Barry Zito
Encyclopedia
Barry Zito is a Major League Baseball
left-handed
pitcher
for the San Francisco Giants
. He previously played seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics
, where he won the 2002
American League
Cy Young Award
and made three All-Star
teams.
Zito never missed a scheduled start in his career until 2008, and led the American League
in starts four times. After the 2006 season
, Zito signed the most expensive contract in history for a pitcher at the time. Zito is well known for the drastic difference between his pre- and post- All Star Game pitching performance, and has been one of the greatest second half pitchers in MLB history throughout his career. He has also proven to be one of the greatest front running pitchers in recent memory, holding a record of 111-6 when getting at least 4 runs of support.
Zito played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Pierce College
, and the University of Southern California
. In the 1999 draft
, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics
with the ninth pick of the first round. Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops which provides money to hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.
, a Roman Catholic school where he earned all-league honors with an 8–4 record and 105 strikeout
s in 85 inning
s as a senior.
He then attended UC Santa Barbara
where he earned Freshman All-America
Honors with 123 strikeouts in 85⅓ innings. Transferring to Los Angeles Pierce College
, he posted a 2.62 ERA
and went 9–2 with 135 strikeouts in 103 innings, and was named to the all-state and all-conference teams.
He then transferred to USC
, where he was a first-team All-America
selection by USA Today
Baseball Weekly, Collegiate Baseball, and Baseball America
. With a 12–3 record, a 3.28 ERA, and 154 strikeouts in 113⅔ innings, Zito was named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year.
While in college, Zito also played in the Cape Cod League, a summer wooden bat league which showcases the nation's top amateur prospects. He led the Wareham Gatemen
to the league championship in 1997, and a runner-up finish in 1998.
in the 59th round (1,586th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft
, and in the third round (83rd overall) by the Texas Rangers
in 1998
, but did not sign with either team. In the 1999 draft
, he was selected by the Oakland Athletics
with the ninth pick of the first round, and signed for a $1.59 million bonus.
, Zito began his professional career with the Visalia Rawhide, Oakland
's Class-A
team. He went 3–0 with a 2.45 ERA
in 8 starts. He struck out
62 in 40⅓ inning
s. Zito was promoted to the Midland RockHounds
, and went 2–1 with a 4.91 ERA to finish the AA schedule. He then got one start for the AAA
Vancouver Canadians
, allowing a lone run with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings.
Zito began the 2000 season
in AAA with the Sacramento River Cats
(the Canadians franchise was moved to Sacramento). He pitched 101⅔ innings in 18 starts, going 8–5 with a 3.19 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 41 walks.
. He allowed one run
in five inning
s, and got the win
.In his next start, Zito went 7 innings while giving up 3 runs to the Red Sox. Zito would continue to have great success early in his rookie season. In his third career start, he went 7 innings and gave up 1 run to against the Toronto Blue Jays
.On September 10, Zito pitched his first complete game shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays
. Zito threw 110 pitches, struck out 8, and allowed 5 hits. During the month of September, he went 5-1 with a 1.73 ERA. Zito would finished with a 7-4 record and a 2.72 earned run average in 14 starts.
Zito made his postseason debut in Game 4 of the American League Division Series
against the New York Yankees. Zito went 5.2 innings, struck out 5, walking 2, and allowing an earned run. Zito earned the win. However, the Yankees would win the series, 3-2, and would go on to win their third straight World Series.
, Zito finished third in the league
in strikeouts per nine innings (8.61), fourth in strikeout
s (205), sixth in wins (17), eighth in ERA
(3.49), and tenth in winning percentage
(.680). Zito became the sixth lefty aged 23 or younger since 1902
to strike out at least 200 batters in a season. After a great rookie season, Zito struggled through the early part of the 2001 season. However, Zito would rebound nicely and by August, he was putting up good pitching numbers. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in August. He went 5-1 with a 1.02 ERA
. Zito would win Pitcher of the Month again in September, going 6-0 with a 1.89 ERA
. During those last 2 months of the season, Zito went 11-1 with a 1.32 ERA
, best in baseball over those last 2 months.
The Athletics made the postseason and played the Yankees in the American League Division Series. Zito pitched in Game 4 against Mike Mussina
and the Yankees. He went 8 innings, striking out 6, walking 1 and allowing an earned run. But Zito took the loss when the Yankees won the game, 1-0. The Yankees would end up taking the series, 3-2.
got there on June 15, 1990. Zito was named to the All Star team for the first time in his career. On July 18, he went 7.1 innings while giving up no runs against the Angels. That win gave Zito a team-record 16th straight win at home. Zito would again face the Angels in his next start and it porduced similar results to his last start. He went 6.1 innings and gave up just 1 run. That win gave Zito the most wins by an AL pitcher with 14. Zito would become the AL's first 15 game winner when he beat the Rangers. On August 23, Zito recorded his 18th win of the season, giving him 1 more than his previous career high of 17, in a game against the Tigers.
On August 28, Zito earned his 19th win of the season against the Kansas City Royals. However, Zito loss his bid for a perfect game in the sixth inning when Neifi Perez singled with one out. Zito would give credit to Perez. "You always know what's going on, Zito said. "I wasn't pitching to maintain some kind of no-hitter. I left the ball up the middle and Perez hit it up the middle. It was a good hit."
On September 8, Zito became the first pitcher in the American League to win 20 games when he pitched 7 innings and allowed no earned runs. I'm not pitching for the Cy Young, Zito said. I'm pitching to win as many games as we can for the team and first place. In his next start, against the Mariners, Zito took a no-hitter into the 8th inning before John Olerud signled to leadoff of the 8th inning. Seattle manager Lou Piniella
said,"If I had to vote for a Cy Young winner, it would be for the young man who pitched today in Oakland."
In his last start of the season, Zito went 6 innings and allowed just a run against Texas. In his last 10 starts, Zito went 8-0, boosting his chances of winning the AL Cy Young Award. "Barry pitched a gem. He has done that all season long, said Oakland manager Art Howe
. "Certainly a Cy Young-type season.
