John Olerud.JPG
|image_size = 240
|caption = Olerud with the Boston Red Sox in 2005
|bats=Left
|throws=Left
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1968|8|5}}
|birth_place=[[Seattle, Washington]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=September 3
|debutyear=1989
|debutteam=Toronto Blue Jays
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=October 2
|finalyear=2005
|finalteam=Boston Red Sox
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.295
|stat2label=[[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value=2,239
|stat3label=[[Home run]]s
|stat3value=255
|stat4label=[[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat4value=1,230
|teams=
* [[Toronto Blue Jays]] ({{mlby|1989}}–{{mlby|1996}})
* [[New York Mets]] ({{mlby|1997}}–{{mlby|1999}})
* [[Seattle Mariners]] ({{mlby|2000}}–{{mlby|2004}})
* [[New York Yankees]] ({{mlby|2004}})
* [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2005}})
|highlights=
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1993]], [[2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2001]])
* 2× [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|1992}}, {{wsy|1993}})
* 3× [[Gold Glove Award]] (2000, 2002, 2003)
* [[List of Major League Baseball batting champions|AL batting champion]] (1993)
| hofcolor= #EC1C40
| hoflink= Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
| hoftype= Canadian 
| hofdate= 2020
}}
'''John Garrett Olerud Jr.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|oʊ|l|ə|r|uː|d}}; born August 5, 1968) is an American former professional [[baseball]] player. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] as a [[first baseman]] from {{Baseball year|1989}} through {{Baseball year|2005}}, most prominently as a member of the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] team that won two consecutive [[World Series]] championships in {{wsy|1992}} and {{wsy|1993}}. He also played for the [[New York Mets]], [[Seattle Mariners]], [[New York Yankees]], and [[Boston Red Sox]].

A two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Olerud was a patient, productive hitter throughout his career,<ref name=swsoswt>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1993/05/10/128558/a-swing-so-sweet-blue-jay-john-olerud-has-always-had-a-great-stroke-but-now-he-has-the-numbers-to-match-it |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Taylor |first=Phil |title=A swing so sweet |date=May 10, 1993 |access-date=September 25, 2017}}</ref> winning the [[American League]] batting title in [[1993 Toronto Blue Jays season|1993]], and finishing as runner-up for the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] batting title in [[1998 New York Mets season|1998]]. Olerud was also an excellent defensive first baseman, and won three [[Gold Glove Award]]s. In 1999, he appeared on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' titled "The Best Infield Ever?" along with [[Edgardo Alfonzo]], [[Rey Ordóñez]], and [[Robin Ventura]], when he played for the [[1999 New York Mets season|Mets]].<ref name=sivglvaff>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1999/09/06/8110328/glove-affair-a-new-man-at-third-has-dressed-up-the-mets-infield-turning-a-good-defense-into-a-great-oneand-new-york-into-a-playoff-contender |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Verducci |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Verducci |title=Glove affair |date=September 6, 1999|page=56}}</ref> Olerud was notable for wearing a helmet while on defense, due to his suffering from a [[brain aneurysm]] in college.

