Mike Pelfrey

Last updated

Mike Pelfrey
Mike Pelfrey on August 23, 2015.jpg
Pelfrey with the Minnesota Twins in 2015
Pitcher
Born: (1984-01-14) January 14, 1984 (age 40)
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 8, 2006, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
September 29, 2017, for the Chicago White Sox
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
World University Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2004 Tainan Team

Michael Alan Pelfrey (born January 14, 1984) is an American college baseball coach and former professional baseball pitcher. He was the pitching coach at Wichita State University from 2019 to 2023, where he played from 2003 to 2005 for head coach Gene Stephenson. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox.

Contents

Professional career

After his junior year at Wichita State University, Pelfrey entered the June 2005 amateur baseball draft. Having chosen Scott Boras as his agent, there were concerns that Pelfrey would hold out or require a higher-than-market value contract. [1] The Mets selected him with the ninth overall pick, even though he was projected to have gone higher than that. After six months of negotiations, the Mets signed Pelfrey to a four-year major league contract on January 10, 2006. The deal reportedly included a $3.5 million signing bonus and $5.3 million in guaranteed salary.

Pelfrey began the 2006 season on the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, going 2–1 with a 1.64 ERA in four starts before being promoted to the Double-A Binghamton Mets. With Binghamton, he was 2–1 with a 2.66 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 471⁄3 innings over his first eight starts.

New York Mets

2006–2008

Pelfrey made his major-league debut with the Mets on July 8, 2006, earning the win in a 17–3 victory against the Florida Marlins. The Mets hit grand slams (José Valentín and Carlos Beltrán) in Pelfrey's first two major league starts; this was a first in baseball history. [2] He was sent down to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides at the beginning of August. [3]

Pelfrey before a spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida Michael Pelfrey.jpg
Pelfrey before a spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida

In 2007, Pelfrey pitched well in spring training and earned a spot in the Mets starting rotation to begin the season. However, after starting the season 0–5 with a 6.53 ERA, he was demoted to the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs. He continued to make occasional starts for the Mets throughout the season, at one point running his record to 0–7. However, Pelfrey found success later in the season. Having been recalled when rosters expanded on September 1 to pitch in Atlanta, Pelfrey put together his best start of the season giving up only one run on one hit in six innings for his first win of the season. Pelfrey won his next two starts in September in the midst of a close pennant race, finishing the season with a record of 3–8.[ citation needed ]

On March 30, 2008, the Mets named Pelfrey as their Number 5 starter. Pelfrey made his first start of the season on April 9, earning a win against the Philadelphia Phillies allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three in five innings pitched.[ citation needed ] Pelfrey then followed up this performance pitching seven shutout innings against the Washington Nationals and earned the win. It was the first major league start of his career where he did not give up a run.[ citation needed ] On May 15, 2008, Pelfrey pitched another good game against the Nationals. He pitched 7+2⁄3innings, not allowing a hit until the seventh and only allowed one run. [4]

On June 11, 2008, Pelfrey pitched 8 innings, and attempted to pitch a complete game, but was replaced by Billy Wagner when he allowed a single to lead off the 9th. In the time he pitched, he only allowed one run and walked 2, while striking out 8 Diamondbacks. However, Mike got a no-decision as the Mets won in extra innings, 5–3, after Wagner blew a 3–0 lead in the 9th by allowing a 3-run homer to Mark Reynolds with 2 outs and 2 strikes. Later in the year, Pelfrey set a club record for most batters faced without giving up a home run, at 243; the streak was broken by Adam Dunn of the Reds.

On July 14, 2008, Pelfrey was named the National League Player of the Week. Pelfrey went 2–0 while not allowing a run over his two starts against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies during the week ending July 13. Over his 15.0 shutout innings, Mike scattered nine hits without a walk, while striking out 10. [5]

On August 20, 2008, Pelfrey pitched the first complete game of his career against the Atlanta Braves. He struck out 3 in the 9 innings, throwing 108 pitches. It was a 3-hitter. In his next turn, Pelfrey pitched another complete game victory, this time allowing only 6 hits and 1 run while recording his 13th win of the season. So far, David Cone is the only former Mets pitcher to pitch 3 consecutive complete game victories.[ citation needed ]

Once known to throw a power curveball, he gave this pitch up and learned a slider at the request of his former pitching coach Rick Peterson. However, new pitching coach Dan Warthen has since allowed Pelfrey to work his curveball back into his pitching repertoire.[ citation needed ]

On August 25, 2008, Pelfrey pitched his second consecutive complete game win, the first Met to do so since Bret Saberhagen did it in 1995. He allowed only six hits with one earned run while striking out six and walking none.

