Tommy Hunter is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on July 3, 1986, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended the University of Alabama, where he played college baseball for the Crimson Tide.
Hunter was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 2007 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2008. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rangers, where he was primarily used as a starting pitcher. In 2011, he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he transitioned to a relief pitcher role.
Hunter spent four seasons with the Orioles, where he became a reliable bullpen arm and helped the team reach the postseason in 2012 and 2014. In 2015, he signed with the Chicago Cubs but was traded to the Cleveland Indians midway through the season. He spent one season with the Indians before signing with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017.
Hunter's time with the Rays was short-lived, as he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in July 2017. He spent the next three seasons with the Phillies, where he continued to be a reliable relief pitcher. In 2020, he signed with the New York Mets but was released before the start of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hunter announced his retirement from baseball in May 2021, ending his 13-year career in the MLB. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 476 games, recording a 56-45 record with a 4.08 ERA and 21 saves. He was known for his versatility as a pitcher, being able to pitch in both starting and relief roles.
Off the field, Hunter was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor. He was a fan favorite among teammates and fans alike, and his presence in the clubhouse was often credited with helping to keep team morale high.
Overall, Tommy Hunter had a successful career in the MLB, earning a reputation as a reliable and versatile pitcher. While he never won any major awards or accolades, he was a valuable asset to every team he played for and will be remembered as a beloved figure in the world of baseball.
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