== Early life ==
Olerud was born to Lynda and John E. Olerud, a [[dermatologist]] and former baseball player born in [[Lisbon, North Dakota]].<ref name="moore">{{cite news|last1=Moore|first1=Jim|title=Family, friends knew Olerud was special|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Family-friends-knew-Olerud-was-special-1059383.php|access-date=October 19, 2016|work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|date=July 9, 2001}}</ref><ref name="regents">{{cite web|title=Esteemed Physician, Professor, Researcher, and Former Baseball Standout Scores Highest Alumni Award|url=https://regents.wsu.edu/distinguished-alumni/recipients/olerud.html|publisher=[[Washington State University]]|access-date=October 19, 2016|archive-date=October 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019145028/https://regents.wsu.edu/distinguished-alumni/recipients/olerud.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=sivganslg>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1991/04/15/123996/a-gentleman-and-a-slugger-toronto-first-baseman-john-olerud-is-a-sweet-natured-22-year-old-who-talks-softly-but-carries-a-big-stick# |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Hersch |first=Hank |title=A gentleman and a slugger |date=April 15, 1991 |page=84}}</ref><ref name=wsscibb>{{cite web |url=https://magazine.wsu.edu/2012/04/26/john-e-olerud-65-science-is-a-lot-like-baseball/ |work=Washington State |agency=alumni magazine) |last=Clark |first=Larry |title=John E. Olerud '65 — Science is a lot like baseball |date=Summer 2012 |access-date=September 25, 2017}}</ref> Later from [[Federal Way, Washington|Federal Way]],<ref name=topsinath>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EzlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AOkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2536%2C1026654 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |title=Olerud tops in athletics, classroom |date=May 17, 1965 |page=11}}</ref> the elder Olerud played [[college baseball]] for the [[Washington State Cougars baseball|Washington State Cougars]] as a [[catcher]] and was the [[Captain (sports)|captain]] of the team that advanced to the semifinals of the [[College World Series]] in [[1965 NCAA University Division baseball tournament#College World Series|1965]].<ref>[http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/modernmedicine/modern-medicine-feature-articles/baseball-dermatology-physicia According to Dermatologist John E. Olerud, M.D., "Life is a lot like baseball."]</ref><ref name=sivganslg /> An [[College Baseball All-America Team|All-American]],<ref name=dadnaamn>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rLBeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oS8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2607%2C2052308 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho|agency=Associated Press |title=Olerud named All-American |date=June 11, 1965 |page=12}}</ref> he was named the outstanding WSU scholar-athlete as a senior.<ref name=topsinath/> Selected by the [[1965 California Angels season|California Angels]] in the [[1965 Major League Baseball draft|1965 amateur draft]], he spent the next seven years studying medicine and playing [[minor league baseball]], including for the AAA Winnipeg Whips in 1971.<ref name="regents" /><ref name=thrhts>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=abNeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8C8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2853%2C65754 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho |agency=Associated Press |title=John Olerud's three hits spark Seattle Angel win |date=September 1, 1968 |page=8}}</ref>

At [[Interlake High School]] in [[Bellevue, Washington]], the junior Olerud played varsity [[basketball]], [[golf]], and baseball for three years.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Olerud|url=http://www.wiaa.com/ardisplay.aspx?ID=333|website=www.wiaa.com|publisher=[[Washington Interscholastic Activities Association]]|access-date=October 19, 2016}}</ref> As a senior in 1986, he led the Saints to a state<!--high school baseball--> championship as both a pitcher and a first baseman. At&nbsp;age 17, he was selected by the [[1986 New York Mets season|New York Mets]] in the 27th round of the June [[1986 Major League Baseball draft|1986 amateur draft]], but chose to attend Washington State University.<ref name="moore" />

== College baseball ==
Like his father, Olerud played college baseball for Washington State in [[Pullman, Washington|Pullman]] under head coach [[Chuck Brayton|Chuck "Bobo" Brayton]]. As a true freshman in 1987, he hit .414 with five home runs and 20 [[RBIs]]. As a pitcher, he went 8–2 with a 3.00 [[Earned run average|ERA]] and was an All-American. Washington State finished third in the six-team [[1987 NCAA Division I baseball tournament#West I Regional at Stanford, CA|West I regional]] of the [[1987 NCAA Division I baseball tournament|NCAA tournament]].<ref name=oruinc>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DydXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hO8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5241%2C5854810 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=ORU inches by Cougars; season over|date=May 26, 1987 |page=B1}}</ref><ref name=ssocreg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3ZQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8tAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6438%2C2889460 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |title=Sun sets on Cougars in NCAA regional|date=May 26, 1987 |page=8}}</ref>

In 1988, Olerud hit .464 with 23 home runs, 81 runs batted in, 108 hits, 204 total bases, and a .876 slugging percentage. As a pitcher, he had an undefeated 15–0 season,<ref name=idstphr>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oTMuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3NAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4862%2C3777165 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |title=WSU season ends step short|date=May 31, 1988 |page=10A}}</ref> with a 2.49 ERA and 113 strikeouts. He was a consensus All-American as both a first baseman and pitcher and was named the [[Baseball America College Player of the Year Award|''Baseball America'' College Player of the Year]].<ref name=sr88poy>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qb5YAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6O8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5717%2C1470790|work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud named player of the year |date=June 4, 1989 |page=B1}}</ref><ref name=ihpoy>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=htgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0NAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5997%2C331204 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Jacobson |first=Bryan |title=Player of the year |date=June 3, 1988 |page=1B}}</ref> Washington State University again finished third in the six-team [[1988 NCAA Division I baseball tournament#West I Regional at Fresno, CA|West I regional]] of the [[1988 NCAA Division I baseball tournament|NCAA tournament]].<ref name=idstphr /><ref name=shesfrcg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=275YAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ru8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6608%2C8573265 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Solo homer ends season for Cougars |date=May 30, 1989 |page=C1}}</ref>

