Darryl Kile, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Houston Astros. Selected in the 30th round of the 1987 MLB Draft, Kile made his debut on April 8, 1991. Over the next several years, he developed into a reliable starter for the Astros, known for his sharp curveball and competitive spirit on the mound.
Kile's breakout season came in 1993 when he posted a 15-8 record with a 3.51 ERA, earning him his first All-Star selection. His performance helped solidify his role as a key member of the Astros' pitching rotation. In 1997, Kile had one of his best seasons, achieving a 19-7 record and a 2.57 ERA, which earned him another All-Star nod and placed him fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
Following the 1997 season, Kile signed with the Colorado Rockies as a free agent. His time in Colorado, however, was challenging. The high altitude of Coors Field, notorious for being a difficult environment for pitchers, contributed to a decline in his performance. During his two seasons with the Rockies, Kile struggled to maintain the same level of success he had achieved in Houston, posting ERAs of 5.20 and 6.61 in 1998 and 1999, respectively.
In November 1999, Kile was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that revitalized his career. With the Cardinals, he returned to form, winning 20 games in 2000 and earning his third All-Star selection. His performance was instrumental in helping the Cardinals reach the postseason that year. Kile continued to be a dependable starter for St. Louis, contributing to the team's success over the next two seasons.
Tragically, Darryl Kile's career and life were cut short in 2002. On June 22, he passed away unexpectedly in his Chicago hotel room due to a heart attack caused by coronary artery disease. His untimely death shocked the baseball community and left a lasting impact on his teammates and fans.
Throughout his career, Kile was respected for his professionalism and work ethic.
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