| Full Name | Mark Andrew Ellis |
| Born | July 8, 1977 in Rapid City, SD |
| MLB Career | 2001-2015 (14 seasons) |
| Bats / Throws | Right / Right |
| Height / Weight | 5‘ 10" / 190 lbs |
| Teams | Royals, Athletics, Rockies, Dodgers, Cardinals |
| @markellis19 |
Early Life and Amateur Career
Mark Ellis grew up in Brookings, South Dakota with his parents and two siblings. He started playing baseball at age 5 and excelled as a multi-sport athlete in high school, winning a state football title along with starring on the baseball diamond.
Ellis attended the University of Florida from 1996-1999, where he became one of the best players in program history. He set school records for hits, walks and sacrifice hits while being named an All-American in 1999. His hustle, grit and leadership made him a fan favorite.
Road to the Majors
The Kansas City Royals selected Ellis in the 7th round of the 1999 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2001 at age 23. As a scrappy rookie, Ellis immediately stood out with his energetic style of play.
After playing a utility role for KC, he was traded to the Oakland A‘s in 2004 – a turning point in his career. Ellis secured the starting second base job and exploded onto the scene…
Oakland Athletics Star
In Oakland, Mark Ellis transformed into an All-Star caliber player. He batted .316 with 22 steals in 2004, earning his first of two Gold Glove awards. Ellis provided stellar defense up the middle and unexpected power from the #2 spot.
Some of his many highlights with the A‘s included…
Ellis was a leader in the clubhouse and a fan favorite at the Coliseum. He helped Oakland reach the postseason five times from 2003-2009. His gritty passion for the game was contagious.
The Veteran Journeyman
Ellis played for three different teams from 2011-2015 after leaving Oakland. He provided veteran leadership wherever he went, mentoring young players with his tireless work ethic. Ellis returned to the A‘s for his final season in 2015, retiring at age 37.
Post-Retirement and Legacy
After his playing days, Ellis worked as a special assistant for the Cubs. He returned to Oakland as an assistant hitting coach in 2021, passing on his knowledge to a new generation of players.
In 14 MLB seasons, Mark Ellis batted .262 with 90 home runs and over 1,300 hits. More importantly, he‘ll be remembered as a spark plug, a leader, and a player who got the most out of his abilities through sheer determination. For A‘s fans, he‘ll always be a cherished contributor to the teams of the 2000s.