In Game 4 of the ALDS, Zito went 6 innings and gave up 3 earned runs against the Minnesota Twins
. He earned the win.
Zito would go on to win the AL Cy Young Award
with a 23–5 record, narrowly defeating Pedro Martínez
in the voting. He led the league with 23 wins, was second in winning percentage (.821), and third in both ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (182). Zito's 23 wins was the most by an AL left-hander since Frank Viola
had 24 wins for Minnesota in 1988. Zito also allowed a .185 average to opposing hitters, the lowest in the AL. Martínez, who'd led the AL in ERA (2.26), strikeouts (239), and winning percentage (.833), became the first pitcher since the introduction of the award to lead his league in each of the three categories and not win the award. Zito became the first A's pitcher to win the Cy Young Award since Dennis Eckersley
did it in 1992. Zito was also named AL TSN Pitcher of the Year.
. He went 6 innings and allowed an earned run, an RBI single by John Olerud
in the 1st inning. In his next start, Zito went 7 innings, struck out 7, walked 4, and allowed one run against Texas. In the process, he became only the fifth A's pitcher to win 10 straight games, the first since Bob Welch in 1990. On April 18, Zito went 9 innings, allowed 6 hits, and no runs in a start against the Rangers. Zito improved to 9-0 in his career against Texas. After the game, Texas manager Buck Showalter said,"I got the feeling he made it look pretty easy. When he has that kind of command, you can see what happens." Zito struggled in his second-to last start before the All-Star Break. He allowed 7 earned runs and 15 hits against the Rays. The 15 hits allowed were a career high. Rays manager Lou Piniella was stunned by Zito's bad start. He said,"If you'd have told me we'd get 15 hits off Zito in five or six innings, I would have looked at you a little funny." Nevertheless, Zito bounced back in his next start. He went 8 innings without surrendering a run against the Baltimore Orioles
. Zito was again named to the All Star team, the second time he has been named to the team.
In 2003
, Zito was seventh in the AL in ERA (3.30). He was tenth in strikeouts in 2004
(163), and fifth in 2005
(171). Zito had a streak of 14 consecutive starts (and 20 out of 21) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.
In Game 2 of the American League Division Series
against the Boston Red Sox
, Zito went 7 innings, striking out 9, walking 2, and allowed 1 earned run. In Game 5, Zito went 6 innings and allowed 4 earned runs. Zito was the losing pitcher. The Red Sox won the game and the series.
In 2005, Zito again struggled in the month of April. He went 0-4 with a 6.60 ERA. However, Zito pitched better the rest of the season. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in July. He went 6-0 with a 2.51 earned run average. In 35 starts, Zito went 14-13 with a 3.86 earned run average
. Zito's 35 starts were the most in Major League Baseball that season and it showed his durability as a pitcher.
In 2006, Zito went 1.1 innings and allowed 7 earned runs against the New York Yankees
. It was the shortest outing of his career. However, Zito quickly rebounded from that bad start. When the All Star Break rolled around, Zito was 8-6 with a 3.29 earned run average. He was named the starting pitcher for the 2006 Major League All-Star Game. The 2006 season was also Zito's last season with the Athletics. On August 25, Zito earned his 100th career win when he defeated the Texas Rangers
. Zito would helped the Athletics reached the postseason. The Athletics would lose in American League Championship to the Detroit Tigers
.
He threw 200 or more innings in each of his six full seasons with the A's. Zito never missed a scheduled start and led the American League
in starts four times. He was named to the American League All-Star Team
in 2002, 2003, and 2006
.
Zito replaced his agent Arn Tellem
with Scott Boras
in July 2006. Zito was a focal point of the 2006 trade deadline, and was widely rumored to be headed to the Mets in a potential deal for prospect Lastings Milledge
. A's general manager Billy Beane
decided to keep him for the rest of the season. Zito was offered to the Philadelphia Phillies
in exchange for Michael Bourn
, Ryan Madson
, and Chase Utley
, but the then-GM of the Phillies Ed Wade
said the price was too much and turned it down.
, Zito signed a seven-year deal with the San Francisco Giants
worth $126 million, plus $18 million option for 2014 with a $7 million buyout. Zito's contract on December 29, 2006, became the highest for any pitcher in Major League
history at the time.
During spring training in 2007
, he and Barry Bonds
made shirts that read "Don't ask me, ask Barry" with an arrow pointing to the other Barry. By all accounts, Zito and Bonds got along well during their short time as teammates, and Zito made a point of saying he would stand by Bonds through onslaughts from the media.
In his first start as a member of the Giants, Zito went 5 innings and allowed 2 earned runs against the San Diego Padres
. He would take the loss. In his next start, Zito struggled. He went 6 innings but allowed 8 earned runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers
. Zito would earned his first win as a member of the Giants in his next start when he went 6 innings, gave up 3 hits, and allowed no runs. "I've been trying to have a good game," Zito said. "You can't try to do anything. You either do or you don't. I tried to get too fine with my pitches. I wasn't aggressive." Rockies manager Clint Hurdle
gave Zito credit by saying,"We faced a tough pitcher. We are not playing the way that we believe we can play. We have to continue to believe what we believe in, but you can't let your confidence get swayed."
On May 18, Zito made his return to Oakland as a Giant. He lasted only four inning
s as he gave up seven run
s while walking seven, including two bases loaded walks. The A's beat the Giants, 15–3. He faced his old team again on June 9, this time in San Francisco. Zito pitched four innings while giving up three earned run
s on nine hits
.
Zito made his first Major League relief appearance on August 5 against the San Diego Padres
, due to an early exit by starter Noah Lowry
and an overworked bullpen. Zito pitched a scoreless seventh inning. He recorded his first career RBI
two days later against the Washington Nationals
, in the same game that Barry Bonds
hit his record-breaking 756th career home run.
