Brett Young – A Prolific Pitcher
Brett Young, who was born in 1978, is an American former professional baseball pitcher who spent time in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. He is one of the most prolific pitchers in MLB history, having earned two All-Star selections and winning the American League (AL) and National League (NL) ERA titles during his career. Young is remembered for his unique pitching style, which involved an unorthodox windmill delivery. In this article, we’ll explore where did Brett Young pitch?
Early Career in Oakland
Young began his professional career in 1999 when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round of the MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2000 and went on to spend three seasons in Oakland. Young’s most successful season with the Athletics came in 2001, when he posted a record of 12–7 with a 3.41 ERA. He earned his first All-Star selection that year and was named the AL ERA champion.
Chicago Cubs & Cincinnati Reds
In 2003, Young was traded to the Chicago Cubs and spent two seasons with the team. He had a successful 2003 season, posting a record of 9–7 with a 3.49 ERA. He struggled in 2004, however, and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds midway through the season. Young spent the next three seasons with the Reds, posting a record of 19–29 with a 4.72 ERA.
Pitching Style
Young is perhaps best remembered for his unusual pitching style, which involved a windmill delivery. Young’s windmill delivery worked by having him move his arm in a circular motion while delivering the pitch. This allowed him to generate more power and control than a traditional delivery. Young also had a signature pitch, a knuckleball, which he used to surprise hitters.
Injuries & Retirement
Young’s career was plagued by injuries, which eventually led to his retirement in 2008. He underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2006 and had multiple shoulder surgeries throughout his career. After being released by the Reds in 2008, Young decided to retire from professional baseball due to the injuries.
Post-Playing Career
After his retirement, Young stayed involved in the game of baseball. He served as a pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2011. He then joined the Los Angeles Angels as their pitching coach in 2012, a position he held until 2019. Young is currently serving as the Angels’ director of pitching development.
Legacy
Young is remembered as one of the most successful and prolific pitchers in MLB history. He was a two-time All-Star, won the AL ERA title in 2001, and was also an instrumental part of Oakland’s AL West Division title in 2003. His unusual pitching style and knuckleball also made him a fan favorite.
Where Did Brett Young Pitch?
Young began his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics, where he spent three seasons from 2000 to 2002. He was then traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he spent two seasons from 2003 to 2004. He finished his career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent three seasons from 2004 to 2006.
Where Is He Now?
Young is currently serving as the director of pitching development for the Los Angeles Angels. He is also involved in several charitable causes, including the “Brett Young Baseball Foundation”, which provides financial assistance to disadvantaged youth baseball players.
Conclusion
Brett Young is an American former professional baseball pitcher who spent time in MLB with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. Young is remembered for his unique pitching style, which involved an unorthodox windmill delivery. He began his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics and finished his career with the Cincinnati Reds. After his retirement, Young stayed involved in the game of baseball, serving as a pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels. He is currently serving as the director of pitching development for the Los Angeles Angels.