Prior to his junior season in 1989, Olerud was running indoors on campus on January 11 when he collapsed; hospitalized in Pullman, he was airlifted to Spokane later in the day, accompanied by his father.<ref name=ocdwosr>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MVtWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vO8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2001%2C6115619 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud collapses during workout |date=January 12, 1989 |page=D1}}</ref><ref name=oisctcon>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uZUrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2dAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2279%2C1486019|work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Olerud in stable condition; test continue|date=January 12, 1989|page=7A}}</ref><ref name=olsrtbb>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MltWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vO8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=1929%2C6576928 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud should return to baseball |date=January 13, 1989 |page=C1}}</ref><ref name=otbihtwk>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=34RhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2dAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4561%2C1639778|work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Olerud to be in hospital two weeks |date=January 13, 1989|page=7A}}</ref><ref name=stms90>{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19900719/1082976/olerud-coping-well-with-impact-of-head-injury----blue-jay-from-bellevue-making-noise-as-a-rookie |work=Seattle Times |last=Sherwin |first=Bob |title=Olerud coping well with impact of head injury -- Blue Jay from Bellevue making noise as a rookie |date=July 19, 1990 |access-date=September 24, 2017}}</ref> He was diagnosed with a [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]], which caused bleeding into the spinal column. He remained in the hospital for about two weeks after the seizure and lost {{convert|15|lb|kg|abbr=unit|spell=}}, but was back in class by the end of January.<ref name=blnbdthm>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-24-sp-510-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |title=Big leagues no big deal to him |date=May 24, 1990 |access-date=September 24, 2017}}</ref> A few weeks later in Seattle, further examinations revealed a [[Cerebral aneurysm|brain aneurysm]],<ref name=sivganslg /> and he underwent surgery in late February.<ref name=blnbdthm /><ref name=osgvwll>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2KgpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3O8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2121%2C7482765 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud surgery goes very well |date=January 28, 1989 |page=C1}}</ref><ref name=miapodf>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=05QrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3tAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5972%2C3196003 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |agency=Associated Press |title=Olerud doing fine |date=February 28, 1989|page=9A}}</ref> From 1989 onward, he always wore a batting helmet while on defense.<ref name="stms90" />

Olerud returned to action for the Cougars in mid-April;<ref name=blnbdthm /><ref name=owswhpl>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZUrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ldAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3931%2C1881452 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Olerud will suit, will he play? |date=April 15, 1989|page=1D}}</ref><ref name=swpthrd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X5UrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ldAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2088%2C1769730 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Stoffer |first=Jeff |title=Huskies sweep WSU into third |date=April 17, 1989|page=1B}}</ref><ref name=binswg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0pJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-TAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3314%2C4705933 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Back in the swing |date=April 30, 1989 |page=1B}}</ref> he hit .359 with five home runs and 30 runs batted in during 78 plate appearances. On the mound, he posted a 3–2 record with a 6.68 ERA. He was a [[Pac-12 Conference|Pac-10]] North All-League designated hitter. The Cougars again won the Pac-10 North title, but lost their first two games of the North tournament in blustery Spokane to end their year early.<ref name=otpkpcg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zmRWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WfIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1599%2C4635660 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=One-two punch KOs Cougars |date=May 19, 1989 |page=C1}}</ref><ref name=cgspckg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MpMrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mdAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6186%2C2451741 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=EWU, Zags send Cougars packing |date=May 19, 1989|page=1B}}</ref>