After Zito's start on August 12, his ERA was 5.13. Over his next four starts, he lowered his ERA to 4.46. He admitted that he had put pressure on himself to perform because of the large contract and was learning that he just needed to be himself. Zito also said that it had been difficult for him to adjust to a new league, team, and ballpark. On the final day of the season, in Los Angeles
against the Dodgers
, Zito allowed two runs on five hits and had four strikeouts in an 11–2 win.
Zito began the 2008 season
as the oldest starter and the veteran presence in the Giants' starting rotation. In April, Zito went 0–6 with a 7.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was the third pitcher in the last 52 years to go 0–6 before May 1. On April 28, 2008, the Giants moved him to the bullpen
. Zito did not make an appearance out of the bullpen and returned to the rotation on May 7, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, Zito allowed 5 hits and 2 earned runs over 5 innings and took the loss, his 7th of the season. On May 23, 2008, Zito collected his first win of the 2008 season against the Florida Marlins
. On June 13, 2008, Zito became the first pitcher to record 10 losses in the Major Leagues following the 5–1 loss to Oakland. His 5.1 walks per 9 innings pitched for the season, 51.5% first-pitch-strike percentage, and 14 sacrifice flies allowed, were all the worst in the majors.http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-standard-pitching.shtmlhttp://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-pitches-pitching.shtml
The 2009 season
seemed to have marked a rebound in Zito's pitching performance. Though starting the season 0–2 with an ERA
of 10, Zito ended the season with an ERA
of 4.03. Though going only 10–13 in the season, Zito's record was much more the fault of his spotty run support (the second-lowest in the major leagues) than his performance on the mound. On June 21, 2009, Zito pitched a no hitter through 6 innings against the Texas Rangers
before giving up a hit and then a home run to Andruw Jones
in the 7th inning. He won the game, his fourth win of the season. On July 7, 2009, Zito pitched what could be considered his best game of the season. He pitched 8⅓ innings against the Florida Marlins
, allowing 1 run in 4 hits, striking out 6, and walking 1. He won the game, his fifth win of the season.
Zito started the 2010 season
by pitching 6 shutout innings against the Houston Astros
to earn a win; it was the first time he had won his season opening start since 2003. On April 24, Zito stifled the St. Louis Cardinals
, throwing 8 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts for his 3rd victory of the season, en route to starting the season 5–0 for the first time in his career. On June 12, 2010, Barry Zito earned his first win against his former team, the A's, and has now defeated every MLB team, including the Giants, his current team.
After a strong start to the season, Zito struggled down the stretch, finishing the 2010 regular season 9-14 with a 4.15 ERA. Despite being a stalwart of the starting rotation all season, he was left off the Giants' roster for the post season. Nevertheless, he won his first World Series
ring as a member of the full roster.
Early in the 2011 season Zito experienced his first trip to the disabled list after an injury to his right foot during a fielding play. The injury cost him a permanent spot in San Francisco's starting rotation for the season. His replacement, Ryan Vogelsong
, excelled in his role as a starting pitcher, making the All-Star team and leading San Francisco's starting pitchers in ERA. After Zito's return, the Giants had to juggle six starting pitchers on the roster. Zito was relegated to a utility role, playing when another starter needed rest or for the second game of a double-header. Zito continued to struggle after returning, posting a season record of 3-4 with an ERA approaching 6.00. On August 13th, Zito injured his right ankle on another fielding play in a Triple-A rehab start. Adding to his already injured right foot, it was announced that he would be sidelined indefinitely.
has hovered between 84–88 mph. He augments it with a circle changeup
and a traditional "12-to-6" curveball
that he uses as a strikeout pitch. His curveball was voted the best in the Major Leagues in a player poll conducted by ESPN The Magazine
. Alex Rodriguez
of the New York Yankees
once stated that he had never seen anything like Zito's curveball, commenting: "It's such a high one, and it drops three to four feet. You might as well not even look for it because you're not going to hit it."
Since mid-2004
, Zito has added a two-seam fastball
and a slider
to his arsenal. In the 2009 season, his slider became a prominent part of his repertoire, being used more frequently than his changeup. Zito's diminished velocity at the start of the 2007 season (his fastball velocity slowed to 83–85 mph) and loss of command are the key reasons for his recent struggles, as he more often got behind in the count and had to rely more on his fastball
. Most recently however, his pitching performance has rebounded due to the increased velocity on his fastball and regaining control on his curveball. During the 2009 season, Zito made changes to his delivery, lowering his arm slot from an over the top angle to a three quarters delivery. This change helped his fastball velocity go back up to the 86–89 mph range as well as sharpening the break of his curveball. However, in 2011, he has only sat in the 84-87 mph range with his fastball.
At his introductory press conference with the Giants, Zito said he liked the way his uniform number 75 looked, because the 7 and the 5 are like a "shelf" to hold the name "Zito" up. He carries pink satin pillows on the road, collects stuffed animal
s (such as a good luck teddy bear
, with which he used to travel), and burns incense to relax. Early in his career, Zito dyed his hair blue. He plays guitar, surfs, practices yoga
, and follows Zen
. He has done yoga poses in the outfield, and meditates before games. In 2001
, Zito espoused a universal life force that he credited with his midseason turnaround. His mother Roberta named him after her brother Barry, a beatnik
"freethinker" and acolyte of Zen who mysteriously vanished in 1964 at the age of 22 near Big Sur, California.
He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops
, to which he donates $400 for every strikeout he throws. The charity benefits hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.
His father Joe Zito composed and arranged music for Nat King Cole
in the early 1960s (ca.1961–64), and arranged for the Buffalo Symphony. Zito's late mother Roberta was a classically trained musician who also sang with Nat King Cole's band, in a choral group known as The Merry Young Souls.
His uncle is television actor Patrick Duffy
. In 2003, Zito portrayed a United States Navy petty officer in an episode of JAG
on CBS
. Zito's character, a pitcher, faced assault charges after hitting a Marine with a ball during the annual Navy-Marine all-star baseball game
.
Zito is engaged to Amber Seyer
, and received a marriage license at the Marin County clerk's office on November 18, 2011.
