Charles Brandon Inge [INJ] (born May 19, 1977, in Lynchburg, Virginia) is a catcher and infielder currently playing for the Detroit Tigers. He bats and throws right-handed.
Though he is a below average hitter, Inge is best known for his excellent defense and strong arm. In 2006, his diving stop and subsequent throw from his knees to put out Gary Bennett in an interleague game, on June 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals earned him the ESPN defensive play of the year for a third baseman.
He attended the Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was a shortstop and relief pitcher. Inge was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1998.
Initially assigned as a catcher, Inge struggled offensively in his first three seasons. After the Tigers signed free-agent Iván Rodríguez in 2004, Inge played in the outfield, catcher and at third base, batting .287 with 13 home runs that season. In 2005 he led the AL in errors by a third baseman, with 23.
Inge has proved to be a 3rd basemen with remarkable range. He started 159 games at third base in 2005, leading all MLB third basemen in assists (378) and double plays (42). He also led all AL third basemen in errors, with 23. In 2006, Inge exceeded his 2005 totals with 398 assists. blank">http://sports.espn.go.com/mlbhist/stats/fielding?groupId=9&season=2006&seasonType=2&split=81&sortColumn=errors That number broke the _Detroit Tigers single season record for assists by a 3rd basemen (previously 389 by Aurelio Rodriguez in 1974) and was only 14 short of the all time MLB record for assists by a third basemen (set by Graig Nettles in 1971). Only five third basemen (including Graig Nettles, Brooks Robinson, and Mike Schmidt) have collected more assists in a season than Inge.
In 2006, Inge showed a lot of power during the first half, his 17 home runs tied for the team lead, but batted for a poor average of only .221. His slugging percentage was .463 and he also placed third on the Tigers with 47 RBIs. After the All-Star Break, he raised his average to .253 and finished with 27 home runs.
On October 27, , Inge was struck out by St. Louis Cardinals closer Adam Wainwright to end the Tigers season in game 5 of the World Series and give the St. Louis Cardinals the championship, winning that game 4-2.
Inge became expendable at third base after the Tigers acquired Miguel Cabrera in a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins. Despite his intentions to stay in Detroit, Inge asked management to trade him to a team where he would have a chance to be an everyday player. However, a deal has yet to be made, and the team has stated that he will be used as a utility player for the 2008 season. Inge reported to Spring Training early with the pitchers and catchers.
