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{{About|the baseball player|the peace activist| James Loney (peace activist)}}
{{distinguish|James Looney}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=James Loney
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==Early career==
James Anthony Loney was born on May 7, 1984, in [[Houston]], Texas, to Marion, known as Tony, and Annie (née Pavelchak) Loney. His father, who is African-American was a computer programmer and software consultant and his mother, who is Polish-American worked as a teacher. Loney has a younger brother named Anthony.<ref name="mlbgurnickfather"/><ref name="lathernandez"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Drellich|first1=Evan|title=Dodgers' Loney hosts charity bowling event|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/9782194|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=May 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625103703/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/9782194|archive-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
Loney played baseball on a team sponsored by the [[Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities]] program and was coached at [[Elkins High School (Missouri City, Texas)|Elkins High School]] by [[Matt Carpenter (baseball)|Matt Carpenter]]'s father Rick.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McTaggert|first1=Brian|title=Houston a befitting backdrop for Civil Rights Game|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/76147466/houston-is-a-befitting-backdrop-for-mlbs-civil-rights-game|access-date=June 3, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=May 21, 2014}}</ref> In Loney's senior year, his high school team was ranked first in the nation by ''[[Baseball America]]'' and won the 5A state championship.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brockman|first1=Andrea|title=Elkins Knights bag state, national title|url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/archives/elkins-knights-bag-state-national-title/article_17ac5eb2-0891-5e9f-9c16-c4bc1a13e297.html?mode=story|access-date=June 4, 2016|publisher=ASP Westward|date=June 18, 2002}}</ref> Loney contributed a 12–1 record with a 1.52 ERA and 120 strikeouts as a pitcher that season, as well as a .500 batting average, eight home runs, 38 runs scored and 58 runs batted in.<ref name="glance">{{cite news|title=Baseball first team at a glance|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Baseball-first-team-at-a-glance-2064979.php|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=Houston Chronicle|date=June 16, 2002}}</ref> He was named to the Texas Sports Writers Association 5A all-state team at the end of the 2002 baseball season, as well as Powerade and Gatorade Player of the Year.<ref name="glance"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Area players named to TSWA all-state teams|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/2002/07/10/bas_localallstars.shtml|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=Amarillo Globe-News|date=July 10, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=James Loney|url=http://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/meet_rays/james-loney/article_7872da42-fabe-11e2-9e55-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=June 4, 2016|publisher=WWSB|date=August 22, 2013|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920012655/http://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/meet_rays/james-loney/article_7872da42-fabe-11e2-9e55-001a4bcf6878.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Much of the professional interest in Loney centered on his pitching ability,<ref name="mlbgurnickfather">{{cite news|last1=Gurnick|first1=Ken|title=Dad built backyard cage for Loney|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/2881218/|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=June 13, 2008}}</ref><ref name="lathernandez">{{cite news|last1=Hernandez|first1=Dylan|title=Loney's home run sparks family fun|url=
==Professional career==
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[[File:James Loney.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Loney during 2007 [[spring training]] in Florida.]]
In 2004, Loney was highly ranked for his defensive ability in the [[Arizona Fall League]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boyd|first1=Josh|title=Arizona Fall League Top 20 Prospects|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/031118afl_top20.html|access-date=June 5, 2016|work=Baseball America|date=November 18, 2003}}</ref> and made the All-Prospect Team voted on by league managers and coaches. However, he had an injury plagued season at Double-A [[Jacksonville Suns|Jacksonville]] and fell to #42 on Baseball America's prospect list.<ref name="balist100"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Arizona Fall League Notebook: James Loney|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/2004afl/041101afl.html|access-date=June 5, 2016|work=Baseball America|date=2004}}</ref> In 2005, Loney led the [[Southern League (
In 2006, Loney led all of baseball with a .380 average while playing for the Triple-A [[Las Vegas 51s]]. He was named the Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year and was chosen as first-team Triple-A All-Star First Baseman by Baseball America.
