A.J. Ellis Biography

Andrew James Ellis, born on April 9, 1981, is an American former professional baseball catcher who has served in a front office role with the San Diego Padres. Ellis has played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, and the Padres before concluding his professional career. During his collegiate career at Austin Peay University, he earned first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors in each of his four seasons, a distinction achieved by only five players in league history. He was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB draft. In 2009, Ellis began the season as the starting catcher for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, where he worked under the guidance of veteran Danny Ardoin. After starting the 2010 season in the minor leagues, he was promoted to the major league roster when teammate Brad Ausmus was placed on the disabled list. Ellis spent part of the 2011 season with both the Isotopes and the Dodgers, splitting time between the two teams.