Colby Lewis is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on August 2, 1979, in Bakersfield, California, and attended Bakersfield High School. Lewis was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 1999 MLB draft and made his debut in the league in 2002.
Lewis played for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, and Hiroshima Toyo Carp during his career. He spent most of his career with the Rangers, where he played from 2002 to 2004 and then again from 2010 to 2016. Lewis was known for his ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs.
In 2010, Lewis helped lead the Rangers to their first-ever World Series appearance. He pitched in three games during the series, including a crucial Game 3 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Lewis also pitched in the 2011 World Series, where the Rangers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
Throughout his career, Lewis had a record of 77-72 with a 4.70 earned run average (ERA) and 965 strikeouts. He was known for his fastball, slider, and changeup, which he used to keep hitters off balance. Lewis was also known for his durability, as he pitched over 200 innings in three different seasons.
In addition to his success on the field, Lewis was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a mentor to many of his younger teammates and was respected by his coaches and peers. Lewis was also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
After the 2016 season, Lewis announced his retirement from baseball. He finished his career with the Rangers, where he had played for the majority of his career. Lewis was honored by the team with a special ceremony at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, where he was presented with a commemorative plaque and thanked by his former teammates and coaches.
Overall, Colby Lewis had a successful career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations and was respected by his coaches and peers for his leadership and work ethic. Lewis will be remembered as one of the most successful pitchers in the history of the Texas Rangers franchise.
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