1⁄3 innings as he recorded a win against the Florida Marlins. On July 21, at age 44, Moyer combined with David Wells to set the record for the oldest match up of lefty starters (88 years, 307 days) in major league history. Moyer won the game and Wells lost; the oldest over the youngest by 183 days.
On the final day of the season, with the Phillies and Mets tied at the top of the division with 88 wins, Moyer defeated the Washington Nationals, pitching 51⁄3 innings and surrendering five hits and no earned runs, while Tom Glavine, who at the time was also one of the oldest players in the major leagues, was crushed by the Marlins at Shea Stadium, surrendering seven runs in the first inning, hitting a batter with the bases loaded, and recording only a single out before being pulled. [21] The Phillies would win the division by a single game, but would not win a single playoff game, falling to the Rockies in the division series.
He threw the slowest fastball of all NL starters in 2007, averaging 81.1 miles per hour (130.5 km/h). [22]
2008
In 2008, at age 45, Moyer became the oldest active player in Major League baseball. On April 30, Moyer hit a single off Padres pitcher Chris Young into left center field to become the oldest Phillie ever to get a hit. [23] [24]
On April 30, 2008, at age 45, Moyer became the oldest player to ever have a bobblehead giveaway. [25]
On May 26, Moyer won his 235th career game, giving him at least one victory over each Major League team. The victory came in a 20–5 win over the Rockies. Moyer pitched seven innings, struck out seven batters, and gave up four runs. He followed that in his next start against the Marlins by earning his sixth victory of the season, pitching seven innings and giving up five runs.
On September 11, Moyer won his 14th game of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, which began a seven-game win streak for the Phillies. On September 27, Moyer took the mound for the Phillies against the Nationals, in a game where the Phillies could clinch the National League East title with a win. Moyer pitched six innings and gave up only one run. The Phillies won the game 4–3. Moyer earned his 16th win of the year, the second-oldest pitcher to accomplish this feat, finishing with a 3.71 ERA. He also threw the slowest fastball of all NL starters in 2008, averaging 81.2 miles per hour. [26] He threw cutters 29.5% of the time, the highest rate in the NL. [26]
When he took the mound on October 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2008 National League Division Series, Moyer became the second-oldest pitcher to ever start a postseason game at the age of 45 years 321 days, and the oldest since 1929 when Jack Quinn started for the Philadelphia Athletics at 46 years 103 days.
On October 12, Moyer became the oldest pitcher at 45 years 329 days to pitch in a National League Championship Series game, starting in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he struggled during the game and surrendered six runs in 11⁄3 innings—his shortest start in over eight years—and went on to lose the game.
On October 25, Moyer made his first World Series start against the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching 61⁄3 innings, giving up three runs, and receiving a no-decision. His performance was made more impressive due to the fact that he pitched with a severe stomach virus. [27] He won his first World Series ring when the Phillies defeated the Rays on October 29 in his 23rd Major League Season. Following the game, the pitching rubber at Citizens Bank Park was dug up and given to Moyer by his teammates. In his speech at the World Series celebration at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, Moyer told fans that he grew up as a Phillies fan and played hooky from Souderton Area High School to attend the Phillies' championship parade in 1980. On December 15, 2008, Moyer signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Phillies, keeping him with the club through the conclusion of the 2010 season. [28]
2009
Moyer started the season with a 3–5 record and a 7.42 ERA, [29] but earned his 250th career win on May 31 against the Washington Nationals in a 4–2 win, becoming the 44th pitcher and the 11th lefty to do this. [30] By the All-Star break, Moyer had improved his record to 8–6 and had lowered his ERA to 5.99. On July 16, Moyer won his 255th career game, pitching a one-hitter through seven scoreless innings and passing Jack Morris for 41st on the all-time wins list. Despite leading the rotation with 10 wins, Moyer carried a still inflated 5.47 ERA. This prompted the Phillies to move him to the bullpen to make room in their rotation for Pedro Martínez. [31] Regarding the move, manager Charlie Manuel said,
Jamie was a total professional and team player when we let him know of the decision to move him to the bullpen. He has been, and will continue to be, a very important part of this team. [31]
In Moyer's bullpen debut on August 18, he relieved Martínez in the fourth inning after a rain delay, pitching six scoreless innings to earn his 11th win of the season. A similar situation occurred on August 28, as Moyer again relieved Martínez in the third inning after a rain delay. He pitched 41⁄3 in relief, giving up one earned run, and picked up his 12th win of the season.