In June, the [[1989 Toronto Blue Jays season|Toronto Blue Jays]] selected him in the third round of the [[1989 Major League Baseball draft|1989 draft]].<ref name=okdbpt>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rFpWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0O8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2019%2C1406887 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud, Kellogg drafted by pro teams  |date=June 7, 1989 |page=D1}}</ref><ref name=itacroff>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0tctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v9AFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4630%2C3113505 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Olerud: It'll take a 'crazy' offer |date=June 7, 1989|page=1D}}</ref> Intending to return to the Cougars for his senior season,<ref name=srshremn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zltWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wu8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2522%2C212832 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Bergum |first=Steve |title=Olerud says he'll remain at WSU for senior season|date=May 15, 1989 |page=C1}}</ref><ref name=ocmbck>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3YRhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mdAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6170%2C1820833 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Olerud's coming back |date=May 15, 1989|page=1B}}</ref><ref name=psspbl>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1dctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v9AFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3698%2C2433603 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Lewis |first=Mike |title=Olerud passes on pro ball |date=June 12, 1989|page=1B}}</ref> he again played [[Collegiate summer baseball|summer ball]] with the [[Palouse]] Empire team in the [[Alaska Baseball League|Alaska League]],<ref name=pchntagn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=arUtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ydAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5105%2C531737 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Pierce |first=Oliver |title=Palouse Cougars head north to Alaska again |date=June 5, 1987|page=11}}</ref><ref name=cofftorf>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1dctAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v9AFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3693%2C2434653 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Lewis |first=Mike |title=Cougars off to rough 1-2 start |date=June 12, 1989|page=1B}}</ref> while the Blue Jays negotiated a contract. He told teams prior to the draft that a very large bonus would be necessary for him to forego his senior year at Washington State.<ref name=okdbpt /><ref name=itacroff /> In late August, he signed with Toronto.<ref name=sivganslg /><ref name=stms90 /><ref name=owfwbj>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hFxWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DPADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6725%2C2720515 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Olerud will fly with Blue Jays |date=August 26, 1989 |page=B1}}</ref><ref name=thichse>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zAcvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7NAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6149%2C2399725 |work=Idahonian |location=Moscow |title=Olerud joins Jays in thick of pennant chase |date=August 28, 1989|page=1B}}</ref>

== Professional career ==
In a 17-season career through 2005 spanning 2,234 games, Olerud posted a .398 [[on-base percentage]], 500 doubles, 255 home runs, 1,275 walks, 1,408 runs scored, 1,230 RBIs, 3,602 times on base, 96 sacrifice flies, and 157 intentional walks. He was also hit by pitches 88 times and grounded into 232 double plays during his career. He is one of only 26 players to ever [[hit for the cycle]] multiple times in their careers. Defensively, in 2,053 games at first base, he recorded a career .995 [[fielding percentage]]. He is a two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] and a member of two [[World Series]]-winning teams with the Blue Jays ([[1992 World Series|1992]]–[[1993 World Series|93]]).

Olerud jumped directly to the majors after a stellar career at Washington State, where he was a pitcher noted for his performance from 1987 to 1989. He had originally intended to return to Washington State for his senior year but agreed to sign with the Blue Jays only after they promised that he would report directly to Toronto.<ref name=blnbdthm /> He was known for always wearing a [[batting helmet]] in the field as a precaution, due to the aneurysm he suffered at age twenty.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/sports/baseball/29vecsey.html?_r=0 |title=Olerud's Skill Is Noticeable Even During a Laugher |last1=Vecsey |first1=George |date= May 29, 2005|work=The New York Times |access-date=March 8, 2015}}</ref>

=== Toronto Blue Jays ===
Olerud broke into MLB with the Toronto Blue Jays in {{mlby|1989}}, without ever playing in the minors. Prior to the {{mlby|1990}} season, he was named the #3 prospect in MLB by ''[[Baseball America]]''.<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=olerud002joh John Olerud Minor League Statistics & History] Baseball-Reference.com. Accessed on August 20, 2020.</ref> He was [[Platoon system|platooned]] by Jays' [[Manager (baseball)|manager]] [[Cito Gaston]] for the first few years of his career, until {{mlby|1992}}, when he became the team's full-time first baseman. In {{mlby|1993}}, his breakout season, he led the American League in batting average (.363), intentional walks (33), [[times on base]] (321), [[on-base percentage]] (.473), [[on-base plus slugging|OPS]] (1.072), and [[Double (baseball)|doubles]] (54, also a career-high), while posting career-highs in home runs (24), RBIs (107), [[Run (baseball)|runs]] (109), and [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] (200). He flirted with a .400 batting average for much of the season, with his average staying higher than .400 as late as August 2.

