Scott Baker, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins. Born on September 19, 1981, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Baker attended Oklahoma State University, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Twins in the second round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Baker made his MLB debut with the Twins on May 7, 2005. Over the next several seasons, he became a regular fixture in the Twins' starting rotation. Known for his control and ability to mix pitches effectively, Baker relied on a repertoire that included a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. His ability to consistently throw strikes and limit walks was a hallmark of his pitching style.
In 2008, Baker achieved a personal milestone by pitching a complete game one-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 7. That season, he posted a 3.45 ERA over 28 starts, solidifying his role as a reliable starter for the Twins. The following year, he continued to be a steady presence on the mound, helping the Twins secure a spot in the postseason.
Baker's tenure with the Twins was marked by both successes and challenges. While he demonstrated moments of brilliance, injuries occasionally interrupted his career. In 2012, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire season. Despite this setback, Baker remained determined to return to the mound.
After his recovery, Baker signed with the Chicago Cubs for the 2013 season, though he only made a few appearances late in the year. In 2014, he joined the Texas Rangers, where he served as both a starter and a reliever. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different roles as needed by the team.
Baker's final MLB season came in 2015 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although his time with the Dodgers was brief, he continued to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level. Throughout his career, Baker's consistency and control on the mound were his defining attributes.
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