The Czech Baseball Association (CBA) has announced that infielder Eric Sogard, who has appeared in 815 Major League Baseball (MLB) games for three different organizations, including 78 for the Chicago Cubs in the 2021 season, has acquired Czech citizenship and is now eligible to play for the National Team.
"No single reinforcement will win us a medal at the European Championships," commented National Team manager Pavel Chadim, "but Eric can help us significantly, both on and off the field. As I have got to know him, he can be a leader for the team."
Sogard was born in 1986 in Phoenix, Arizona. His mother, Anna Vodicka, was born near Prague but moved to the US with her family as a 12-year old in 1968.
Eric went to college at Arizona State University. The San Diego Padres picked him in the second round of the 2007 draft.
He also played for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays before joining the Chicago Cubs for the 2021 season.
Sogard is currently a free agent.