(2010) World Series Champion
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
for the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. He previously played seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, where he won the 2002
2002 Major League Baseball season
The Major League Baseball season finished with the Anaheim Angels defeating the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.-Major league baseball final standings:...
American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
and made three All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
teams.
Zito never missed a scheduled start in his career until 2008, and led the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in starts four times. After the 2006 season
2006 Major League Baseball season
In , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
, Zito signed the most expensive contract in history for a pitcher at the time. Zito is well known for the drastic difference between his pre- and post- All Star Game pitching performance, and has been one of the greatest second half pitchers in MLB history throughout his career. He has also proven to be one of the greatest front running pitchers in recent memory, holding a record of 111-6 when getting at least 4 runs of support.
Zito played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Pierce College
Los Angeles Pierce College
Los Angeles Pierce College, also known as Pierce College, Pierce, is a community college that serves more than 23,000 students in the northern Chalk Hills of Woodland Hills, a community within the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California.The college began with 70 students...
, and the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
. In the 1999 draft
1999 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1999...
, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
with the ninth pick of the first round. Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops which provides money to hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.
Early life
Barry William Zito was born on May 13, 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a late-in-life baby for Roberta and Joe, a show biz couple who met and married while working for Nat King Cole in the 1960s. Joe was Cole’s conductor and arranger, Roberta, a classically trained violinist and pianist, was a singer in the star’s backup group, the Merry Young Souls.High school and college
Zito transferred from El Cajon's Grossmont High School to University of San Diego High SchoolUniversity of San Diego High School
The University of San Diego High School , also known as The University High School or "Uni", was a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school located in San Diego, California...
, a Roman Catholic school where he earned all-league honors with an 8–4 record and 105 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s in 85 inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
s as a senior.
He then attended UC Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara, commonly known as UCSB or UC Santa Barbara, is a public research university and one of the 10 general campuses of the University of California system. The main campus is located on a site in Goleta, California, from Santa Barbara and northwest of Los...
where he earned Freshman All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
Honors with 123 strikeouts in 85⅓ innings. Transferring to Los Angeles Pierce College
Los Angeles Pierce College
Los Angeles Pierce College, also known as Pierce College, Pierce, is a community college that serves more than 23,000 students in the northern Chalk Hills of Woodland Hills, a community within the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California.The college began with 70 students...
, he posted a 2.62 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and went 9–2 with 135 strikeouts in 103 innings, and was named to the all-state and all-conference teams.
He then transferred to USC
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
, where he was a first-team All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
selection by USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
Baseball Weekly, Collegiate Baseball, and Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
. With a 12–3 record, a 3.28 ERA, and 154 strikeouts in 113⅔ innings, Zito was named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year.
While in college, Zito also played in the Cape Cod League, a summer wooden bat league which showcases the nation's top amateur prospects. He led the Wareham Gatemen
Wareham Gatemen
The Wareham Gatemen are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Wareham, MA. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League and plays in the league's Western Division...
to the league championship in 1997, and a runner-up finish in 1998.
Major League Baseball Draft
Zito was taken by the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
in the 59th round (1,586th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft
1996 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1996 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 4 and 5, 1996...
, and in the third round (83rd overall) by the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
in 1998
1998 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1998...
, but did not sign with either team. In the 1999 draft
1999 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1999...
, he was selected by the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
with the ninth pick of the first round, and signed for a $1.59 million bonus.
Minor leagues
In 19991999 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez...
, Zito began his professional career with the Visalia Rawhide, Oakland
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
's Class-A
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team. He went 3–0 with a 2.45 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 8 starts. He struck out
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
62 in 40⅓ inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
s. Zito was promoted to the Midland RockHounds
Midland RockHounds
The Midland RockHounds are a minor league baseball team based in Midland, Texas, USA. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics major league club. The RockHounds play in Citibank Ballpark, located in Midland. Opened in 2002, the stadium seats...
, and went 2–1 with a 4.91 ERA to finish the AA schedule. He then got one start for the AAA
AAA (baseball)
Triple-A refers to the highest level of play in minor league baseball in the United States and Mexico.-Purpose:Triple-A teams' main purpose is to prepare players for the Major Leagues:...
Vancouver Canadians
Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the...
, allowing a lone run with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings.
Zito began the 2000 season
2000 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - New York Yankees*Postseason - October 3 to October 26Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
in AAA with the Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento River Cats
The Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
(the Canadians franchise was moved to Sacramento). He pitched 101⅔ innings in 18 starts, going 8–5 with a 3.19 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 41 walks.
2000
Zito made his major league debut on July 22, 2000, against the Anaheim AngelsLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. He allowed one run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
in five inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
s, and got the win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
.In his next start, Zito went 7 innings while giving up 3 runs to the Red Sox. Zito would continue to have great success early in his rookie season. In his third career start, he went 7 innings and gave up 1 run to against the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
.On September 10, Zito pitched his first complete game shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. Zito threw 110 pitches, struck out 8, and allowed 5 hits. During the month of September, he went 5-1 with a 1.73 ERA. Zito would finished with a 7-4 record and a 2.72 earned run average in 14 starts.
Zito made his postseason debut in Game 4 of the American League Division Series
American League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Division Series determines which two teams from the American League will advance to the American League Championship Series...
against the New York Yankees. Zito went 5.2 innings, struck out 5, walking 2, and allowing an earned run. Zito earned the win. However, the Yankees would win the series, 3-2, and would go on to win their third straight World Series.
2001
In 20012001 Major League Baseball season
The Major League Baseball season finished with the Arizona Diamondbacks defeating the New York Yankees in a Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. The attacks of September 11 pushed the end of the regular-season from September 30 to October 7. Because of that, the World Series was not completed until...
, Zito finished third in the league
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in strikeouts per nine innings (8.61), fourth in strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s (205), sixth in wins (17), eighth in ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(3.49), and tenth in winning percentage
Winning percentage
In sports, a winning percentage is the fraction of games or matches a team or individual has won. It is defined as wins divided by wins plus losses . Ties count as a ½ loss and a ½ win...