Moyer tore three muscles in his groin and lower abdomen while pitching against the Houston Astros on September 29. He missed the rest of the regular season, and was not on the Phillies' postseason roster. [32]
2010
When asked about retiring after the expiration of his Phillies contract at the end of 2010, Moyer said, "You know, I'm going to leave that as an open-ended question because I don't know how to answer that. It could be (my last season). It potentially could be. But so could have last year. So could have two years ago, so could have five years ago." [33]
After the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr. in early 2010, Moyer and Omar Vizquel were the last two active players in MLB who played in the 1980s. On April 10, at age 47, Moyer became the sixth-oldest pitcher to appear in a game and the eighth major league pitcher to start a game in four different decades. Moyer pitched six innings and earned his 259th career victory. [34] On May 7, Moyer became the oldest player in Major League Baseball history (47 years, 170 days) to pitch a shutout, blanking the Braves on two hits, striking out five batters and walking none. [35] Moyer also became the only MLB pitcher to throw a shutout in four different decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).
On June 5, Moyer became the third MLB pitcher to win 100 games after turning 40 years old, defeating the San Diego Padres, 6–2, using just 98 pitches to accomplish the feat. It was also his second complete game of the season. On June 16, Moyer became the oldest pitcher to ever defeat the New York Yankees. Moyer beat the Yankees at 47 years, 210 days. On June 27, he surrendered a home run to Vernon Wells of the Toronto Blue Jays to become the all-time major league leader in home runs allowed (506), passing Robin Roberts, (who passed away only a month and a half before Moyer broke the record). [36] On July 20, Moyer left a start against the St. Louis Cardinals due to an elbow strain after pitching only one inning. [37] The injury proved to be a sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament and a strain of his flexor pronator, which resulted in Moyer missing the remainder of the 2010 season. [38]
After the 2010 season, Moyer's contract expired and he was removed from the Phillies' 40-man roster. [39] He pitched in the Dominican Winter Leagues before suffering another elbow injury on November 6, 2010, which ended his chance of playing in 2011. [40] He had Tommy John surgery on December 1, 2010, in New York, to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, in hopes to make a comeback in 2012. [41] Moyer worked for ESPN during his recovery. [38]
Colorado Rockies (2012)
On January 18, 2012, Moyer, age 49, signed a minor-league contract (with an invitation to spring training) with the Colorado Rockies, a team that did not exist when he made his MLB debut in 1986. [42] The March 30 NBC Nightly News reported that Moyer made the opening day roster for the Rockies, and would be the number-two starter in the rotation. The report was confirmed the following day by the Associated Press. [43] He made his Rockies debut on April 7 against the Houston Astros. He pitched five innings, giving up three runs, and received the loss.
On April 17, Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to earn a win. The previous record was held by Jack Quinn, who earned his last win in 1932, two months after his 49th birthday. [44] Moyer became the oldest player in MLB history to record an RBI on May 16 when he singled in two runs in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also extended his record for the oldest pitcher to record a win. Five days later, Moyer started for the Rockies against the Marlins at Marlins Park. This appearance represented the 50th MLB stadium Moyer had pitched in, the most of any pitcher to debut since 1900. [45]
On June 4, the Rockies released Moyer, making him a free agent and eligible to sign with any team. [46] He was 2–5 in 10 starts for the Rockies.
Second stint with the Baltimore Orioles organization (2012)
Moyer signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles on June 6, two days after being released by the Rockies. The deal came with the stipulation that he would make three starts with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, and after that the Orioles had to promote him or grant his release. Following his third start on June 23, the Orioles offered Moyer another start with the Tides. He instead opted to become a free agent. With the Tides, Moyer went 1–1 with a 1.69 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 16 innings over three games. He also demonstrated exceptional control as he did not walk a batter and allowed only 11 hits. The Orioles liked what they saw, but the timing just wasn't right to add him to the rotation. "We're very appreciative of him giving us that opportunity to look," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him pitch for somebody shortly. Personally, just out of respect for his career what he's done, I hope it happens." [47]
Toronto Blue Jays organization (2012)
Moyer signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after being released by the Orioles. [48] Moyer made his first start for the Blue Jays Triple-A team, the Las Vegas 51s, on June 28. Moyer got the win, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on seven hits, with six strikeouts and one walk. [49] Moyer's second start was a loss to the Reno Aces, in which he yielded seven runs on 10 hits through six innings. In his planned two starts with Las Vegas, Moyer posted a 1–1 record with an 8.18 ERA through 11 innings. Moyer did not travel back to Las Vegas at the end of the second game. [50] On July 5, he was released by Toronto. [51]
2013 and retirement
