Dante Bichette Jr.

Alphonse Dante Bichette Jr. (born September 26, 1992) is a Brazilian-American professional baseball third baseman and first baseman who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.

Dante Bichette Jr.
Free agent
Third baseman / First baseman
Born: (1992-09-26) September 26, 1992
Orlando, Florida
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Early life and career

Bichette was born in Orlando, Florida, in 1992. His father Dante Bichette, is a former Major League Baseball player.[1][2] His brother, Bo, plays for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bichette played in the 2005 Little League World Series.[3][4] During his senior year at Orangewood Christian High School, he batted .640 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 30 games.[5]

Professional career

New York Yankees

Bichette was drafted 51st overall in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees.[6][7][8][9][10] He debuted in the Minor Leagues as part of the Yankees Gulf Coast League team, the GCL Yankees on June 20, 2011.

Colorado Rockies

Bichette became a free agent after the 2017 season, and signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies on December 23.[11] He was released on March 28, 2018.

St. Paul Saints

On April 2, 2018, Bichette signed with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association.[12]

High Point Rockers

On February 21, 2019, Bichette was traded to the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Washington Nationals

He was named Player of the Month for April and May, appearing in 35 games before his rights were purchased and he was signed to a minor league deal by the Washington Nationals.[13] He became a free agent following the 2019 season.[14] On December 26, 2019, Bichette re-signed with the Nationals on a minor league contract. Bichette was released by the Nationals on May 31, 2020.

International career

Bichette represented Brazil in 2017 World Baseball Classic – Qualifier 4. Both Dante Jr and his brother Bo Bichette have played for Brazil in the WBC due to their mother Mariana being a native of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Their maternal grandfather is of Chinese descent.[15]

In 2020, Bichette will again represent Brazil at the 2021 World Baseball Classic Qualifier.

References
  1. Troy E. Renck (April 1, 2012). "Dante Bichette thrilled as Dante Jr. hits two HRs for Yankees". Blogs.denverpost.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  2. "YANKEES: Dante Bichette, Jr., looks to follow in father's footsteps". Trentonian.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  3. http://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/Little-League-hero-Dante-Bichette-Jr-still-11346069.php
  4. Hochman, Benjamin (June 8, 2011). "New York Yankees draft Dante Bichette Jr". Denver Post.
  5. "Bichette Jr. hopes to play for 'Uncle Joe' - Yankees Blog". ESPN. June 7, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  6. Hochman, Benjamin (June 7, 2011). "New York Yankees draft Dante Bichette Jr. – The Denver Post". Denverpost.com. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  7. Feinsand, Mark (June 19, 2011). "New York Yankees waste no time, sign 2011 first draft pick Dante Bichette Jr. for $750,000". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  8. "Yankees sign first-round Draft pick Dante Bichette Jr. | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  9. Marchand, Andrew (January 2, 2010). "Watch out A-Rod, Yanks list Bichette Jr. as 3rd baseman – Yankees Blog – ESPN New York". Espn.go.com. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  10. Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger. "Yankees choose Dante Bichette Jr. with 51st overall pick of first-year draft". NJ.com. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  11. Downing, Kyle (December 23, 2017). "Minor MLB Transactions: 12/23/17". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  12. "Dante's Inferno: Saints Sign Former Yankees First Rounder, Infielder Bichette Jr". St. Paul Saints. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  13. https://twitter.com/FinneyBlake/status/1137007077803659266?s=19
  14. Matt Eddy (November 7, 2019). "Minor League Free Agents 2019". Baseball America. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  15. "Hall of Famer Barry Larkin has ambitious plans to grow baseball in Brazil". Espn.com. September 23, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
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