Crede made his major league debut on September 12, 2000 against the Detroit Tigers, entering as a defensive replacement at third base and flying out in his first at-bat.[3] He split 2001 and 2002 between the majors and minors before playing in his first full season in 2003.[4] In 2005, Crede batted .252 with 22 home runs and 62 RBI in 132 games.[4] He also was a clutch performer in the playoffs, hitting several game winning hits during the White Sox World Series run. In 2006, he broke out with a career-high 30 home runs, 92 RBI and a .283 average in 150 games, winning the Silver Slugger Award for third base.[4] In 2007, Crede was limited to 47 games due to injury, and finished the season batting just .216 with four home runs and 22 RBI.[4]
On January 18, 2008, Crede agreed to a one-year, $5.1 million contract with the White Sox, avoiding arbitration.[5] In 2008, Crede hit a grand slam on Opening Day against the Twins.[6] After starting the season batting .256 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI, Crede made the 2008 MLB All-Star Game as a reserve.[7] However, he was injured for most of the second half, and finished the season hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI in 97 games.[4] Both his 2007 and 2008 seasons had been cut short by back injuries.[8] On October 30, 2008, Crede elected free agency.[8]
Minnesota Twins
On February 21, 2009, Crede signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Minnesota Twins that included incentives that could make the deal up to $7 million.[9] In his one season with the Twins, Crede had a .225 batting average and recorded 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 90 games.[4] On September 20, Crede announced he would undergo a third season-ending back surgery.[10]
Colorado Rockies
Crede signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Colorado Rockies after a one-year absence from baseball.[11] He became a free agent on February 17, 2011, when he decided not to show up for spring training.[12] Crede then retired.[13]
Personal life
On October 22, 2005, the same day as the due date of his second daughter, Lucy, Crede hit his first World Series home run. On November 6, 2005, Crede was honored by his hometown of Westphalia, Missouri, with "Joe Crede Day," where he was presented the key to the city.[2] In February 2006, Crede's high school, Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri, retired his jersey.[2] Joe's older brother, Brad, won a high school baseball state championship with Fatima High School in '92, and an NCAA Division II National Championship with CMSU in '94.[citation needed]
He was drafted by the Orioles after high school in the 44th round (1,220th overall) of the 1992 MLB draft, but chose to play in college first.[14] He was drafted again after college by the Phillies in the 19th round (556th overall) of the 1996 MLB draft, the same day Joe was drafted.[15]
Crede and his wife Lisa have two daughters, Anna and Lucy, and one son, Jace. He lives in mid-Missouri, and is a season-ticket holder for Missouri Tigersbasketball.
Teammate Aaron Rowand praised Crede's ability to deliver in big moments. “There’s nobody better than that guy in the clutch,” Rowand told reporters. “He’s done it over and over and over again. It’s not the first time, and it definitely won’t be the last time.”[16]