On September 7, it was reported that Moyer was attempting a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher, having consulted with Charlie Hough and Tim Wakefield over the summer. [52]
Moyer announced the end of his baseball-playing career during an interview with Dave Davies on National Public Radio's Fresh Air broadcast that aired October 2, 2013. During the interview on Fresh Air he also announced his intention to start a pitching academy, The Moyer Pitching Academy, as well as continue his charitable work with The Moyer Foundation, but that he would be open to an offer to coach in the major leagues. [53]
Moyer has written a memoir, with Larry Platt, entitled Just Tell Me I Can't: How Jamie Moyer Defied the Radar Gun and Defeated Time. Moyer dedicated the book, and also sees the academy as a tribute, to the memory of the late counselor and author Harvey Dorfman, who helped shape Moyer's "mental game". [54]
In 2018, Moyer appeared on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. He received 10 votes and failed to meet the 5% threshold to remain on the ballot in the future. [55]
Broadcasting career
On February 11, 2014, it was announced that Moyer and fellow former Phillie Matt Stairs would join the Phillies' television broadcast crew as color analysts for the 2014 season. Moyer and Stairs joined in-game reporter Gregg Murphy and play-by-play voice Tom McCarthy. [56] Following the season, Moyer announced he would not return to the booth in 2015, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. [57]
Pitching style
Moyer's pitching approach evolved as he aged. Most pitchers lose velocity later in their career, and Moyer was no exception—his average fastball speed in 2012 was about 80 MPH, a very slow speed for a non-knuckleball pitcher. Instead of velocity, Moyer relied on control and mixing his pitches. He threw five main pitches: a sinker, a cut fastball, a slider, a changeup, and a curveball.
Personal life
In 1996, Moyer earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Indiana University.
Moyer was married to Karen Phelps, the daughter of former Notre Dame basketball coach Digger Phelps. The two were introduced by Harry Caray when Moyer was with the Cubs and Karen was an intern with Cubs broadcast outlet, WGN. [44] They were married in a Catholic ceremony and have eight children. [58] [59] Moyer and Karen divorced in 2017. [60]
Moyer's oldest son Dillon was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins but did not sign and instead attended UC Irvine [61] for two years. He transferred to UC San Diego [62] for his junior and final year, as he graduated in three years with a major in sociology and minor in education. [62] He was drafted in the 38th round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed with them. [63] Another son, Hutton, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB draft. [64]
In 2000, Moyer and Karen Phelps Moyer founded Eluna, an organization with a mission to help children in distress. [65]
See also
References
- ↑ Kepner, Tyler (October 12, 2008). "For Moyer, a Slow Build and a Quick Hook". New York Times. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ↑ "Biography and Career Highlights (2008)". Phillies.MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ↑ Brown, Garry (September 29, 2008). "Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer a marvel at 45". The Republican. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer Has Faced 8.9 Percent Of All MLB Hitters Ever". Deadspin. April 19, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ↑ "Moyer inducted into Mariners' Hall of Fame". Sportsnet . January 13, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer – Society for American Baseball Research".
- ↑ "Phillies' Moyer excited for first World Series". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 19, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- 1 2 Nice, Tyler (October 6, 2020). "A moment in SJU Athletics: Jamie Moyer". The Hawk News. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer Pitching Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ↑ Chass, Murray (December 6, 1988). "BASEBALL; Cubs Trade Palmeiro for Williams of Rangers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ↑ "1997 AL Division Series". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ↑ "1998 AL Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ↑ "Padres Spoil Party by Beating Mariners". Los Angeles Times. July 16, 1999. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ "1999 AL Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ↑ "ESPN.com: MLB Playoffs - Moyer injured during simulated game". ESPN . Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer 2002 Pitching Game Log". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- ↑ "Mariners Season Records". Mariners.com. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- ↑ "Major League Leaderboards – 2004 – Pitch Type Statistics". Fangraphs . Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ↑ "Major League Leaderboards – 2005 – Pitch Type Statistics". Fangraphs . Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ↑ Mandel, Ken (October 23, 2006). "Phillies extend Moyer's contract". Phillies.MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ↑ Boswell, Thomas. "Moyer Is The Sage of Philadelphia". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
- ↑ "Major League Leaderboards – 2007 – Pitch Type Statistics". Fangraphs . Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ↑ Andy Jasner. "The Official Site of The Philadelphia Phillies: News: Philadelphia Phillies News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ Hinckley, David (April 9, 2008). "Never too early to begin booing". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
- ↑ "Gamenight: Padres (10-17) at Phillies (15-12) – Phillies Nation". April 30, 2008.