Despite putting up solid numbers over the next several years, he failed to meet the high expectations placed upon him following his breakout performance in 1993. After the [[1996 New York Mets season|1996]] season, Olerud was battling veteran [[Joe Carter]] and up-and-comer [[Carlos Delgado]] for a spot at either [[first base]] or [[designated hitter]]. Delgado was young, had a bright future and a low salary, while Gaston preferred Carter to Olerud, feeling the latter wasn't aggressive enough at the plate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dakers |first=Tom |date=2009-04-08 |title=Top 50 All-Time Jays: #10 John Olerud |url=https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2009/4/8/826987/top-50-all-time-jays-10-john-olerud |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=Bluebird Banter|publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> Therefore, Olerud was traded, along with cash, to the [[1997 New York Mets season|New York Mets]] on December 20 for [[Robert Person]].

=== New York Mets ===
[[File:John Olerud (2919396065) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Olerud with the Mets at [[Shea Stadium]] in 1999]]
With the Mets, he set a team record in [[1998 New York Mets season|1998]] by reaching base at least twice in 12 straight starts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=477195#gameType=%27R%27|title = Ike Davis Stats, Fantasy & News}}</ref> Olerud set team single-season records for batting average (.354), on-base percentage (.447) and runs created (138) in 1998. He was in the race for the National League batting title until the final day of the season, when [[Larry Walker]] edged him out with a .363 average.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=19980928&id=hPgpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3200,4996299|title=Both leagues crown first-time batting champs|work=Sun Journal|date=September 28, 1998|access-date=January 16, 2020}}</ref> In the [[1999 New York Mets season|1999]] campaign, Olerud appeared on the cover of the September 6 issue of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', along with fellow Mets infielders [[Edgardo Alfonzo]], [[Rey Ordóñez]], and [[Robin Ventura]]. The magazine raised the debate as to whether the four talented fielders comprised the best defensive infield in major league history.<ref name=sivglvaff /> He set Mets records for most walks (125) and times on base (309) in a season that year.

=== Seattle Mariners ===
Following the 1999 season, Olerud returned home, agreeing to a three-year, $20 million contract with the [[Seattle Mariners]]. In [[2000 Seattle Mariners season|2000]], he amassed 45 doubles, 102 walks, 10 sacrifice flies and 11 intentional walks. He was an important part of the Mariners' historic [[2001 Seattle Mariners season|2001]] season in which they tied the record for most wins in a major league baseball season with 116. Olerud contributed to the effort with a .401 on-base percentage, 94 walks, 272 times on base and 19 intentional walks in 159 games. In [[2002 Seattle Mariners season|2002]], he recorded a .403 on-base percentage, 39 doubles, 98 walks, 269 times on base and led the American League with 12 sacrifice flies. In [[2003 Seattle Mariners season|2003]], he collected another 84 walks. Olerud also earned all three of his Gold Glove Awards while playing first base for Seattle in 2000, 2002, and 2003. In mid-July [[2004 Seattle Mariners season|2004]], the Mariners were in last place in the American League West Division and Olerud was designated for assignment;<ref name=spirepr>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=b8cjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RNEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5121%2C1932495 |work=Moscow-Pullman Daily News |location=Idaho-Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Report: Mariners moving Olerud off roster |date=July 15, 2004 |page=1B}}</ref> he was hitting .245 with five homers and a trade was attempted but not completed; he was released the following {{nowrap|week.<ref name=mrelse>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dMcjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RNEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1465%2C3376565 |work=Moscow-Pullman Daily News |location=Idaho-Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Mariners release former AL batting champ Olerud |date=July 24, 2004 |page=1B}}</ref>}}

=== New York Yankees ===
About a week after his release, Olerud was signed in early August by the [[2004 New York Yankees season|New York Yankees]] to fill a void left at first base by the injury of {{nowrap|[[Jason Giambi]].<ref name=binny>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BMcjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PtEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6128%2C297155|work=Moscow-Pullman Daily News |location=Idaho-Washington |agency=Associated Press |last=Walker |first=Ben |title=Back in New York |date=August 4, 2004 |page=1B}}</ref>}} Less than two weeks later, the Yankees visited Seattle to play the Mariners. Olerud started the second game on Saturday, August 14; his first time up, Mariners catcher [[Dan Wilson (catcher)|Dan Wilson]] went to the mound to have a "conference" with pitcher [[Jamie Moyer]]. This gave time for about a minute-long standing ovation for Olerud from the {{nowrap|Seattle fans.<ref name=octsink>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4VRWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5346%2C3399795 |work=Sunday Register-Guard |location=Eugene, Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Olerud connects to sink Mariners |date=August 15, 2004 |page=D5}}</ref>}} His [[American League Championship Series]] was cut short when he was forced to leave due to an injured foot in Game 3. Olerud pinch-hit in Game 7 but struck out after a lengthy at-bat against Pedro Martínez, making a rare relief appearance; it was Olerud's last at-bat as a Yankee.

