Jonathan Eugene Van Every (born November 27, 1979 in
Brandon, Mississippi) is a professional outfielder
in the Boston Red Sox organization. Van Every
attended Itawamba Community College.
Van Every was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in
the 29th round (876th overall) of the 2000 Major
League Baseball draft. He did not play in 2000
because he did not sign until May 19, 2001.
From 2001 to 2007, Van Every played in the Indians
organization. Arguably, his best season came in
2004, when he played for the Single-A Kinston
Indians. That year, he hit .276 with 21 home runs.
In 2005 he was an Eastern League All-Star.
Following the 2007 season, Van Every became a minor
league free agent. On December 1, 2007, the Boston
Red Sox signed him to a major league contract.
Made major league debut on May 14, 2008 against
Baltimore Orioles. Started in center field. Made his
first major league catch in the second inning of
that game. His first plate appearance in the major
league ended in him striking out swinging. In his
second career at-bat, he singled to center in the
fifth inning off of Daniel Cabrera for his first
major league hit. The ball was retrieved by fellow
Red Sox players.
