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| Lew Ford | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lew Ford |
| Position | Outfielder |
| Bats | Left |
| Throws | Left |
| Birth date | 10 June 1976 |
| Birth place | Lynn, Massachusetts |
| Debutleague | MLB |
| Debutdate | April 29 |
| Debutyear | 2003 |
| Debutteam | Minnesota Twins |
| Finalleague | MLB |
| Finaldate | October 1 |
| Finalyear | 2006 |
| Finalteam | Minnesota Twins |
| Teams | * Minnesota Twins (2003–2006) * Boston Red Sox (minor league) * Baltimore Orioles (minor league) * Long Island Ducks (Atlantic League) |
Lew Ford
Lew Ford is an American former professional baseball outfielder who played parts of four seasons with the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball. Known for his left-handed bat and speed, he had a lengthy career across MLB, Minor League Baseball, independent leagues, and international winter leagues. Ford became a prominent figure in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and earned multiple organizational awards and all-star selections during a career spanning the late 1990s through the 2010s.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Ford attended Lynn English High School where he played high school baseball and participated in local Cape Cod Baseball League-style summer programs before enrolling at Florida A&M University and later transferring to the University of Massachusetts Boston system for collegiate play. He also played at Salem State University and summer ball with prominent amateur clubs in Massachusetts and the New England Collegiate Baseball League, drawing scouting attention for his combination of bat speed and baserunning. Ford was selected in the 1997 Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins in a late round after a standout amateur career that included regional awards and showcases.
Ford began his professional career in the Minor League Baseball system with the Elizabethton Twins and advanced through levels including Fort Myers Miracle, New Britain Rock Cats, and the Rochester Red Wings. During his ascent he earned organizational honors such as International League recognitions and club MVP nods, while competing alongside prospects who later reached the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He was added to the Twins' 40-man roster after strong seasons in Double-A and Triple-A, noted for high on-base figures and stolen base totals in the Eastern League and International League.
Ford made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on April 29, 2003. Over parts of the 2003–2006 seasons he served as a fourth outfielder and platoon option, appearing in games against rivals such as the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians. His 2004 campaign included a stretch of regular playing time where he produced career highs in hits and doubles while playing in Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome home games. Ford was part of Twins rosters managed by Ron Gardenhire and played alongside teammates including Joe Mays, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau. After the 2006 season he elected minor-league free agency and signed subsequent minor-league contracts with organizations including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, spending most of his time in Triple-A while competing against future and former Major Leaguers.
Outside MLB, Ford had an extensive career in winter and independent leagues. He played in the Puerto Rican Winter League and the Dominican Winter League facing pitchers from clubs such as Caribes de Anzoátegui and Leones del Escogido. In independent ball he starred for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, where he was a multiple-time league all-star and earned postseason honors for playoff runs. Ford also played in the Mexican League and participated in Venezuelan Professional Baseball League contests, contributing veteran leadership and production. His longevity in Triple-A with teams such as the Norfolk Tides and the Pawtucket Red Sox kept him in professional baseball well into his late 30s, and he became one of the all-time franchise leaders in hits and runs for the Ducks during his tenure.
Ford batted left-handed and threw left-handed, projecting as a contact hitter with gap power and speed on the bases. Scouts compared his skill set to traditional fourth-outfielder profiles, valuing his ability to play all three outfield positions and his instincts in right-center during defensive alignments. He produced higher walk rates and situational hitting success in platoon roles versus right-handed pitching from pitchers on staffs such as the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees. Ford's baserunning and pursuit on fly balls drew praise from coaches like Terry Ryan and defensive coordinators in Triple-A, while his clubhouse presence was repeatedly cited by managers in the Atlantic League.
A native of Essex County, Massachusetts, Ford has been involved in community programs in Lynn and the greater Boston area, including youth baseball clinics and charity softball events tied to organizations such as local Little League chapters and regional athletic foundations. Post-playing career he participated in alumni events for the Minnesota Twins and served in mentoring roles for prospects within independent league clubs, often collaborating with former teammates from Major League Baseball and the Boston Red Sox minor-league system to run camps. Ford's off-field efforts have emphasized youth development and access to amateur opportunities in Massachusetts and the New York metropolitan area.
Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:Major League Baseball outfielders Category:Minnesota Twins players Category:Long Island Ducks players