Bobby Witt, a right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball and occasional control issues, spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball. Born on May 11, 1964, in Arlington, Virginia, Witt attended the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his skills on the mound. His talent caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected by the Texas Rangers with the third overall pick in the 1985 MLB Draft.
Witt made his major league debut with the Rangers on April 10, 1986. His rookie season was marked by a combination of high strikeout numbers and a struggle with walks, a pattern that would follow him throughout much of his career. Despite these challenges, Witt's potential was evident, and he quickly became a fixture in the Rangers' starting rotation.
Throughout his tenure with the Rangers, Witt was known for his ability to overpower hitters. In 1987, he led the American League in walks but also demonstrated his strikeout prowess by fanning 221 batters. His time in Texas was characterized by flashes of brilliance, including a one-hitter against the Oakland Athletics in 1990, but also inconsistency, as control issues often led to high pitch counts and early exits from games.
In 1992, Witt was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he continued to be a regular starter. His stint with the A's was relatively short-lived, and he was traded again in 1995, this time to the Florida Marlins. However, his time in Florida was brief, as he was soon on the move again, joining the Texas Rangers for a second stint later that year.
Witt's career took a positive turn when he signed with the Anaheim Angels in 1997. During his time with the Angels, he achieved one of his career highlights by throwing a no-hitter against the Rangers on June 23, 1994. This performance was a testament to his enduring ability to dominate on the mound, even as he navigated the ups and downs of a long career.
After his time with the Angels, Witt played for the Texas Rangers once more before moving on to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. He finished his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2001. Over the course of his career, Witt compiled a record of 142 wins and 157 losses, with an earned run average of 4.83 and 1,955 strikeouts.
Bobby Witt's career was a testament to the challenges and unpredictability of professional baseball. While control issues often plagued him, his ability to strike out batters and his longevity in the league demonstrated his talent and perseverance.
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