Mike MacDougal 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 March 5, 1977, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and attended Mesa Community College in Arizona.
MacDougal was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the first round of the 1999 MLB draft and made his debut in the major leagues in 2001. He quickly established himself as a reliable relief pitcher, earning the nickname "Mac the Ninth" for his ability to close out games in the ninth inning.
Over the course of his career, MacDougal played for several teams, including the Royals, the Chicago White Sox, the Washington Nationals, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was known for his fastball, which could reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, as well as his slider and changeup.
Despite his success on the field, MacDougal struggled with injuries throughout his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2005 and missed most of the 2006 season as a result. He also dealt with shoulder and back problems later in his career.
MacDougal retired from baseball in 2014 with a career record of 18-23 and an ERA of 4.00. He recorded 71 saves and struck out 345 batters in 391 innings pitched.
In addition to his professional career, MacDougal also played for the United States national baseball team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He helped lead the team to a second-place finish, earning a silver medal.
Overall, Mike MacDougal had a successful career as a relief pitcher in MLB, earning a reputation as a reliable closer and earning accolades for his performance on the field. Despite his struggles with injuries, he remained a respected player throughout his career and continues to be remembered as one of the top relief pitchers of his era.
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