Garrett Bernard Atkins (born December 12, 1979) is an American former Major League Baseball third baseman. Between 2003 and 2010, he played for the Colorado Rockies and Baltimore Orioles.
Amateur career
High school career
Atkins attended University High School in Irvine, California. As a senior, he was named the Irvine World News All-City MVP, after posting a .557 batting average, along with a school single-season record 13 home runs.
College career
After being drafted by the New York Mets in 1997 out of high school, Atkins elected to attend college. and became the first three-time All-American. and they were only two Bruins to start every game.
In 1998 and 1999, Atkins played collegiate summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). He hit .383 in 1998, and in 1999, he was named playoff MVP as he led the Kettleers to the league title. Atkins was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2013.
Professional career
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies drafted Atkins in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2000 MLB draft. Prior to the start of the 2009 season, Atkins accepted a one-year, $7 million contract from the Rockies. He struggled, hitting .226 with nine home runs, and 48 RBIs. With the emergence of Ian Stewart, Atkins became less of a priority in the Rockies long-term plans and was non-tendered on December 12, 2009, officially making him a free agent.
Baltimore Orioles
Atkins agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles for 2010. On June 27, the Orioles designated Atkins for assignment. On July 6, he was released.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Atkins agreed to a minor league deal with the Pirates on December 23, 2010. In March 2011, Atkins was released.
Awards and honors
- 2005 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team; 3B
- National League Rookie of the Month (June 2005)