Are you ready to check your work? Here are the answers to this week's trivia questions. We'll be back next week with another trio of quizzical queries for you, so bone up on your research and get ready to get them all next time around!
Question 1
Who is the most recent player to get traded during a season and hit at least 20 home runs for both of the teams for which he ended up playing?
ANSWER: DAVID JUSTICE
On June 29, 2000, Justice and his 21 home runs were traded by Cleveland to the Yankees in exchange for Zach Day, Ricky Ledee and Jake Westbrook. He hit 20 more homers in pinstripes, ultimately earning himself 13th place in AL MVP voting and ALCS MVP honors as he helped the Bronx Bombers to a World Series title.
Question 2
Who is the most recent player to get traded during a season and steal at least 20 bases for both of the teams for which he ended up playing?
ANSWER: STARLING MARTE
On July 28, 2021, Marte and his 22 steals were traded by Miami to Oakland for Jesús Luzardo. Marte stole five bases in his first five games with his new team, ultimately finishing with 47 total for the season (and 25 with the Athletics). After that season, he signed as a free agent with the Mets, but has managed only 42 stolen bases over his 202 games with the team since inking his four-year deal.
Question 3
Who is the most recent player to get traded during a season and save at least 20 games for both of the teams for which he ended up playing?
ANSWER: JEFF SHAW
Since 1990, only five relievers who managed to have at least 40 saves for the season were traded at some point during that campaign. And, of that quintet, only Shaw managed to compile at least 20 saves both before and after swapping clubhouses. Shaw had 23 saves for the Reds when he was traded to the Dodgers for Paul Konerko and Dennys Reyes on July 4, 1998. He then proceeded to save 25 games for Los Angeles, for a total of 48 on the year, placing him third in the NL behind only Rod Beck (51) and Trevor Hoffman (53).