Keith Foulke's journey through Major League Baseball is marked by his role as a reliable relief pitcher, particularly known for his time with the Boston Red Sox. Born on October 19, 1972, in Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, Foulke grew up in Texas and attended Lewisville High School. He later played college baseball at Galveston College and then at the University of Texas at Austin.
Foulke began his professional career when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round of the 1994 MLB Draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues, honing his skills and developing the changeup that would become his signature pitch. In 1997, he made his major league debut with the Giants, appearing in just a handful of games before being traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a deal for Wilson Alvarez, Danny Darwin, and Roberto Hernández.
With the White Sox, Foulke found his footing as a dependable reliever. By 1999, he had become the team's closer, a role in which he excelled. That season, he recorded 9 saves and posted a 2.22 ERA, establishing himself as a reliable option in the bullpen. Over the next few years, Foulke continued to perform well, consistently maintaining a low ERA and accumulating saves.
In 2002, Foulke was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he continued to thrive. The 2003 season was particularly impressive, as he led the American League with 43 saves and earned an All-Star selection. His performance that year helped the Athletics reach the postseason, although they were ultimately eliminated in the American League Division Series.
Foulke's career reached its peak after he signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in December 2003. In 2004, he played a crucial role in the Red Sox's bullpen, finishing the regular season with a 2.17 ERA and 32 saves. His performance in the postseason was even more remarkable. Foulke was instrumental in the Red Sox's historic comeback against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, pitching in all four of the team's victories. He then helped secure Boston's first World Series title in 86 years by closing out the final game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The following seasons were challenging for Foulke, as he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. In 2005, knee problems limited his effectiveness, and he eventually lost the closer role. He underwent knee surgery in the offseason, but his performance in 2006 was still hampered by health issues. After the 2006 season, Foulke signed with the Cleveland Indians but announced his retirement before the 2007 season began, citing his ongoing physical struggles.
However, Foulke's retirement was short-lived. He returned to baseball in 2008, signing a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. He made the team's roster and pitched in 31 games, posting a 4.06 ERA before retiring for good at the end of the season.
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