(.680). Zito became the sixth lefty aged 23 or younger since 1902
1902 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:* American League: Philadelphia Athletics* National League: Pittsburgh Pirates1902 World Series: Not played due to AL-NL war over player contracts.-American League:*Home Runs: Socks Seybold, Philadelphia Athletics: 16...
to strike out at least 200 batters in a season. After a great rookie season, Zito struggled through the early part of the 2001 season. However, Zito would rebound nicely and by August, he was putting up good pitching numbers. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in August. He went 5-1 with a 1.02 ERA
ERA
Era refers to a long period of historyERA or Era may also refer to:In games and sports:* Earned run average, a baseball statistic* Era Online, a computer game* English Racing Automobiles, a manufacturer of racing carsIn music:...
. Zito would win Pitcher of the Month again in September, going 6-0 with a 1.89 ERA
ERA
Era refers to a long period of historyERA or Era may also refer to:In games and sports:* Earned run average, a baseball statistic* Era Online, a computer game* English Racing Automobiles, a manufacturer of racing carsIn music:...
. During those last 2 months of the season, Zito went 11-1 with a 1.32 ERA
ERA
Era refers to a long period of historyERA or Era may also refer to:In games and sports:* Earned run average, a baseball statistic* Era Online, a computer game* English Racing Automobiles, a manufacturer of racing carsIn music:...
, best in baseball over those last 2 months.
The Athletics made the postseason and played the Yankees in the American League Division Series. Zito pitched in Game 4 against Mike Mussina
Mike Mussina
Michael Cole Mussina , nicknamed Moose, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees ....
and the Yankees. He went 8 innings, striking out 6, walking 1 and allowing an earned run. But Zito took the loss when the Yankees won the game, 1-0. The Yankees would end up taking the series, 3-2.
2002
In 2002, Zito became one of the best pitchers in baseball. On June 22, Zito won his tenth game of the season. It was the earliest that an A's pitcher has reached the 10-win mark since Bob WelchBob Welch
Bob Welch may refer to:*Bob Welch , American baseball pitcher*Bob Welch , American author and newspaper columnist*Bob Welch , American musician; former member of Fleetwood Mac**Bob Welch...
got there on June 15, 1990. Zito was named to the All Star team for the first time in his career. On July 18, he went 7.1 innings while giving up no runs against the Angels. That win gave Zito a team-record 16th straight win at home. Zito would again face the Angels in his next start and it porduced similar results to his last start. He went 6.1 innings and gave up just 1 run. That win gave Zito the most wins by an AL pitcher with 14. Zito would become the AL's first 15 game winner when he beat the Rangers. On August 23, Zito recorded his 18th win of the season, giving him 1 more than his previous career high of 17, in a game against the Tigers.
On August 28, Zito earned his 19th win of the season against the Kansas City Royals. However, Zito loss his bid for a perfect game in the sixth inning when Neifi Perez singled with one out. Zito would give credit to Perez. "You always know what's going on, Zito said. "I wasn't pitching to maintain some kind of no-hitter. I left the ball up the middle and Perez hit it up the middle. It was a good hit."
On September 8, Zito became the first pitcher in the American League to win 20 games when he pitched 7 innings and allowed no earned runs. I'm not pitching for the Cy Young, Zito said. I'm pitching to win as many games as we can for the team and first place. In his next start, against the Mariners, Zito took a no-hitter into the 8th inning before John Olerud signled to leadoff of the 8th inning. Seattle manager Lou Piniella
Lou Piniella
Louis Victor Piniella is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager...
said,"If I had to vote for a Cy Young winner, it would be for the young man who pitched today in Oakland."
In his last start of the season, Zito went 6 innings and allowed just a run against Texas. In his last 10 starts, Zito went 8-0, boosting his chances of winning the AL Cy Young Award. "Barry pitched a gem. He has done that all season long, said Oakland manager Art Howe
Art Howe
Arthur Henry Howe Jr. is a former Major League Baseball infielder, coach, scout and manager. He is an alumnus of the University of Wyoming...
. "Certainly a Cy Young-type season.
In Game 4 of the ALDS, Zito went 6 innings and gave up 3 earned runs against the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
. He earned the win.
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
with a 23–5 record, narrowly defeating Pedro Martínez
Pedro Martínez
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
in the voting. He led the league with 23 wins, was second in winning percentage (.821), and third in both ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (182). Zito's 23 wins was the most by an AL left-hander since Frank Viola
Frank Viola
Frank John Viola, Jr. is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins , New York Mets , Boston Red Sox , Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays . A three-time All-Star, he was named World Series MVP with the Twins in 1987 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 1988...
had 24 wins for Minnesota in 1988. Zito also allowed a .185 average to opposing hitters, the lowest in the AL. Martínez, who'd led the AL in ERA (2.26), strikeouts (239), and winning percentage (.833), became the first pitcher since the introduction of the award to lead his league in each of the three categories and not win the award. Zito became the first A's pitcher to win the Cy Young Award since Dennis Eckersley
Dennis Eckersley
Dennis Lee Eckersley , nicknamed "Eck", is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher. Eckersley had success as a starter, but gained his greatest fame as a closer, becoming the first of only two pitchers in Major League history to have both a 20-win season and a 50-save season in a career .He...
did it in 1992. Zito was also named AL TSN Pitcher of the Year.