At times, Pelfrey wore a mouthpiece while he pitched. He suffered from temporomandibular joint disorder after being hit by a ball in college, he was seen chewing on it between pitches. [6] In early 2008, after beginning the season with some good and some bad performances, Mike stopped using the mouthpiece. Mike then went on to pitch dominantly in June, July, and August. This led fans and announcer and former Mets pitcher Ron Darling to say that perhaps Mike was pitching better in part because he had stopped using the mouthpiece, which may have been a distraction.[ citation needed ]

2009–2012

Pelfrey during his tenure with the New York Mets in 2009 Mike Pelfrey Warming Up.jpg
Pelfrey during his tenure with the New York Mets in 2009

Pelfrey had the honor of starting the first official game at Citi Field on April 13. He allowed a leadoff home run to the Padres' Jody Gerut and surrendered five earned runs overall in the Mets' 6–5 loss. Like the team itself, Pelfrey had a disappointing year, going 10–12 with a 5.03 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Pelfrey also led the majors in balks, with 6. [7] On May 17, he became the first Mets pitcher since Al Leiter to balk three times in a game. [8]

During the 2009–2010 offseason, Pelfrey worked with Warthen on utilizing secondary pitches, resulting in Pelfrey beginning to throw a curveball and splitter. In a 6 hours and 53 minutes, 20-inning game against the Cardinals, Pelfrey was utilized as a relief pitcher in the 20th inning. Pelfrey earned his first career save in the major leagues before Francisco Rodriguez got a win for the season, and Joe Mather (Cardinal's third baseman/outfielder) got the loss. [9]

His 2010 season was his best year to date. He had a spectacular first half posting a 10-1 record. His second half was much more average posting a 5-8 record. His final stats were 15 wins and 9 losses, a 3.66 ERA, with 113 strike outs and 204 innings pitched.[ citation needed ]

On June 18, 2011, Pelfrey pitched a complete-game gem against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He allowed one run, five hits, and struck out five. He threw a season high 123 pitches, second highest of his career. [10] Pelfrey was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award. [11] Overall, 2011 was a disappointing season for Pelfrey, seeing him go 7–13 with a 4.74 ERA. [12]

In January 2012, the Mets and Pelfrey settled their arbitration case for $5.7 million for the 2012 season.[ citation needed ] On April 26, it was announced that Pelfrey required Tommy John surgery on his elbow, ending his season. He had exited his previous start with stiffness in the elbow. An MRI confirmed a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews. According to Pelfrey, the cause of the tear might have been a change in his pitching mechanics [13] He became a free agent following the season.

Minnesota Twins

On December 20, 2012, the Minnesota Twins announced they had signed Pelfrey to a one-year, $4 million contract. [14] As the Twins had retired number 34 in honor of the late Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, Pelfrey was assigned number 37.

In 2013, Pelfrey had his worst season in his 8 years in the Majors, finishing 5–13 for the Twins. He pitched in 29 games following his 2012 Tommy John surgery, his ERA finished at 5.19 in his first full year in the American League. [15]

On December 14, 2013, Pelfrey signed a deal with the Minnesota Twins for two years and $11 million, with the potential to earn up to $3.5 million in performance bonuses. [16] Pelfrey made five starts in 2014 before being shut down for the season with groin, elbow, and shoulder injuries. [17]

Pelfrey's 2015 season was more successful, as he posted a 4.26 ERA, his best since 2010. He still only managed a 6–11 record in 30 starts. He had the highest WHIP among major league pitchers (1.48). [18] He became a free agent following the season.

Detroit Tigers

On December 6, 2015, Pelfrey signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. [19] Pelfrey spent some of the 2016 season on the Disabled List due to a lower back ailment, limiting him to 24 games (22 starts). In a mostly ineffective season, he compiled a 4–10 record and 5.07 ERA in 119 innings pitched.