- 1 2 "Major League Leaderboards – 2008 – Pitch Type Statistics". Fangraphs . Retrieved August 25, 2009.
- ↑ "MLB News, Videos, Scores, Standings, Stats, Teams, Players – FOX Sports on MSN". Msn.foxsports.com. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ "Phillies re-sign Jamie Moyer to a two-year contract". Philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ "Helms works through boos to get Marlins a win". Fox Sports. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009.
- ↑ Patrick Reddington (May 31, 2009). "Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer Wins 250th Game. 4-2 Phillies over Nationals". Federal Baseball.
- 1 2 Miller, Doug (August 11, 2009). "Pedro to make '09 debut Wednesday". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
- ↑ Stark, Jayson (October 2009). "Moyer out through postseason". ESPN.
- ↑ Fantasy baseball players in the news Archived February 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine KFFL, February 16, 2010.
- ↑ "Sports News | Wide World of Sports – ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ Maaddi, Rob. "Phils' 47-Year-Old Moyer Oldest to Throw Shutout" Archived January 10, 2016, at the Wayback Machine . Yahoo! Sports. May 7, 2010.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer Allows Baseball Record 506th Homer in Phillies' Win". Bloomberg News. June 27, 2010. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
- ↑ FALLSTROM, R.B. (July 20, 2010). "Cardinals whip Phillies 7–1 behind Carpenter". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012.
- 1 2 "Moyer to spend 2011 season as ESPN analyst". ESPN.com. March 30, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ "Moyer, Dobbs, Hoover become Philly free agents | PhillySportsCentral.com: Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers news and forums". PhillySportsCentral.com. Philadelphia Inquirer. April 25, 2012. Archived from the original on November 1, 2010.
- ↑ "Reports: Moyer could be done after new injury – CBSSports.com". Dave-andriesen.blogs.cbssports.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer has Tommy John surgery". ESPN. December 1, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer, 49, signs with Colorado Rockies on minor league deal – ESPN". Espn.go.com. January 19, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer in Rockies rotation". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 31, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
- 1 2 Caple, Jim (March 26, 2012). "The Jamie Moyer 49". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
- ↑ "50th stadium appearance for Jamie Moyer". ESPN.com. May 21, 2012.
- ↑ Renck, Troy E. (May 30, 2012). "Jamie Moyer designated for assignment by Rockies; likely done with Colorado". Denver Post.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer released by Baltimore Orioles". ESPN. June 23, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
- ↑ "REPORT: JAYS ADD MOYER TO TRIPLE-A ROSTER AS INJURIES MOUNT" . Retrieved June 26, 2012.
- ↑ "Moyer notches win in debut with Triple-A Las Vegas". June 29, 2012. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
- ↑ "Blue Jays may part ways with golden oldie Jamie Moyer as they welcome first round pick Marcus Stroman". The Star. Toronto. July 4, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
- ↑ "Blue Jays release veteran lefty Moyer". July 5, 2012. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
- ↑ Hochman, Stan (September 7, 2013). "Moyer still trying to defy the ages". philly.com. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- ↑ Davies, Dave (October 2, 2013). "At 49, Jamie Moyer's Pitching Career Goes Into Extra Innings". npr.org. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
- ↑ Kepner, Kepner (September 14, 2013). "Extra Bases: For Moyer, Life Beyond Baseball". The New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
- ↑ "Complete 2018 Hall of Fame election results". MLB.com. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer and Matt Stairs to join Phillies broadcast booth". Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ↑ "Jamie Moyer exits Phillies' broadcast booth". CSNPhilly.com. November 28, 2014. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014.
- ↑ Neal, Traci. "Jamie and Karen Moyer – Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and philanthropists". Catholic Digest. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ "Fulcrum Foundation". Archived from the original on May 20, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
- ↑ "ABOUT ME". GMG. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
- ↑ "Dillon Moyer Bio". Archived from the original on November 11, 2014.
- 1 2 "Dillon Moyer - 2013 - Baseball". UC San Diego. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ Hart, Brandon (June 17, 2013). "Bloodlines Run Deep in 2013 Roster". Minor League Baseball . Retrieved September 13, 2024.
- ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (June 9, 2015). "Moyer legacy lives on in Angels' 7th-rounder". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- ↑ "About". Eluna Network. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Jamie Moyer at the SABR Baseball Biography Project
| Jamie Moyer | |
|---|---|
 Moyer in 2018 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born:November 18, 1962 Sellersville, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 16, 1986, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 27, 2012, for the Colorado Rockies |
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Opening Day starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners 2000 2004–2006 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Oldest Player in the National League 2008–2010 2012 | Succeeded by |