Mike Pelfrey, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his time with the New York Mets. Born on January 14, 1984, in Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Pelfrey grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where he honed his skills on the mound. His talent was evident early on, leading him to Wichita State University, where he became a standout pitcher for the Shockers.
The New York Mets selected Pelfrey in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, making him the ninth overall pick. His journey to the majors was swift, and by July 2006, he made his MLB debut against the Florida Marlins. In his rookie season, Pelfrey showed promise, although he faced the typical challenges of adjusting to the major leagues.
Pelfrey's tenure with the Mets was marked by both potential and inconsistency. In 2008, he had a breakout season, posting a 13-11 record with a 3.72 ERA, which was a career-best at that point. His performance helped solidify his role in the Mets' starting rotation. The following year, he struggled to maintain that level of success, finishing with a 10-12 record and a 5.03 ERA.
The 2010 season was a highlight in Pelfrey's career. He achieved a personal best with a 15-9 record and a 3.66 ERA, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable starter. However, the subsequent seasons saw a decline in his performance, partly due to injuries. In 2012, Pelfrey underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
After his recovery, Pelfrey signed with the Minnesota Twins in December 2012. His time with the Twins was a mixed bag, as he struggled to regain his pre-surgery form. Over three seasons, he posted a combined 11-27 record, with his best season in 2015, where he managed a 6-11 record and a 4.26 ERA.
In 2016, Pelfrey joined the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to face challenges on the mound. His stint with the Tigers lasted two seasons, during which he recorded a 4-10 record in 2016 and was released in 2017 after a brief period with the Chicago White Sox. His time with the White Sox marked the end of his major league playing career.
Throughout his career, Pelfrey was known for his sinkerball, which he used to induce ground balls. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, his imposing presence on the mound was a notable aspect of his pitching style. Despite the ups and downs, Pelfrey's career in MLB was marked by perseverance and a commitment to the game.
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