====Major Leagues====
Loney made his major league debut with the Dodgers on April 4, 2006, against the [[Atlanta Braves]] after starting Dodgers first baseman [[Nomar Garciaparra]] was placed on the [[disabled list]]. Loney collected a single in his first major league [[at bat]], against [[John Smoltz]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Henson|first1=Steve|title=For Loney, It's Night to Remember|url=
On September 28, in a game against the [[Colorado Rockies]], Loney went 4 for 5 with 9 [[run batted in|runs batted in]], which tied a 56-year Dodgers franchise record for RBI in a single game, held by [[Gil Hodges]]. Loney went 3-for-4 with three RBI in game three of the National League Division Series against the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite news|title=New York Mets finish off sweep of Los Angeles Dodgers|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/100806/pro_100806096.shtml|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=Lubbock Avalanche Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=October 8, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shaikin|first1=Bill|last2=Peltz|first2=Jim|title=For Garciaparra, a starting date|url=
Loney started the 2007 season at Triple-A Las Vegas after the Dodgers re-signed Garciaparra. On June 10, 2007, Loney was recalled to the Dodgers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Addcox|first1=Jayson|title=Notes: Clark exits as Loney gets call|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/2018043/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624221129/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/2018043/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=June 10, 2007}}</ref> He took over the first base job, with Garciaparra moving to third base.
Loney hit nine home runs in September 2007, setting a Dodgers record for home runs by a rookie in a calendar month that he shares with [[Joc Pederson]] (May 2015).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Graham|first1=Pat|title=De La Rosa leads Rockies over Dodgers in doubleheader opener|url=http://stats.washingtonpost.com/mlb/recap.asp?g=350602227&final=true|access-date=May 29, 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> Loney was named the National League Rookie of the Month for September<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Release|work=mlb.com|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071001&content_id=2244079&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|access-date=October 1, 2007|archive-date=October 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025045311/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071001&content_id=2244079&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url-status=dead}}</ref> and finished sixth in the voting for the 2007 NL [[The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award|Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Sporting News honors A-Rod|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/2267061|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=October 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Braun edges Tulowitzki by two votes; Pedroia wins in landslide|url=
[[File:James Loney (2011).jpg|upright|thumb|Loney in the on-deck circle at [[Dodger Stadium]], 2011.]]
Loney was a unanimous selection to the [[Topps All-Star Rookie Rosters|2007 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team]]. The selection was the result of the 49th annual Topps balloting of major league managers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Topps announces the 49th annual Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team|url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071126&content_id=2307272&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130012959/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071126&content_id=2307272&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2007|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=November 26, 2007}}</ref>
Loney began the season as the starting first baseman and had a 15-game hitting streak.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rafael Furcal goes 4-for-4 with HR as Dodgers beat Pirates|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-04-17-4106781678_x.htm|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=April 17, 2008}}</ref> He finished the season batting .289 with 13 HR and 90 RBIs. Loney led the team in runs batted in consistently for the entire year. On October 1, 2008, in Game 1 of the [[National League Division Series]], Loney hit a [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] off of [[Chicago Cubs]] pitcher [[Ryan Dempster]] as the Dodgers went on to win the game 7–2.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hernandez|first1=Dylan|title=Thud follows a slam|url=
Loney turned in numbers in 2009 similar to his 2008 numbers, hitting .281 with 13 home runs in 158 games as the team's starting first baseman. On January 19, 2010, Loney agreed to a new 1-year contract that substantially increased his salary from $465,000 to $3.1 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=No arbitration hearings for Dodgers in 2010|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/7936764|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217121459/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/7936764/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2014|access-date=May 29, 2016|agency=MLB.com|date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> In 160 games in 2010, he hit 10 home runs and 88 RBI, while batting .268, his poorest stats since he joined the team.
