Chris Woodward

Toronto Blue Jays

Woodward attended Mt. San Antonio College before being selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 54th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his major league debut on June 7, 1999, hitting a sacrifice fly in an 8-2 loss to the New York Mets.

From 2002 through 2004, Woodward was the starting shortstop in about half of Toronto's games. On August 7, 2002, he achieved a rare feat by hitting three home runs in one game as a shortstop (the first as a Blue Jay and the 15th overall). After an injury-plagued and difficult offensive season in 2004, the Blue Jays released him.

New York Mets

In 2005, Woodward signed with the New York Mets. Woodward was the epitome of flexibility, playing at seven different positions including the entire infield and performing well off the bench and as a starter and even managed two game-winning hits. In 2006, he struggled with injuries and the Mets chose not to re-sign him.

Atlanta Braves

On December 20, 2006, Woodward agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. He went through a huge down season in Atlanta however, hitting an MLB-position player worst .199 with only one homer.

Yankees, Phillies, and Brewers

On February 8, 2008, Woodward signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He was released on March 26 and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on March 28, 2008, where he was assigned to the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. On May 2, 2008 Woodward was released. He signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on May 31, 2008, and was assigned to Triple-A Nashville. He became a free agent following the season.

Seattle Mariners

Woodward signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Seattle Mariners in 2009. On June 19, 2009, Woodward was called up from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers after second baseman José López was placed on the bereavement list. He made his debut for the Mariners that night, in their 4-3 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was 2 for 4 in that game with a stolen base and a run scored. On August 4, Woodward was designated for assignment to make way for Adrián Beltré who was activated from the 15-day disabled list the same day.

He hit .299 with 52 hits, 12 doubles, one triple, one home run, 15 RBIs and four stolen bases in 51 games with the Triple-A Rainiers. With the Mariners hit .239 with one double and five RBIs in 20 games.

Boston Red Sox

On August 7, Woodward was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox only to be designated for assignment eight days later on August 15, due to the acquisition of Álex González. He was later optioned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox and would be called up in September when rosters expanded.

Second stint with the Mariners

Woodward and the Seattle Mariners reached an agreement on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training on January 6, 2010.

Second stint with the Blue Jays

On March 14, 2011, Woodward signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Woodward was called up by the Blue Jays organization on April 21, 2011. He was outrighted to the minors on April 28, after going hitless in just four at-bats. He became a free agent after the season, and re-signed to a minor league contract for 2012.

Coaching

Woodward retired on November 1, 2012 and joined the Seattle Mariners organization as minor league infield coordinator. He became the Mariners' infield coach in 2014, but opted not to return for the 2016 season. On December 17, 2015, he was named the third base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He managed New Zealand in the 2017 World Baseball Classic qualification tournament in Australia in 2016.

Personal life

Woodward is married to Erin Woodward, with whom he has three children. He met his wife, a native of Aurora, Ontario, while playing with the Toronto Blue Jays. He resides in Chandler, Arizona. In 2004, Woodward was featured in an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation.