Jason Daniel Kendall (born June 26, 1974) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1996 through 2010 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Kansas City Royals. He is the son of former catcher Fred Kendall, who played in the majors from 1969–1980. High school Kendall attended Torrance High School in California, where he tied a national high school record by hitting safely in 43 straight games. He was drafted out of high school in the first round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft (23rd overall pick) by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Personal life Jason Kendall was born on June 26, 1974, in San Diego, California. He was drafted out of high school in the 1st round of the MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and later played for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and the Kansas City Royals. He met his wife, Tricia Kendall, in 2010 in Kansas City where he ultimately retired as a player after 15 years. Together, they are raising their four children: Ethan, Kuyper, Cole and Karoline. Professional career Pittsburgh Pirates (1996–2004) Kendall made his major league debut in 1996. In his rookie year, he hit .300, made the National League All-Star Team, and was named NL rookie of the year by The Sporting News (he finished third in voting for the MLB Rookie of the Year award). He was also an All-Star in and . In 1999, he suffered a season-ending injury when he dislocated his ankle while running to first base in a July 4 game against Milwaukee after attempting to beat out a bunt. On May 19, 2000, Kendall became the first player in Pirates history to hit for the cycle at Three Rivers Stadium, driving in five of Pittsburgh's thirteen runs against the St. Louis Cardinals. On November 18, 2000, Kendall signed a six-year contract extension worth $60 million (equivalent to $ million in ). It was the most expensive contract in Pirates history and made him the second-highest-paid catcher at the time, behind only Mike Piazza. In 2002 and 2005, he led the majors in at-bats per strikeout (18.1 in 2002, 15.4 in 2005). He also led the major leagues in 2005 in times reached base on an error (15). From 2002 through 2004, Kendall led all major league catchers in games and innings behind the