Pelfrey was released by the Tigers on March 30, 2017. [20]

Chicago White Sox

On April 8, 2017, the White Sox signed Pelfrey to a minor league deal, assigning him to the Triple-A Charlotte. [21] On April 22, 2017, the White Sox purchased his contract from Charlotte as he replaced the injured James Shields. He made his White Sox debut on the same day against the Cleveland Indians. In 2017 he was 3-12 with a 5.93 ERA. Batters stole 26 bases against him, tied for tops in the major leagues, while being caught three times. [22] He became a free agent following the season.

Pitching style

Pelfrey's pitches, as tracked in 2013 by the PITCHf/x system, were a sinker at 93 mph, a four-seam fastball at 93 mph, a slider at 87 mph, a splitter at 86 mph, and a curveball at 76 mph. [23] His sinker is his primary pitch, although he also likes to use his four-seamer early in the count against right-handed hitters. He tends to use his splitter more against left-handed hitters and his slider more against righties. [24]

Pelfrey has among the lowest strikeout-to-walk ratios in the major leagues since 2000, at 1.75. [25]

Coaching career

On March 6, 2018, Pelfrey retired from professional baseball and accepted a coaching position at Newman University. [26]

In 2019, Pelfrey became the pitching coach at Wichita State University. Following Todd Butler's firing, new Wichita State head coach Eric Wedge retained Pelfrey as pitching coach. [27] Pelfrey remained with the program after Wedge resigned in February 2023. [28]

On May 30, 2023, Wichita State athletic director Kevin Saal announced that interim head coach Loren Hibbs, as well as Pelfrey and the rest of the Shockers coaching staff, would not return in 2024, with the university launching a national search from Wedge's permanent replacement. [29]

Personal life

Pelfrey was one of the victims of the $8 billion fraud perpetrated by wealth manager Allen Stanford. Pelfrey estimated that 99% of his assets were frozen after the fraud was revealed. [30]

Pelfrey is known for his peculiar habit of licking his hands over the course of the game, Pelfrey has said there is a purpose behind the habit and he generally uses it to get a better grip on the ball. The Wall Street Journal counted one start of Pelfrey's and found he did this action 89 times over the course of a game. [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johan Santana</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1979)

Johan Alexander Santana Araque is a Venezuelan former professional baseball starting pitcher. Santana pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins from 2000 to 2007 and for the New York Mets from 2008 to 2012. A two-time Cy Young Award winner with the Twins, Santana is a four-time All-Star and earned a pitching triple crown in 2006. On June 1, 2012, Santana pitched the first no-hitter in New York Mets history against the St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Sheets</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1978)

Ben Michael Sheets is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. Sheets is a four-time MLB All-Star. He won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Maine</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

John Kevin Maine is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets and Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ervin Santana</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1982)

Ervin Ramon Santana is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Kansas City Royals (twice), Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. Santana is a two-time All-Star, and he threw a no-hitter with the Angels in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Vargas</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Jason Matthew Vargas is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The Marlins drafted Vargas in the second round of the 2004 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2005. In 2017, he was an All Star and tied for the American League lead in wins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Cain</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Matthew Thomas Cain is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career for the San Francisco Giants from 2005 to 2017. A two-time World Series champion and a three-time All-Star, he is widely regarded as a central figure of the Giants' success in the 2010s for his pitching and leadership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francisco Liriano</span> Dominican baseball pitcher (born 1983)

Francisco Liriano Casillas is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers. Liriano was an MLB All-Star in 2006, and is a two-time winner of the MLB Comeback Player of the Year Award; he is the only player to win the award in both leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nelson Figueroa</span> American baseball player (born 1974)

Nelson Figueroa is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, and Houston Astros. Figueroa also played for the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan. He featured a fastball topping out at 91 mph, slider, curveball, changeup, and a splitter. He has also worked as a post-game studio analyst for Mets broadcasts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Estrada</span> American baseball player (born 1938)

Charles Leonard Estrada is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 1960 to 1967, playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets. Estrada was a member of the 1960's Baltimore Orioles Kiddie Korps. After his retirement from the major leagues, Estrada served as pitching coach in the majors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David West (baseball)</span> American baseball player (1964–2022)

David Lee West was an American professional baseball pitcher who played ten seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox from 1988 to 1998. He also played one season in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Price (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

David Taylor Price is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in September 2008. He also played for the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Blackburn</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Robert Nicholas Blackburn is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins from 2007 to 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samuel Deduno</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1983)

