The Orioles Flashback Friday Player Profile is a series featuring obscure, mediocre and infamous Orioles players from their last "rebuild" era that spanned 14 years. An article will be released every Friday spotlighting a former Oriole from the disappointing days of our past.
Few Orioles have had as interesting and unique a trajectory as Ty Wigginton. At the time a 7 year veteran, Wigginton was a rather un-talked about free agent signing ahead of the Orioles 2009 season.
The veteran utility man came to the Orioles after the Houston Astros decided not to tender him after his one and a quarter seasons there where he was a .280 hitter with inconsistencies when hitting on the road.
When he signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore he was mainly speculated to be a role player with his versatility to play both corner infield spots and even corner outfield positions on occasion. At the time Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff both commanded third and first base respectively, however Wigginton's ability at the plate prompted coaches to find him more playing time as the season progressed. He showed to be one of the more capable hitters on a low-talent ball team.
"Wiggy" as he was affectionately known eventually took over at first base and challenged Aubrey Huff for playing time throughout his first season in Baltimore. He would finish the year with a .273 average with 11 home runs and 41 RBI, surpassing the expectations many had for him coming into the season. Being on a 64-98 team with those numbers and his surprise performance allowed Wiggenton to become a fan favorite in Baltimore.
This was unfamiliar territory for Wiggenton, who since placing eighth in rookie of the year voting after his first full season with the Mets, become somewhat of an MLB journeyman since.
Wigginton's second season with the Orioles was even more impressive as he entered with the starting first baseman job and lost his long-held utility man label. Throughout the season Wigginton established himself as one of the team's veteran leaders and he would eventually shift over to starting at third base after four-year O's veteran Miguel Tejada was traded.
Wiggy's leadership, defensive flexibility and offensive skill set would earn him his first and only All-Star appearance of his career as he was the Orioles lone representative for the game. Many will mockingly say he only got there because each team needed a player present in the game but for his short time in Baltimore Wigginton was one of the few bright spots during two woeful seasons of Orioles baseball. He would end the 2010 season with a .248 average. Additionally he lead the team with 76 RBI and was second on the team with 22 home runs.
The Wigginton era was short-lived and was statistically good but not impressive. However, his leadership through his play and the fact that he came out of nowhere to contribute to the club made watching Orioles baseball somewhat palatable. More importantly his signing and success with the team was an early sign of the team's capability to bring in players that could help lead them to baseball relevancy once again.
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