Jay Powell is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on January 9, 1972, in Meridian, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi State University, where he played college baseball.
Powell was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 1993 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 1995. He spent two seasons with the Orioles before being traded to the Florida Marlins in 1997.
Powell played a key role in the Marlins' World Series championship in 1997, appearing in three games and earning a win in Game 7. He remained with the Marlins until 1999, when he was traded to the Houston Astros.
Powell spent two seasons with the Astros before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2001. He had a successful season with the Rockies, posting a 2.97 ERA in 64 appearances.
In 2002, Powell signed with the Texas Rangers as a free agent. He spent two seasons with the Rangers before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004. Powell appeared in 22 games for the Cardinals, helping them reach the World Series, but they ultimately lost to the Boston Red Sox.
Powell's final season in the majors was in 2005, when he played for the Atlanta Braves. He appeared in 47 games for the Braves, posting a 4.18 ERA.
Throughout his career, Powell was known for his fastball, which could reach speeds of up to 98 miles per hour. He also had a slider and a changeup in his repertoire.
In total, Powell played in 655 games over the course of his career, posting a 4.17 ERA and recording 36 saves. He struck out 555 batters and walked 308 in 747 innings pitched.
After retiring from baseball, Powell returned to Mississippi and became a real estate developer. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Mississippi State baseball team.
Overall, Jay Powell had a successful career as a Major League Baseball pitcher, playing for several teams and earning a World Series championship with the Florida Marlins in 1997.
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