Bud Norris, a right-handed pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros in 2009. Born on March 2, 1985, in Greenbrae, California, Norris attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Astros in the sixth round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
Norris quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Astros. In his rookie season, he posted a 6-3 record with a 4.53 ERA over 11 starts, demonstrating his potential to be a mainstay in the rotation. His performance in 2009 included a memorable debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched seven scoreless innings, earning his first major league win.
Over the next few seasons, Norris became a fixture in the Astros' starting rotation. Known for his fastball-slider combination, he consistently ranked among the team leaders in strikeouts. In 2011, he achieved a career-high 176 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters. Despite the Astros' struggles during this period, Norris remained a dependable presence on the mound.
In 2013, Norris was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he continued to serve as a starting pitcher. His tenure with the Orioles was highlighted by a strong 2014 season, during which he recorded a 15-8 record with a 3.65 ERA. That year, Norris played a crucial role in helping the Orioles secure the American League East title and advance to the postseason. He delivered a standout performance in the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings in Game 3 to help the Orioles complete a series sweep.
Following his time with the Orioles, Norris's career took him to several teams, including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels. In 2016, while with the Braves, he transitioned to a bullpen role, where he found success as a reliever. This adaptability extended his career and allowed him to contribute in various capacities.
Norris's stint with the Dodgers in 2016 was brief but notable, as he filled in for injured starters and provided valuable innings. In 2017, he signed with the Angels, where he took on the role of closer for a portion of the season, recording 19 saves. This marked a new chapter in his career, as he embraced the challenges of late-inning pressure situations.
In 2018, Norris joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to pitch effectively out of the bullpen. He served as the team's closer for much of the season, finishing with 28 saves and a 3.59 ERA. His performance that year underscored his ability to adapt and remain effective in different roles throughout his career.
Bud Norris's journey through Major League Baseball was characterized by his ability to adjust to the evolving demands of the game.
⚾