2003
In 2003, Zito started off with a win against the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. He went 6 innings and allowed an earned run, an RBI single by John Olerud
John Olerud
John Garrett Olerud , is a former American first baseman in Major League Baseball. Olerud played with the Toronto Blue Jays , New York Mets , Seattle Mariners , New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox ....
in the 1st inning. In his next start, Zito went 7 innings, struck out 7, walked 4, and allowed one run against Texas. In the process, he became only the fifth A's pitcher to win 10 straight games, the first since Bob Welch in 1990. On April 18, Zito went 9 innings, allowed 6 hits, and no runs in a start against the Rangers. Zito improved to 9-0 in his career against Texas. After the game, Texas manager Buck Showalter said,"I got the feeling he made it look pretty easy. When he has that kind of command, you can see what happens." Zito struggled in his second-to last start before the All-Star Break. He allowed 7 earned runs and 15 hits against the Rays. The 15 hits allowed were a career high. Rays manager Lou Piniella was stunned by Zito's bad start. He said,"If you'd have told me we'd get 15 hits off Zito in five or six innings, I would have looked at you a little funny." Nevertheless, Zito bounced back in his next start. He went 8 innings without surrendering a run against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. Zito was again named to the All Star team, the second time he has been named to the team.
In 2003
2003 Major League Baseball season
*World Series MVP: Josh Beckett**American League Championship Series MVP: Mariano Rivera**National League Championship Series MVP: Iván Rodríguez*All-Star Game, July 15 at U.S...
, Zito was seventh in the AL in ERA (3.30). He was tenth in strikeouts in 2004
2004 Major League Baseball season
* Playoff MVPs** Manny Ramírez ** David Ortiz ** Albert Pujols * All-Star Game, July 13 at Minute Maid Park: American League, 9-4; Alfonso Soriano, MVP-References:* *...
(163), and fifth in 2005
2005 Major League Baseball season
Click on any series score to link to that series' page.Higher seed had home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.The American League champion had home field advantage during the World Series as a result of the AL victory in the 2005 All-Star...
(171). Zito had a streak of 14 consecutive starts (and 20 out of 21) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.
In Game 2 of the American League Division Series
American League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Division Series determines which two teams from the American League will advance to the American League Championship Series...
against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, Zito went 7 innings, striking out 9, walking 2, and allowed 1 earned run. In Game 5, Zito went 6 innings and allowed 4 earned runs. Zito was the losing pitcher. The Red Sox won the game and the series.
2004-2006 seasons
In the 2004, Zito struggled and posted his worst numbers in his career at the time. Zito went 2-3 with a 6.83 ERA in the month of April. He went 11-11 with a 4.48 earned run average. That was his only year with the Athletics that Zito's earned run average was more than 4.00.In 2005, Zito again struggled in the month of April. He went 0-4 with a 6.60 ERA. However, Zito pitched better the rest of the season. Zito was named Pitcher of the Month in July. He went 6-0 with a 2.51 earned run average. In 35 starts, Zito went 14-13 with a 3.86 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
. Zito's 35 starts were the most in Major League Baseball that season and it showed his durability as a pitcher.
In 2006, Zito went 1.1 innings and allowed 7 earned runs against the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. It was the shortest outing of his career. However, Zito quickly rebounded from that bad start. When the All Star Break rolled around, Zito was 8-6 with a 3.29 earned run average. He was named the starting pitcher for the 2006 Major League All-Star Game. The 2006 season was also Zito's last season with the Athletics. On August 25, Zito earned his 100th career win when he defeated the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. Zito would helped the Athletics reached the postseason. The Athletics would lose in American League Championship to the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
.
He threw 200 or more innings in each of his six full seasons with the A's. Zito never missed a scheduled start and led the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in starts four times. He was named to the American League All-Star Team
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
in 2002, 2003, and 2006
2006 Major League Baseball season
In , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
.
Zito replaced his agent Arn Tellem
Arn Tellem
Arn H. Tellem is a sports agent notable for his representation of basketball and baseball players. He is the principal of WMG Management, a part of the Wasserman Media Group headed by Casey Wasserman. Since 2009 he has written a weekly sports column for The Huffington Post...
with Scott Boras
Scott Boras
Scott Boras is an American sports agent, specializing in baseball. He is the founder, owner and president of the Boras Corporation, a sports agency based in Newport Beach, Calif. that represents roughly 175 professional baseball clients, including many of the game's highest-profile players...
in July 2006. Zito was a focal point of the 2006 trade deadline, and was widely rumored to be headed to the Mets in a potential deal for prospect Lastings Milledge
Lastings Milledge
Lastings Darnell Milledge is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He was the youngest player in the National League during the 2006 season.-Early life:Milledge was born in Bradenton, Florida...
. A's general manager Billy Beane
Billy Beane
William Lamar "Billy" Beane III is a former Major League Baseball player and the current general manager and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics...
decided to keep him for the rest of the season. Zito was offered to the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in exchange for Michael Bourn
Michael Bourn
Michael Ray Bourn is a professional baseball outfielder with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. He serves as the Atlanta Braves leadoff hitter. He has also been a member of the United States national baseball team....
, Ryan Madson
Ryan Madson
Ryan Michael Madson , nicknamed "Mad Dog", is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a currently a free agent...
, and Chase Utley
Chase Utley
Chase Cameron Utley is a second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. A native of the Greater Los Angeles area, he was raised in the city of Long Beach. He was a star baseball player at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, before moving on to UCLA...
, but the then-GM of the Phillies Ed Wade
Ed Wade
Ed Wade is the former General Manager of the Houston Astros.-Early career in baseball:Wade started his baseball career in 1977 as an intern in the Phillies public relations department. In 1977, he was named public relations assistant for the Astros and was promoted to public relations director in...
said the price was too much and turned it down.
San Francisco Giants (2007–Present)
Following his seventh season with the A'sOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, Zito signed a seven-year deal with the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
worth $126 million, plus $18 million option for 2014 with a $7 million buyout. Zito's contract on December 29, 2006, became the highest for any pitcher in Major League
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
history at the time.
During spring training in 2007
2007 Major League Baseball season
The 2007 Major League Baseball season, began on April 1 with a rematch of the 2006 National League Championship Series; the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets played the first game of the season at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, which was won by the Mets, 6–1...
, he and Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
made shirts that read "Don't ask me, ask Barry" with an arrow pointing to the other Barry. By all accounts, Zito and Bonds got along well during their short time as teammates, and Zito made a point of saying he would stand by Bonds through onslaughts from the media.