On September 16, 2011, Loney hit a three-run pinch hit home run in his only plate appearance and the following day hit another three-run homer.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dilbeck|first1=Steve|title=James Loney, home-run machine, powers Dodgers past Pirates, 6–1|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/09/james-loney-home-run-machine-power-dodgers-past-pirates-6-1.html|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 17, 2011}}</ref> He set a career high with five hits on September 18, helping the Dodgers win three straight games against the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Peltz|first1=Jim|title=Dodgers' bats come alive in 15–1 win over Pittsburgh|url=
[[File:James Loney in 2014 (13906626213).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Loney with the Rays in 2014.]]
In 2012, Loney continued his downward career slide, hitting .254 with only 4 homers and 33 RBI in 114 games with the Dodgers. Around mid-season he started platooning at first base with [[Juan Rivera (baseball)|Juan Rivera]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dilbeck|first1=Steve|title=Hey, Dodgers, look who's heating up – it's James Loney (again)|url=
===Boston Red Sox===
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===Tampa Bay Rays===
On December 6, 2012, Loney finalized a one-year $2 million deal with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rays, James Loney complete deal|url=
[[File:James Loney on June 16, 2016.jpg|upright|thumb|Loney with the Mets in 2016]]
Loney was limited to 104 games in 2015 because of injuries. He only slashed .280/.322/.357 for his lowest OPS since 2012, in addition to a drop in defensive value to a −5.4 UZR/150 at first base. On March 30, 2016, Loney was informed that he would not be listed on the Rays Opening Day roster.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Topkin|first1=Marc|title=Rays release Rivera, tell Loney he won't make team|url=
===San Diego Padres===
On April 7, 2016, Loney signed a minor league deal with the [[San Diego Padres]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Topkin|first1=Marc|title=Former Rays 1B James Loney joins Padres|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/former-rays-1b-james-loney-joins-padres/2272417|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411031717/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/former-rays-1b-james-loney-joins-padres/2272417|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=April 8, 2016}}</ref> He played in 43 games for the AAA [[El Paso Chihuahuas]], including one appearance as a [[relief pitcher]].<ref>{{cite web |title=James Loney Minor, Fall, Winter & Korean Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=loney-001jam#all_standard_pitching |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
===New York Mets===
On May 28, 2016, Loney was traded to the New York Mets for cash considerations.<ref>{{cite news|last1=DiComo|first1=Anthony|title=Mets acquire Loney from Padres|url=http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/180726162/james-loney-goes-to-mets-in-trade|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529120707/http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/180726162/james-loney-goes-to-mets-in-trade|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 29, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=May 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Rubin|first1=Adam|title=James Loney traded to Mets, likely to be activated after weekend|url=
===Texas Rangers===
On January 24, 2017, Loney signed a minor league contract with the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] that included an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/214023556/rangers-give-james-loney-minor-league-contract/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203205636/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/214023556/rangers-give-james-loney-minor-league-contract/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2017|title=Rangers give Loney Minors deal, spring invite|last=Sullivan|first=T.R.|work=MLB.com|date=January 24, 2017|access-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> The Rangers released Loney on March 27, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wilmoth|first1=Charlie|title=Rangers Release James Loney|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/03/rangers-release-james-loney.html|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>
===Detroit Tigers===
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===Atlanta Braves===
The Braves signed Loney to a minor league deal on May 18, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Braves sign 1B Loney to Minor League deal|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-sign-first-baseman-james-loney-c231056756|access-date=
===LG Twins===
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{{2002 MLB Draft}}
{{Los Angeles Dodgers first-round draft picks}}
{{Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year}}
{{Roy Campanella Award}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American baseball players]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic]]▼
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in South Korea]]
[[Category:American people of Polish descent]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Houston]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox players]]
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[[Category:Toledo Mud Hens players]]
[[Category:Tigres del Licey players]]
▲[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Vero Beach Dodgers players]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American
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