MLB's first 'Bob' in 15 years jumps from Rays to Japan
MLB's first 'Bob' in 15 years jumps from Rays to Japan originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Just when you think you've heard everything baseball has to offer, something else amazing pops up.
Today's random statistic of the day involves Bob Seymour, a first baseman who made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. On August 15, he became the first player named "Bob" to play in an MLB game in 15 years since pitcher Bob Howry retired in 2010.
Weirdly enough, two other players with the last name Seymour made their debuts in 2025: pitchers Ian and Carson.
The three players have no relation to one another, but Bob and Ian were teammates at Triple-A Durham in the Rays organization. Carson made 16 appearances with the San Francisco Giants .
From the Rays to Japan
The first baseman Seymour is no longer with the Rays or a team in affiliated baseball. He signed a contract with Nippon Professional Baseball's Orix Buffaloes this past November.
Tampa Bay granted the 27-year-old his release to pursue more playing time in Japan. The left-handed hitter has above-average power, connecting for 30 home runs in 105 games last year in Triple-A.
Will it take another 15 years for the next "Bob" to appear in the Major Leagues?