=== Boston Red Sox ===
On May 2, [[2005 Boston Red Sox season|2005]], the [[Boston Red Sox]] and Olerud agreed to terms on a minor league contract. He had been recovering from surgery in November 2004 to repair torn [[ligaments]] in his left foot. Initially, Olerud reported to the club's [[spring training]] complex in [[Fort Myers, Florida]]. He was added to Boston's 25-man roster on May 27, sharing time at first base with [[Kevin Millar]] and batting in the middle of the lineup (including several starts in the clean-up spot).

=== Retirement ===
Following the 2005 season, Olerud announced his retirement from baseball on December 6. At the time, his 2,239 career hits represented the 143rd-highest total in major league history. His career .398 on base percentage ranks 65th, and his 500 doubles are 44th.

In 2007, Olerud was inducted into the [[National College Baseball Hall of Fame]]. In 2016, Olerud was named [[Pac-12 Conference|Pac-12]] Player of the Century when the conference released its All-Century Baseball team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pac-12 All-Century Baseball team revealed|url=https://pac-12.com/news/2016/4/19/pac-12-all-century-baseball-team-revealed.aspx|website=Pac-12|date=April 19, 2016 |access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> He was named to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2020, although he was not inducted until 2023. The collegiate [[John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award]] is named after him.

== Personal life ==
Olerud became an [[evangelical Christian]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hohler |first1=Bob |title=Faith binds many on Sox |url=https://archive.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/08/31/faith_binds_many_on_sox |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=August 31, 2005 |language=en}}</ref> Olerud lives with his wife, Kelly, who was a high school classmate,<ref name=swsoswt /> and their children (one son and one daughter) in the Seattle suburb of [[Clyde Hill, Washington|Clyde Hill]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130630072133/http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019620608_olerud07m.html Clyde Hill Home and Local Legal Battle]</ref> Another daughter, Jordan, died at age 19 in 2020 from complications of a unique chromosomal disorder called tri-some 2p, 5p-.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Alyssa |date=March 1, 2020 |title=Former MLB player's daughter, born with a rare chromosome disorder, dies at 19 |url=https://www.today.com/parents/john-olerud-s-daughter-jordan-olerud-dies-19-t174914 |access-date=2020-03-01 |website=today.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kilgore|first=Adam|title=Growing family – Oleruds' faith helps them cope with their daughter's illness|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/06/24/growing_family/|work=Boston Globe|date=June 24, 2005|access-date=March 7, 2020}}</ref> Olerud is a cousin of retired MLB player [[Dale Sveum]].

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball|Washington (state)}}
{{div col}}
* [[List of baseball players who went directly to Major League Baseball]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career assists as a first baseman leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career double plays as a first baseman leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders]] 
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]] 
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a first baseman leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders]] 
* [[List of Major League Baseball career times on base leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle]] 
* [[List of Washington State University people]]
* [[Toronto Blue Jays award winners and league leaders]]
{{div col end}}
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*[http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/05/28/olerud_a_pro_with_no_cons/ Olerud a pro with no cons] via [[Boston.com]]

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=119976|espn=2246|br=o/olerujo01|fangraphs=|brm=olerud002joh|retro=O/Polerj001}}
*{{IMDb name|1778743|John Olerud}}

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{{s-bef|before = [[Frank Thomas]]<br />[[Paul Molitor]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[MLB Player of the Month|American League Player of the Month]]|years = April 1993<br />June 1993}}
{{s-aft|after = [[Paul Molitor]]<br />[[Rafael Palmeiro]]}}
{{Succession box| before = [[Alex Rodriguez]]<br />[[Damion Easley]] | title = [[Hitting for the cycle]]| years = September 11, 1997<br />June 16, 2001 | after = [[Mike Blowers]]<br />[[Jeff Bagwell]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Baseball America CollegePOY}}
{{Pacific-12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year navbox}}
{{1988 College Baseball All-Americans}}
{{1992 Toronto Blue Jays}}
{{1993 Toronto Blue Jays}}
{{AL batting title}}
{{Hutch Award}}
{{Willie, Mickey and the Duke Award}}
{{AL First Baseman Gold Glove Award}}
{{National College Baseball Hall of Fame}}
{{Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame}}

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