Curt Young, a left-handed pitcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Oakland Athletics. Born on April 16, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, Young attended Central Michigan University before being drafted by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 1981 MLB Draft. His journey through the minor leagues was relatively swift, and he made his MLB debut on June 27, 1983.
Young quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Athletics. In the mid-1980s, he became a mainstay in the Oakland rotation, known for his consistency and ability to pitch deep into games. His best season came in 1986 when he posted a 13-9 record with a 3.45 ERA, helping to solidify his role as a dependable arm for the team.
The late 1980s were a period of success for the Athletics, and Young was part of a formidable pitching staff that included the likes of Dave Stewart and Bob Welch. In 1988, Young contributed to the Athletics' American League pennant-winning season, although they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. The following year, Young and the Athletics returned to the World Series, this time emerging victorious against the San Francisco Giants in the famous "Battle of the Bay."
Throughout his career, Young was known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance. He wasn't a power pitcher, but his finesse and strategic approach on the mound made him effective. Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Young's career in the early 1990s. Despite these setbacks, he continued to pitch for the Athletics until 1991, when he was traded to the New York Yankees. His stint with the Yankees was brief, and he subsequently signed with the Kansas City Royals.
Young's time with the Royals was short-lived, and he returned to the Athletics in 1993, where he finished his playing career. Over his ten-year MLB tenure, Young compiled a 69-53 win-loss record with a 4.31 ERA and 536 strikeouts. After retiring as a player, Young transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming a respected pitching coach in the major leagues.
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