Brad Ziegler is a former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on October 10, 1979, in Pratt, Kansas, and attended Southwest Missouri State University, where he played college baseball.
Ziegler began his professional career in 2003 when he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent. However, he was released by the Phillies after just one season and joined the Oakland Athletics organization in 2004. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Athletics in 2008.
During his career, Ziegler played for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and Miami Marlins. He was known for his unique sidearm delivery, which made him a difficult pitcher to hit. Ziegler was also known for his ability to induce ground balls, which made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Throughout his career, Ziegler had a record of 37-32 with an ERA of 2.75. He recorded 105 saves and struck out 427 batters in 596 innings pitched. He was named an All-Star in 2013 while playing for the Diamondbacks.
Ziegler retired from baseball in 2019 after playing for 11 seasons in the MLB. He was known for his durability and consistency, as he appeared in at least 64 games in eight different seasons. He was also known for his leadership and was often called upon to mentor younger players.
Off the field, Ziegler was known for his charitable work. He and his wife, Kristen, founded the Pastime for Patriots program, which provides tickets to MLB games for military personnel and their families. Ziegler was also involved in several other charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
In conclusion, Brad Ziegler was a successful relief pitcher in the MLB for over a decade. He was known for his unique sidearm delivery, ability to induce ground balls, and leadership on and off the field. He retired in 2019 with a record of 37-32, 105 saves, and an ERA of 2.75.
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