Atlee Hammaker was a left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for 12 seasons. He was born on January 24, 1958, in Carmel, California. Hammaker attended Eastwood High School in El Paso, Texas, where he played baseball and basketball. He then went on to play college baseball at East Tennessee State University.
Hammaker was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the first round of the 1979 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Royals in 1981, but he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1982. Hammaker had his best season in 1983 when he went 10-9 with a 3.83 ERA and was named to the National League All-Star team.
In 1984, Hammaker had a breakout season, going 12-8 with a 2.65 ERA and finishing second in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He also won a Gold Glove Award for his fielding prowess. Hammaker's success continued in 1985, as he went 10-8 with a 3.05 ERA and was again named to the All-Star team.
However, Hammaker's career took a downturn in 1986 when he suffered a shoulder injury that limited him to just 16 starts. He struggled to regain his form in the following years, and he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1992. Hammaker retired from baseball after the 1995 season with a career record of 59-67 and a 3.66 ERA.
Despite his relatively short career, Hammaker left a lasting impact on the game. He was known for his excellent control and his ability to induce ground balls, which made him a valuable asset to any team. Hammaker was also a respected teammate and a fan favorite, known for his easygoing personality and his willingness to help younger players.
In retirement, Hammaker has remained involved in baseball as a coach and instructor. He has worked with several minor league teams and has also served as a pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants. Hammaker's legacy as a player and a mentor continues to inspire young players and fans alike.
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