Pat Neshek, known for his unique sidearm delivery, became a familiar face in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a relief pitcher. Born on September 4, 1980, in Madison, Wisconsin, Neshek grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he developed a love for baseball. He attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he played college baseball for the Butler Bulldogs. His performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Minnesota Twins in the sixth round of the 2002 MLB Draft.
Neshek made his MLB debut with the Twins on July 7, 2006. His unorthodox pitching style, characterized by a sidearm delivery, quickly set him apart from other pitchers. This delivery not only made his pitches difficult for batters to read but also contributed to his effectiveness on the mound. During his time with the Twins, Neshek became a reliable option out of the bullpen, posting impressive strikeout numbers and maintaining a low earned run average (ERA).
In 2008, Neshek's career faced a setback when he suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2009 season. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, he returned to the Twins in 2010 but struggled to regain his pre-injury form. In 2011, he was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, where he spent a brief period before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2012.
With the Athletics, Neshek found a resurgence in his career. He played a crucial role in their bullpen, helping the team reach the postseason in 2012. His performance with Oakland led to a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014. That year proved to be one of the best of his career, as he earned his first All-Star selection and finished the season with a remarkable 1.87 ERA.
Following his success with the Cardinals, Neshek signed with the Houston Astros in 2015. He continued to be a dependable reliever, contributing to the Astros' bullpen depth. In 2017, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he earned his second All-Star selection. His time with the Phillies was marked by consistent performances, and he became a fan favorite for his engaging personality and interactions with fans, particularly through autograph signings and baseball card collecting.
Neshek's career also included a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2017 before returning to the Phillies in 2018. He continued to pitch effectively until injuries began to take a toll, limiting his appearances in the latter part of his career. Despite these challenges, Neshek's longevity in the league was a testament to his adaptability and skill as a relief pitcher.
Throughout his career, Neshek was known not only for his pitching but also for his love of baseball memorabilia. He was an avid collector of baseball cards and often engaged with fans who shared this interest. This hobby further endeared him to the baseball community, as he frequently shared stories and experiences related to his collection.
Pat Neshek retired from professional baseball after the 2019 season.
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