Sterling Hitchcock's journey through Major League Baseball is marked by his role as a left-handed pitcher, primarily known for his time with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. Born on April 29, 1971, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Hitchcock was drafted by the New York Yankees in the ninth round of the 1989 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Yankees on September 11, 1992.
Hitchcock's early years with the Yankees saw him developing his skills and gaining experience on the mound. In 1993, he became a more regular presence in the Yankees' pitching rotation, showcasing his potential as a starting pitcher. However, it was his trade to the Seattle Mariners in 1995 that provided him with a more consistent opportunity to start games. During his time with the Mariners, Hitchcock demonstrated his ability to handle a larger workload, pitching over 200 innings in the 1996 season.
The next significant chapter in Hitchcock's career began when he was traded to the San Diego Padres in 1997. It was with the Padres that he achieved some of his most memorable performances. In 1998, Hitchcock played a crucial role in the Padres' postseason run. His performance in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Atlanta Braves was particularly noteworthy. Hitchcock won the NLCS Most Valuable Player award after delivering two outstanding starts, helping the Padres secure their place in the World Series.
Despite the Padres' loss to the New York Yankees in the 1998 World Series, Hitchcock's efforts were widely recognized. He continued to pitch for the Padres until 2001, although his later years with the team were marred by injuries that limited his playing time. In 2001, Hitchcock was traded to the New York Yankees, marking his return to the team where his major league career began. His second stint with the Yankees was brief, and he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003.
With the Cardinals, Hitchcock served primarily as a relief pitcher, adapting to a new role in the bullpen. His time in St. Louis was short-lived, and he returned to the Padres in 2004, where he concluded his major league career. Throughout his time in MLB, Hitchcock was known for his left-handed pitching and his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in postseason situations.
Sterling Hitchcock retired from professional baseball after the 2004 season.
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