Huston Street, a right-handed pitcher known for his effectiveness as a closer, made a name for himself in Major League Baseball with his consistent performances on the mound. Born on August 2, 1983, in Austin, Texas, Street grew up in a sports-oriented family. His father, James Street, was a celebrated quarterback for the University of Texas, which perhaps influenced Huston's athletic pursuits.
Street's journey to the major leagues began at the University of Texas, where he played college baseball for the Texas Longhorns. His collegiate career was marked by success, including being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2002 College World Series, where he helped lead his team to a national championship. This early success set the stage for his professional career.
In 2004, the Oakland Athletics selected Street in the first round of the MLB Draft. He quickly ascended through the minor leagues, making his major league debut with the Athletics in 2005. That year, he took over the closer role and excelled, recording 23 saves with a 1.72 ERA. His outstanding performance earned him the American League Rookie of the Year award, a testament to his immediate impact in the majors.
Street continued to serve as the Athletics' closer until 2008, when he was traded to the Colorado Rockies as part of a multi-player deal. In Colorado, he maintained his role as a reliable closer, despite the challenges of pitching in the hitter-friendly Coors Field. Street's tenure with the Rockies was highlighted by his 2009 season, during which he saved 35 games and helped the team reach the postseason.
In 2011, Street was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess as a closer. His time with the Padres was marked by consistency and effectiveness, earning him an All-Star selection in 2012. Street's ability to adapt and perform in different environments was evident as he continued to accumulate saves and maintain a low ERA.
The Los Angeles Angels acquired Street in a mid-season trade in 2014, bolstering their bullpen with his experience and skill. He quickly became a key component of the Angels' pitching staff, earning another All-Star selection in 2014. Street's tenure with the Angels was characterized by his leadership and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Throughout his career, Street was known for his calm demeanor and strategic approach to pitching. His arsenal included a deceptive slider and a well-placed fastball, which he used to keep hitters off balance. Street's ability to close out games made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
Injuries began to take a toll on Street in the later years of his career. Despite these challenges, he continued to contribute to his team until announcing his retirement from professional baseball in 2017. Over his career, Street amassed over 300 saves, placing him among the top closers in MLB history.
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