Samuel Deduno Lake is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kris Medlen</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Kristopher Allen Medlen is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks. As of 2023, Medlen works for Bally Sports South where he serves as an on-air analyst for Atlanta Braves baseball telecasts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Gibson</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Kyle Benjamin Gibson is an American professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles. The Twins selected Gibson in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2009 MLB Draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Harvey</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Matthew Edward Harvey, nicknamed "the Dark Knight", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Bundy</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Dylan Matthew Bundy is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Eovaldi</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Nathan Edward Eovaldi is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Eovaldi made his MLB debut in 2011. He was a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018 and the Rangers in 2023 and has been selected as an All-Star in 2021 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucas Giolito</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1994)

Lucas Frost Giolito is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Fulmer</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Michael Joseph Fulmer is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago Cubs. Fulmer won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2016, and was an All-Star in 2017.

References

  1. ↑ "New York Mets News". Newyork.mets.mlb.com. Retrieved March 26, 2014.[ dead link ]
  2. ↑ [http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=BBO-FUNSTATS-07-24-06Scripps Howard News Service Archived March 18, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ Shpigel, Ben (August 3, 2006). "Mets Send Down Pelfrey, but Probably Not for Long". New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Pelfrey flirts with no-no, loses to Nats". Mets.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2008. Retrieved May 15, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Pelfrey named NL Player of the Week". Mets.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2008. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
  6. ↑ "Pelfrey's mouthpiece a distraction for opponents". Newsday. Retrieved April 26, 2008.[ dead link ]
  7. ↑ ""League Leaders: Pitching Leaders, 2009," MLB.com, accessed October 10, 2009". Mlb.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey bio". Mets.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Save best for last: Pelfrey finishes win". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey tosses complete game as Mets down Angels, 6-1". nj.com. June 19, 2011. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey nominated for Roberto Clemente Award". metsblog.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey MLB.com Bio". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  13. ↑ Neal, Lavelle E. "Elbow Issues Almost Epidemic." Minneapolis StarTribune. C1, 5. April 15, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey finalizes deal with Twins". ESPN.com. December 20, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  15. ↑ Fox Sports (September 24, 2013). "twins-pitcher-mike-pelfrey-ends-season-on-high-note- | FOX Sports on MSN". Foxsportsnorth.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
  16. ↑ Steen, Aaron (December 23, 2013). "Twins Re-Sign Mike Pelfrey: MLB Rumors". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Mike Pelfrey adds elbow injury to groin and shoulder issues". HardballTalk. May 30, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Major League Leaderboards - 2015 - Pitching". FanGraphs Baseball.
  19. ↑ "Tigers announce two-year deal for Mike Pelfrey". Archived from the original on December 10, 2015.
  20. ↑ Fenech, Anthony. "Detroit Tigers release pitcher Mike Pelfrey". Detroit Free Press.
  21. ↑ Schoch, Matt (April 6, 2017). "Davidson, Soto power White Sox past Tigers, 11-2". AP News. Archived from the original on April 9, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  22. ↑ "2017 Major League Baseball Baserunning/Situ". Baseball-Reference.com.
  23. ↑ "Player Card: Mike Pelfrey". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Player Card: Mike Pelfrey". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Major League Leaderboards » 2013 » Pitchers » Advanced Statistics - FanGraphs Baseball". Fangraphs . Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  26. ↑ Cavadi, Wayne (February 8, 2018). "DII baseball: MLB veteran pitcher Mike Pelfrey comes home to coach at Newman". ncaa.com. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  27. ↑ Taylor Eldridge (June 13, 2019). "Eric Wedge retains Mike Pelfrey as pitching coach for Wichita State baseball". www.kansas.com. Kansas. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  28. ↑ Eldridge, Taylor (February 23, 2023). "Wichita State reaches settlement agreement with former Shocker baseball coach Eric Wedge". The Wichita Eagle . Retrieved May 30, 2023. Closed Access logo transparent.svg
  29. ↑ @GoShockers (May 30, 2023). "Dear Shockers Nation" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  30. ↑ Why Do Pro Athletes Go Broke? Archived March 21, 2009, at the Wayback Machine SI.com, March 29, 2009
  31. ↑ Brian Costa, "Six Innings and 89 Hand Licks Later", Wall Street Journal , September 1, 2011
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.