Darrell May, a left-handed pitcher, spent a decade in professional baseball, navigating the challenges and triumphs of Major League Baseball (MLB) and international leagues. Born on June 13, 1972, in San Bernardino, California, May's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 46th round of the 1992 MLB Draft. His early career saw him honing his skills in the minor leagues, where he developed the craft that would eventually lead him to the majors.
May made his MLB debut with the Braves on September 10, 1995. His time with Atlanta was brief, and he soon found himself traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996. With the Pirates, May continued to work on his pitching, though he struggled to find a permanent spot in the rotation. His tenure with Pittsburgh was marked by fluctuating performances, and he spent considerable time moving between the majors and minors.
Seeking new opportunities, May ventured overseas to Japan, where he played for the Hanshin Tigers in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. His stint in Japan proved to be a turning point, as he gained valuable experience and improved his pitching mechanics. The international experience revitalized his career, and he returned to the United States with a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2002, May signed with the Kansas City Royals, where he enjoyed the most stable period of his MLB career. During his time with the Royals, he became a regular in the starting rotation. The 2003 season was particularly noteworthy, as May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.77 ERA, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. His performance that year was a highlight, showcasing his growth as a pitcher capable of handling the demands of a full MLB season.
Despite his success with the Royals, May's career faced challenges as he moved to the San Diego Padres in 2005. His time with the Padres was short-lived, and he was traded to the New York Yankees later that year. Unfortunately, his stint with the Yankees did not yield the results he had hoped for, and he was released after a brief period.
Throughout his career, May was known for his perseverance and adaptability. His journey through various teams and leagues illustrated the unpredictable nature of a professional baseball career. While he may not have achieved superstar status, his experiences in both the MLB and NPB provided him with a unique perspective on the game.
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