Brad Radke, a right-handed pitcher, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins. Born on October 27, 1972, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Radke grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he honed his skills on the mound. Drafted by the Twins in the eighth round of the 1991 MLB Draft, Radke quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his major league debut on April 29, 1995.
Radke's rookie season was a learning experience, as he posted a 5.32 ERA over 181 innings. However, his potential was evident, and he soon became a reliable presence in the Twins' starting rotation. Known for his control and ability to pitch deep into games, Radke developed a reputation as a workhorse. In 1997, he enjoyed a breakout season, winning 20 games and finishing third in the American League Cy Young Award voting. That year, he recorded a 3.87 ERA and struck out 143 batters over 239 innings, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level.
Throughout his career, Radke was known for his pinpoint control, consistently ranking among the league leaders in fewest walks per nine innings. His changeup was particularly effective, often keeping hitters off balance. Despite not possessing overpowering velocity, Radke's command and strategic approach to pitching made him a challenging opponent.
Radke's tenure with the Twins coincided with a period of rebuilding for the franchise. While the team struggled in the late 1990s, Radke remained a steady presence on the mound. His leadership and consistency were invaluable as the Twins began to turn the corner in the early 2000s. In 2002, Radke helped lead the team to its first playoff appearance since 1991. Although injuries limited his innings that season, he returned strong in the postseason, contributing to the Twins' run to the American League Championship Series.
Injuries were a recurring theme in the latter part of Radke's career. Despite battling shoulder issues, he continued to pitch effectively, often playing through pain to support his team. His perseverance was evident in 2004 when he posted a 3.48 ERA over 219 innings, earning him a spot on the American League All-Star team for the first time in his career.
Radke's final season came in 2006, a year marked by both personal and team success. Despite a torn labrum and stress fracture in his shoulder, he managed to pitch 162 innings, helping the Twins secure another division title. His determination to contribute, even when not at full strength, earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.
After retiring at the end of the 2006 season, Radke left behind a legacy of durability and professionalism. Over his 12-year career, he compiled a 148-139 record with a 4.22 ERA and 1,467 strikeouts in 2,451 innings pitched. Radke's career with the Twins was characterized by his loyalty to the franchise, as he remained with the team through both challenging and triumphant times.
⚾