Bloomquist was All-State and all-league MVP in baseball at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Washington and was an eighth round pick in 1996 MLB draft. He was a high school teammate with future MLB player Jason Ellison. Bloomquist also played quarterback for South Kitsap, which won the state AAA football championship his junior year.[1]
College
Bloomquist played college baseball at Arizona State University. In 1998, he tied a College World Series single-game record with five hits in a game. He was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1999 and was named first-team All-American by Baseball America. He finished his college career with a .394 batting average over three seasons and was named the ASU On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player.[2]
The Mariners signed Bloomquist to a contract extension through the 2008 season worth $1,875,000, in 2006.[3] On June 15, 2007, he hit an inside-the-park home run in Minute Maid Park. On June 26, 2007, Bloomquist hit a lead-off home run in the second inning—on what was his 1,000th career at-bat.
Kansas City Royals
On January 9, 2009, Bloomquist signed a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals.[4] He played in 197 games with the Royals over parts of 2 seasons, hitting .265.
Cincinnati Reds
On September 13, 2010, Bloomquist was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named later, or cash.[5] In 11 games with the Reds, he hit .333.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On January 18, 2011, Bloomquist signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[6] He hit .266 in 97 games with the Diamondbacks in 2011 and re-signed with the team after the season.
Second stint with Mariners
On December 5, 2013, Bloomquist signed a two-year deal to return to the Seattle Mariners.[7] On July 2, 2015, Bloomquist was designated for assignment, and shortstop Chris Taylor (baseball) called up from the Triple-ATacoma Rainiers to take his roster spot.
On March 11, 2016, Bloomquist announced his retirement on Twitter.[8][9]
National championPostseason invitational champion Conference regular season championConference regular season and conference tournament champion
Division regular season champion
Division regular season and conference tournament champion
Conference tournament champion
Personal life
Bloomquist is married and has four daughters, Natalie, Ava, Layla and Sydney. He is Roman Catholic.[11]