Orlando Thill Hudson (born December 12, 1977 in Darlington, South Carolina) is a second baseman in Major League Baseball for the National League's Arizona Diamondbacks. He is popularly known by his nickname "O-Dog".

Hudson is renowned around the major leagues for his fielding prowess, known for making spectacular lunging catches and diving stabs at grounders. His defensive talents were recognized in , when he won his first American League Gold Glove Award while with the Toronto Blue Jays.

High school career

At Darlington High School in Darlington, South Carolina, Hudson was a three-sport standout in baseball, football and basketball. In baseball, he was the Player of the Year and an All-State selection.

In football, Hudson was a quarterback and a punter. He was the quarterback of Darlington High School's first ever football team.

After high school, Hudson went on to play baseball at Spartanburg Methodist College.

Professional career

Toronto Blue Jays

Hudson was drafted in the 43rd round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB Draft. He made his Major league debut on July 24, . He played for the Blue Jays from 2002 to 2005 and won his first Gold Glove Award in 2005.

Arizona Diamondbacks

In , Hudson was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with pitcher Miguel Batista for third baseman Troy Glaus and shortstop prospect Sergio Santos.

In the season, his first full season with Arizona, Hudson set career-highs in batting average with a .287, in home runs with 15, in RBI with 67, and runs scored with 87.

After the 2006 season, Hudson became the recipient of his second career Gold Glove Award, as announced on November 3. Hudson became only the sixth infielder in major league history to win a Gold Glove award in both the American and National Leagues.

Hudson was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2007.

Hudson will miss the rest of the 2008 season, with a dislocated left wrist he suffered against the Atlanta Braves and could also leave the D-Backs at the end of the season after the D-Backs acquired David Eckstein.

Awards and honors

• 3x Gold Glove Award winner (2005, 2006, 2007)
• All-Star selection (2007)

External links

• Official Site