David Price, a left-handed pitcher, became a well-known figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) with a career that spanned over a decade. Born on August 26, 1985, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Price's journey to the major leagues began with his standout performances at Vanderbilt University. His college career was marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, which he received in 2007 as the top collegiate baseball player.
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Price as the first overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut on September 14, 2008. Price's early career was highlighted by his role in the Rays' 2008 postseason run, where he played a crucial part in their journey to the World Series. His performance in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded a save in Game 7, was particularly memorable.
In 2010, Price's career reached new heights as he was named an All-Star for the first time. That season, he finished with a 19-6 record and a 2.72 ERA, earning him a second-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting. Price continued to excel with the Rays, and in 2012, he won the Cy Young Award after posting a 20-5 record with a 2.56 ERA, leading the league in wins and ERA.
Price's tenure with the Rays came to an end in 2014 when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. His time in Detroit was brief but impactful, as he continued to demonstrate his pitching prowess. In 2015, Price was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he played a key role in their push to the postseason. His performance with the Blue Jays further solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Following the 2015 season, Price entered free agency and signed a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, one of the largest contracts ever given to a pitcher at the time. Price's tenure with the Red Sox had its ups and downs, with injuries affecting his performance at times. However, he played a vital role in the Red Sox's 2018 World Series championship run. Price's performance in the postseason, particularly in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, was instrumental in securing the title for Boston.
In 2020, Price was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a blockbuster deal. However, he opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Price returned to the Dodgers in 2021, contributing as both a starter and a reliever. His versatility and experience added depth to the Dodgers' pitching staff.
Throughout his career, Price was known for his fastball, changeup, and cutter, which he used effectively to keep hitters off balance. He was a five-time All-Star and finished in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting multiple times. Price's career statistics include over 150 wins and more than 2,000 strikeouts, reflecting his consistency and skill on the mound.
Off the field, Price was also recognized for his charitable efforts, particularly his work with the David Price Foundation, which focused on supporting various causes, including youth programs and animal welfare.
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