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Happy birthday to Texas Rangers outfielder Craig Gentry, who turns 30 years old today.
Yep, Craig Gentry is 30. Crazy, isn't it?
Gentry was 22 when the Rangers drafted him in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of the University of Arkansas, and didn't get significant playing time in the majors until 2011, when he was 27 years old.
Because he came to the majors so late, I think we tend to forget how old he is. Gentry is just three years younger than Hank Blalock, who was out of baseball by the time Gentry started getting everyday playing time. Gentry is two years older than Delmon Young, who has seemingly been around forever and is over the hill. He's five years older than Elvis Andrus, who was pretty much an established veteran by the time Gentry started getting regular playing time.
Gentry, of course, has been impressive in a part-time role over the past two seasons, and he looks to have a good chance of getting at least a platoon job in the outfield in 2014.
