Cory Lidle's journey through Major League Baseball was marked by a series of transitions and steady performances on the mound. Born on March 22, 1972, in Hollywood, California, Lidle began his professional baseball career after being signed by the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent in 1990. However, it wasn't until several years later that he would make his MLB debut.
Lidle's first appearance in the major leagues came with the New York Mets in 1997. His time with the Mets was brief, and he soon found himself moving through various teams, a pattern that would define much of his career. After his stint with the Mets, Lidle played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. His tenure with the Devil Rays was followed by a move to the Oakland Athletics in 2001, where he enjoyed one of his most productive seasons.
During his time with the Athletics, Lidle became part of a strong pitching rotation and contributed to the team's success. In 2001, he posted a 13-6 record with a 3.59 ERA, helping the Athletics secure a spot in the postseason. His performance in Oakland highlighted his ability to deliver solid outings and maintain consistency on the mound.
Following his successful period with the Athletics, Lidle continued his career with several other teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies. Each stop along the way showcased his adaptability and skill as a pitcher. In Toronto, he achieved a career-high 12 wins in 2003, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable starter.
Lidle's journey eventually led him to the New York Yankees in 2006, where he joined the team in a mid-season trade from the Phillies. His time with the Yankees was short-lived, but he contributed to the team's efforts to reach the playoffs. Lidle's final MLB appearance came during the 2006 American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.
Throughout his career, Lidle was known for his control and ability to pitch effectively in various roles, whether as a starter or coming out of the bullpen. His career statistics include a win-loss record of 82-72 and an ERA of 4.57, reflecting his steady presence on the mound over the years.
Tragically, Cory Lidle's life and career were cut short on October 11, 2006, when he died in a plane crash in New York City.
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