Jeff Weaver, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on August 22, 1976, in Northridge, California, Weaver attended Simi Valley High School before playing college baseball at California State University, Fresno. His talent on the mound caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft.
Weaver made his MLB debut with the Tigers on April 14, 1999. During his time in Detroit, he quickly established himself as a reliable starter. In 2000, he led the American League in games started, demonstrating his durability and consistency. Over the next few seasons, Weaver continued to be a workhorse for the Tigers, posting respectable numbers despite playing for a team that struggled to find success.
In 2002, Weaver's career took a new turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees in a three-team deal. Joining a team with a storied history and high expectations, he faced the challenge of performing under the bright lights of New York. Weaver's tenure with the Yankees was marked by ups and downs. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled with inconsistency, which eventually led to his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004.
With the Dodgers, Weaver found a more stable footing. In the 2005 season, he delivered one of his best performances, achieving a career-high 14 wins and leading the National League in games started. His efforts helped solidify the Dodgers' rotation, and he became a valuable asset to the team.
Following his stint with the Dodgers, Weaver signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2006. However, his time with the Angels was short-lived, as he was traded mid-season to the St. Louis Cardinals. This move proved to be fortuitous for Weaver, as he played a crucial role in the Cardinals' postseason success. During the 2006 playoffs, he delivered several strong performances, including a standout outing in Game 5 of the World Series against the Detroit Tigers, which helped the Cardinals secure the championship.
After his World Series triumph, Weaver signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2007. Unfortunately, his time in Seattle was marred by struggles on the mound, leading to a brief hiatus from the major leagues. In 2009, he returned to the Dodgers, where he transitioned into a role as a relief pitcher. This change allowed him to extend his career and contribute to the team in a different capacity.
Weaver's final MLB season came in 2010 with the Dodgers. Over the course of his career, he accumulated a win-loss record of 104-119, an earned run average (ERA) of 4.71, and 1,214 strikeouts. While his career had its share of challenges, Weaver's perseverance and adaptability allowed him to remain a part of the major league landscape for many years.
Off the field, Jeff Weaver is known for his close relationship with his younger brother, Jered Weaver, who also enjoyed a successful career as a major league pitcher. The Weaver brothers shared a passion for baseball, and their parallel careers added an interesting dynamic to their family story.
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