30 Facts About Alex Avila

Alexander Thomas Avila was born on January 29,1987 and is an American former professional baseball catcher.

Alex Avila was the Tigers' starting catcher for the team's four straight American League Central Division titles, which included catching Cy Young Award seasons for starting pitchers Justin Verlander in 2011 and Max Scherzer in 2013.

Alex Avila spent time on the disabled list for a concussion in 2013 and missed games on at least two occasions in 2014 for concussion-like symptoms after taking blows to the head.

Alex Avila played prep baseball at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Alex Avila was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 34th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to attend the University of Alabama where he was an All-SEC selection.

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Alex Avila made the Tigers 2010 Opening Day roster and shared playing time with starting catcher Gerald Laird.

Alex Avila was the catcher for Armando Galarraga's near-perfect game on June 2,2010.

Alex Avila was named the Tigers starting catcher for the 2011 season, and showed considerable improvement.

Alex Avila caught Justin Verlander's no hitter on May 7,2011 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Alex Avila won the 2011 Silver Slugger Award for the American League at catcher, making him the 10th Detroit Tigers catcher to win the award and first since Ivan Rodriguez in 2004.

Alex Avila followed his career best 2011 season with one marked by inconsistency, particularly at the plate.

Alex Avila was first in the American League in runners caught stealing, but led the AL in passed balls.

Alex Avila had a horrible first half at the plate in 2013 and spent some time on the disabled list in June.

Alex Avila hit the first grand slam of his career on July 30,2013, against Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg.

On January 31,2014, Alex Avila avoided arbitration with the Tigers by signing a one-year contract worth $4.

Alex Avila's hitting struggles continued into the 2014 season, as he batted a career-low.

Defensively, the season was a success, as Alex Avila was a finalist for the 2014 Gold Glove Award at catcher.

Alex Avila suffered a knee injury that robbed him of some time as well.

Alex Avila played just 57 games for the 2016 White Sox, hitting.

On December 23,2016, Alex Avila signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

On January 31,2018, Alex Avila signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On December 10,2019, Alex Avila signed with the Minnesota Twins on a one-year contract.

On January 28,2021, Alex Avila signed with the Washington Nationals on a one-year-contract.

On September 19,2021, Alex Avila announced that he was retiring from baseball after a 13-year MLB career.

Alex Avila's mother is Yamile Avila and his father is Al Avila, the former general manager and executive vice president of baseball operations of the Detroit Tigers.

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When his father Al was named vice president and assistant general manager of the Tigers, Alex Avila was a sophomore in high school.

The family moved to the Metro Detroit area, and Alex Avila attended De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, Michigan for his sophomore year.

Alex Avila moved back to Florida for his junior and senior years of high school.

Alex Avila did not continue his playing career after college and currently holds the title of Assistant Counsel, Baseball Relations for the Tigers.

Alex Avila is married to Kristina Avila, whom he met in high school.