In his first start as a member of the Giants, Zito went 5 innings and allowed 2 earned runs against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. He would take the loss. In his next start, Zito struggled. He went 6 innings but allowed 8 earned runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. Zito would earned his first win as a member of the Giants in his next start when he went 6 innings, gave up 3 hits, and allowed no runs. "I've been trying to have a good game," Zito said. "You can't try to do anything. You either do or you don't. I tried to get too fine with my pitches. I wasn't aggressive." Rockies manager Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle
Clinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
gave Zito credit by saying,"We faced a tough pitcher. We are not playing the way that we believe we can play. We have to continue to believe what we believe in, but you can't let your confidence get swayed."
On May 18, Zito made his return to Oakland as a Giant. He lasted only four inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
s as he gave up seven run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
s while walking seven, including two bases loaded walks. The A's beat the Giants, 15–3. He faced his old team again on June 9, this time in San Francisco. Zito pitched four innings while giving up three earned run
Earned run
In baseball, an earned run is any run for which the pitcher is held accountable . Any runner who tags his base and reaches home plate is scored against the pitcher as an earned run...
s on nine hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
.
Zito made his first Major League relief appearance on August 5 against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, due to an early exit by starter Noah Lowry
Noah Lowry
Noah Ryan Lowry is a free agent left-handed starting pitcher formerly of the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball.-College and the MLB Draft:...
and an overworked bullpen. Zito pitched a scoreless seventh inning. He recorded his first career RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
two days later against the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
, in the same game that Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
hit his record-breaking 756th career home run.
After Zito's start on August 12, his ERA was 5.13. Over his next four starts, he lowered his ERA to 4.46. He admitted that he had put pressure on himself to perform because of the large contract and was learning that he just needed to be himself. Zito also said that it had been difficult for him to adjust to a new league, team, and ballpark. On the final day of the season, in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
against the Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, Zito allowed two runs on five hits and had four strikeouts in an 11–2 win.
Zito began the 2008 season
2008 Major League Baseball season
The 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the...
as the oldest starter and the veteran presence in the Giants' starting rotation. In April, Zito went 0–6 with a 7.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was the third pitcher in the last 52 years to go 0–6 before May 1. On April 28, 2008, the Giants moved him to the bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
. Zito did not make an appearance out of the bullpen and returned to the rotation on May 7, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, Zito allowed 5 hits and 2 earned runs over 5 innings and took the loss, his 7th of the season. On May 23, 2008, Zito collected his first win of the 2008 season against the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
. On June 13, 2008, Zito became the first pitcher to record 10 losses in the Major Leagues following the 5–1 loss to Oakland. His 5.1 walks per 9 innings pitched for the season, 51.5% first-pitch-strike percentage, and 14 sacrifice flies allowed, were all the worst in the majors.http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-standard-pitching.shtmlhttp://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-pitches-pitching.shtml
The 2009 season
2009 Major League Baseball season
The 2009 Major League Baseball season began on Sunday, April 5, 2009 with the Atlanta Braves defeating the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies 4–1. The regular season ended on October 6, extended two days for a one-game playoff between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins to...
seemed to have marked a rebound in Zito's pitching performance. Though starting the season 0–2 with an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 10, Zito ended the season with an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 4.03. Though going only 10–13 in the season, Zito's record was much more the fault of his spotty run support (the second-lowest in the major leagues) than his performance on the mound. On June 21, 2009, Zito pitched a no hitter through 6 innings against the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
before giving up a hit and then a home run to Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones
Andruw Rudolf Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Jones made his debut during the 1996 season. In the 1996 World Series, Jones became the youngest player to ever homered in the postseason...
in the 7th inning. He won the game, his fourth win of the season. On July 7, 2009, Zito pitched what could be considered his best game of the season. He pitched 8⅓ innings against the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
, allowing 1 run in 4 hits, striking out 6, and walking 1. He won the game, his fifth win of the season.
Zito started the 2010 season
2010 Major League Baseball season
The 2010 Major League Baseball season began Sunday, April 4, when the Boston Red Sox defeated their long-time rivals, the 2009 World Series champion New York Yankees at Fenway Park, 9–7; the regular season ended on October 3. The 2010 All-Star Game was played on July 13 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim...
by pitching 6 shutout innings against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
to earn a win; it was the first time he had won his season opening start since 2003. On April 24, Zito stifled the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, throwing 8 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts for his 3rd victory of the season, en route to starting the season 5–0 for the first time in his career. On June 12, 2010, Barry Zito earned his first win against his former team, the A's, and has now defeated every MLB team, including the Giants, his current team.
After a strong start to the season, Zito struggled down the stretch, finishing the 2010 regular season 9-14 with a 4.15 ERA. Despite being a stalwart of the starting rotation all season, he was left off the Giants' roster for the post season. Nevertheless, he won his first World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
ring as a member of the full roster.
Early in the 2011 season Zito experienced his first trip to the disabled list after an injury to his right foot during a fielding play. The injury cost him a permanent spot in San Francisco's starting rotation for the season. His replacement, Ryan Vogelsong
Ryan Vogelsong
Ryan Andrew Vogelsong is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. In addition to an earlier stint with the Giants , he has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , and for Nippon Professional Baseball's Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes .-Amateur career:He graduated from Octorara...
, excelled in his role as a starting pitcher, making the All-Star team and leading San Francisco's starting pitchers in ERA. After Zito's return, the Giants had to juggle six starting pitchers on the roster. Zito was relegated to a utility role, playing when another starter needed rest or for the second game of a double-header. Zito continued to struggle after returning, posting a season record of 3-4 with an ERA approaching 6.00. On August 13th, Zito injured his right ankle on another fielding play in a Triple-A rehab start. Adding to his already injured right foot, it was announced that he would be sidelined indefinitely.
Pitching style
Zito's fastballFastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
has hovered between 84–88 mph. He augments it with a circle changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
and a traditional "12-to-6" curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
that he uses as a strikeout pitch. His curveball was voted the best in the Major Leagues in a player poll conducted by ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network in Bristol, Connecticut in the United States. The first issue was published on March 11, 1998....
. Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
once stated that he had never seen anything like Zito's curveball, commenting: "It's such a high one, and it drops three to four feet. You might as well not even look for it because you're not going to hit it."
Since mid-2004
2004 Major League Baseball season
* Playoff MVPs** Manny Ramírez ** David Ortiz ** Albert Pujols * All-Star Game, July 13 at Minute Maid Park: American League, 9-4; Alfonso Soriano, MVP-References:* *...
, Zito has added a two-seam fastball
Two-seam fastball
A two-seam fastball is a pitch in baseball and a variant of the straight fastball. The pitch has the speed of a fastball, but the general movement of a screwball...
and a slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
to his arsenal. In the 2009 season, his slider became a prominent part of his repertoire, being used more frequently than his changeup. Zito's diminished velocity at the start of the 2007 season (his fastball velocity slowed to 83–85 mph) and loss of command are the key reasons for his recent struggles, as he more often got behind in the count and had to rely more on his fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
. Most recently however, his pitching performance has rebounded due to the increased velocity on his fastball and regaining control on his curveball. During the 2009 season, Zito made changes to his delivery, lowering his arm slot from an over the top angle to a three quarters delivery. This change helped his fastball velocity go back up to the 86–89 mph range as well as sharpening the break of his curveball. However, in 2011, he has only sat in the 84-87 mph range with his fastball.
Awards
– Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year- 1999 – First-Team College All-American
- 1999 – Pac-10 Conference All-Star – AAAAAA (baseball)Triple-A refers to the highest level of play in minor league baseball in the United States and Mexico.-Purpose:Triple-A teams' main purpose is to prepare players for the Major Leagues:...
All-Star - 20022002 Major League Baseball seasonThe Major League Baseball season finished with the Anaheim Angels defeating the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.-Major league baseball final standings:...
– Baseball AmericaBaseball AmericaBaseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
First-Team Major LeagueMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
All-Star - 2002 – Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
(ALAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
) - 20022002 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 73rd playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues that make up Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 9, 2002 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the home of...
– All-StarMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
(AL) - 20032003 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 74th midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues constituting Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 15, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois, the home of the Chicago...
– All-Star (AL) - 20062006 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 77th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh,...
– All-Star (AL)
Personal life
Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies and his offbeat personality. He has earned the nicknames "Planet Zito" and "Captain Quirk".At his introductory press conference with the Giants, Zito said he liked the way his uniform number 75 looked, because the 7 and the 5 are like a "shelf" to hold the name "Zito" up. He carries pink satin pillows on the road, collects stuffed animal
Stuffed animal
A stuffed toy is a toy sewn from cloth, plush, or other textiles, and stuffed with straw, beans, plastic pellets, cotton, synthetic fibres, or other similar materials. Stuffed toys are also known as plush toys A stuffed toy is a toy sewn from cloth, plush, or other textiles, and stuffed with straw,...
s (such as a good luck teddy bear
Teddy bear
The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries, often serving the purpose of entertaining children. In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector's items...
, with which he used to travel), and burns incense to relax. Early in his career, Zito dyed his hair blue. He plays guitar, surfs, practices yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
, and follows Zen
Zen
Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism founded by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. The word Zen is from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word Chán , which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which can be approximately translated as "meditation" or "meditative state."Zen...
. He has done yoga poses in the outfield, and meditates before games. In 2001
2001 Major League Baseball season
The Major League Baseball season finished with the Arizona Diamondbacks defeating the New York Yankees in a Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. The attacks of September 11 pushed the end of the regular-season from September 30 to October 7. Because of that, the World Series was not completed until...
, Zito espoused a universal life force that he credited with his midseason turnaround. His mother Roberta named him after her brother Barry, a beatnik
Beatnik
Beatnik was a media stereotype of the 1950s and early 1960s that displayed the more superficial aspects of the Beat Generation literary movement of the 1950s and violent film images, along with a cartoonish depiction of the real-life people and the spiritual quest in Jack Kerouac's autobiographical...
"freethinker" and acolyte of Zen who mysteriously vanished in 1964 at the age of 22 near Big Sur, California.
He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops
Strikeouts for Troops
Strikeouts for Troops is a project started by Barry Zito to help wounded soldiers that are being treated at military hospitals. Each participating pitcher donates a certain amount of money depending on how many strikeouts they record in each season. After visiting a military hospital, Zito decided...
, to which he donates $400 for every strikeout he throws. The charity benefits hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.
His father Joe Zito composed and arranged music for Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole
Nathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
in the early 1960s (ca.1961–64), and arranged for the Buffalo Symphony. Zito's late mother Roberta was a classically trained musician who also sang with Nat King Cole's band, in a choral group known as The Merry Young Souls.
His uncle is television actor Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy
Patrick George Duffy is an American character actor of stage and film. He is best known for his role on the CBS television drama Dallas, where he played Bobby Ewing from 1978 to 1985 and from 1986 to 1991, Duffy returns to reprise his role as Bobby in a new up-to-date Dallas currently scheduled to...
. In 2003, Zito portrayed a United States Navy petty officer in an episode of JAG
JAG (TV series)
JAG is an American adventure/legal drama television show that was produced by Belisarius Productions, in association with Paramount Network Television and, for the first season only, NBC Productions...
on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
. Zito's character, a pitcher, faced assault charges after hitting a Marine with a ball during the annual Navy-Marine all-star baseball game
United States Navy Baseball
The modern United States Navy Baseball Club was founded by retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord in Pensacola, Florida in 1990 before moving to San Diego for the 1993 season. This program is the leader in armed forces baseball in the modern era. Allvord went on to establish over 40...
.
Zito is engaged to Amber Seyer
Amber Seyer
Amber Marie Seyer is a beauty queen from Oran, Missouri who has competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant and competed for the Miss USA title in 2007....
, and received a marriage license at the Marin County clerk's office on November 18, 2011.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
- List of Major League Baseball wins champions
External links
(2010) World Series Champion