Brad Radke was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins for his entire career. He was born on October 27, 1972, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and was drafted by the Twins in the eighth round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.
Radke made his Major League debut on April 29, 1995, and quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the Twins. He was known for his pinpoint accuracy and his ability to keep the ball in the park, as he gave up fewer home runs per nine innings than any other pitcher in the American League during his career.
Radke's best season came in 1997 when he went 20-10 with a 3.87 ERA and finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting. He also led the league in innings pitched that year with 239.1.
Throughout his career, Radke was a workhorse for the Twins, regularly pitching over 200 innings per season. He was also a three-time Gold Glove winner for his fielding prowess.
In 2006, Radke announced his retirement from baseball due to a shoulder injury. He finished his career with a record of 148-139 and a 4.22 ERA. He ranks third on the Twins' all-time list for wins and strikeouts.
Radke was known for his quiet demeanor and his dedication to his craft. He was a respected teammate and a fan favorite in Minnesota. After his retirement, he remained involved in baseball as a coach and mentor to young players.
Overall, Brad Radke had a successful career as a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. He was a consistent performer who was known for his accuracy and his ability to keep the ball in the park. He was a three-time Gold Glove winner and a respected teammate.
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