John Means (baseball)

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23 innings, Means was moved into the Orioles' starting rotation. [13]

Means pitching for the Orioles in 2019 John Means.jpg
Means pitching for the Orioles in 2019

On June 28, 2019, Means was selected to his first All-Star Game, his 2.50 ERA ranking second among American League pitchers for the first half of the season. [1] Starting 27 of 31 pitching appearances, he completed his rookie campaign at 12–11 with a 3.60 ERA. [14] He finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting. [15] In the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Means pitched to a 4.53 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a 2–4 record over 43+23 innings pitched in 10 games pitched, all starts. [16]

The Orioles selected Means as their Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2021 season. [17] On May 5, 2021, he threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners, striking out 12 batters while facing the minimum of 27 batters. His only baserunner, Sam Haggerty, reached on a dropped third strike in the third inning and was subsequently caught trying to steal second base. It was the first no-hitter for the Orioles since 1991 and the first solo no-hitter since Jim Palmer no-hit the Oakland Athletics on August 13, 1969. [18] It was also the first no-hitter in MLB history where the only baserunner reached base on an uncaught third strike. [19] On May 10, Means was named the AL Player of the Week for week of May 3 to May 9. [20] [21] On June 6, Means went onto the 10-day injured list with a strained shoulder. [22] Means was activated on July 20, after missing over a month of action. [23]

Means was named the Opening Day starter for the 2022 season, [24] [25] [26] and pitched on April 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays. On April 13, Means pitched four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers before his removal from the game. [27] He was diagnosed with elbow strain two days later and placed on the 10-day injured list. [28] [29] [30] Means was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 17. [31] [32] Doctors determined that Means needed Tommy John surgery, which prematurely ended his 2022 season. [33] [34] He underwent surgery on May 11, 2022. On May 21, Means agreed to a two-year, $5.925 million contract with the Orioles to avoid arbitration. [35]

Means spent the majority of the 2023 season rehabilitating from surgery. The Orioles activated him from the injured list on September 12, 2023, and he pitched the first five innings in a 52 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals later that same night. [36] [37] Means earned his first win in two years two starts later in a 21 away victory over the Cleveland Guardians on September 23 in which he pitched 8+13 innings including the first 7+23 without allowing a hit. [38]

Personal life

Means' father Alan worked with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for more than 30 years. Alan was the Local 41 (Kansas City, Missouri) Secretary/Treasurer just before his death from pancreatic cancer at age 57 on August 5, 2020. [39] His younger brother Jake played college baseball at Indiana State University before being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round (475th overall) of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft. [40]

Means is married to former professional soccer player Caroline Stanley. [1] [41] They had their first child, a son, in 2020. [42] Means is a Christian. [43]

See also

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References

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  2. "Pitcher Means selected in Major League Baseball draft – Gardner News". July 13, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Once overlooked, Tides lefty John Means edging close to majors | Norfolk Tides". pilotonline.com. August 8, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  4. "John Means signs letter to play baseball at West Virginia University – Gardner News". August 28, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  5. "#25 John Means". pointstreak.com. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  6. TOD PALMERThe Kansas City Star (June 7, 2014). "| The Kansas City Star". Kansascity.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
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  8. "Shorebirds' pitcher proving to be diamond in rough". Delmarvanow.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
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  19. Trezza, Joe (May 5, 2021). "27 up, 27 down but NOT perfect? Here's how". MLB.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  20. "John Means, Wade Miley named Players of the Week presented by Chevrolet". MLB.com. May 10, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  21. Sepe-Chepuru, Shanthi (May 10, 2021). "Means, Miley earn Player of the Week honors". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  22. "Orioles ace John Means placed on 10-day Injured List with shoulder strain | RSN". Nbcsports.com. June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
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  31. "Baltimore Orioles transfer John Means to 60-day injured list with sprained elbow". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
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  36. "Orioles Activate John Means". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
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  40. Jake Means (profile) – Indiana State University Athletics. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  41. "Caroline and John Means's Wedding Website". The Knot. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
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John Means
John Means (46762721914) (cropped).jpg
Means with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019
Baltimore Orioles – No. 47
Pitcher
Born: (1993-04-24) April 24, 1993 (age 30)
Olathe, Kansas, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
MLB debut
September 26, 2018, for the Baltimore Orioles
Awards and achievements
Preceded by No-hitter pitcher
May 5, 2021
Succeeded by