Doug Drabek
Encyclopedia
Douglas Dean Drabek is a former Major League Baseball
right-handed pitcher
. Known for his fluid pitching motion and sound mechanics, he won the National League
Cy Young Award
in 1990.
in Victoria, where he played football and baseball. Drabek was drafted in by the Cleveland Indians
in the 4th round of the June 1980 MLB Draft, but did not sign. He then attended the University of Houston
and played three seasons for the Cougar's baseball team
. Following his Junior year, Drabek was drafted by the Chicago White Sox
in the 11th round of the June 1983 MLB Draft and signed on June 11.
in the short-season New York-Penn League where he finished 6-7 with a 3.67 ERA in 16 games with 103 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings. After pitching one game for the Class A Appleton, Drabek was promoted to the AA Glens Falls White Sox
and was 12-5 with a 2.24 ERA. On 13 August, he was traded to the New York Yankees
along with Kevin Hickey
to complete an earlier deal made on July 18 for Roy Smalley. Drabek then spent the rest of the 1984 season at AA Nashville
. In 1985, Drabek returned to AA and spent the entire season at Albany-Colonie in the Eastern League
and finished with a 13-7 record with a 2.99 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 192 2/3 innings. After starting the 1986 season at AAA Columbus
, Drabek made his Major League debut on May 30, coming in relief for starter Joe Niekro
in a 6-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics
. He would spend the rest of the season with the Yankees, appearing in 27 games (21 starts) and go 7-8 with a 4.10 ERA. Following the season, he was traded with Logan Easley
and Brian Fisher
to the Pittsburgh Pirates
for Rick Rhoden
, Cecilio Guante
and Pat Clements
.
Drabek enjoyed his best years with Pittsburgh, from 1987 to 1992, during which time he regularly pitched over 230 innings and consistently finished in the top 10 in the National League ERA
race. He went 22-6 with a 2.76 ERA in 1990 en route to winning the National League Cy Young Award
and leading the Pirates to the postseason (where they lost in the NLCS
to the Cincinnati Reds
). His 22 wins that year were a league high; it was also 7 more wins than his previous single-season mark.
Drabek signed as a free agent after the 1992 season with the Houston Astros
. Despite a solid 3.79 ERA and playing for a rising team, he posted a 9-18 record. He improved in the strike
-shortened 1994 season to 12-6 with a 2.84 ERA.
When play resumed after the players' strike in 1995, however, he was unable to maintain his success and retired after the 1998 season, having compiled a 35-40 record over his final four seasons.
system as the pitching coach for the Yakima Bears
in the short-season Class A Northwest League
. On 13 December 2010 the D-backs announced that Drabek was promoted to the pitching coach for the Visalia Rawhide in the Class A California League
.
Drabek is married to wife Kristy and has three children; sons Justin (b. 1987) and Kyle
(b. 1988) and daughter Kelsey (b. 1992). Justin spent time playing in independent ball. Kyle is a starting pitcher and is currently in the Toronto Blue Jays
organization after coming over from the Philadelphia Phillies
in the 2009 Roy Halladay
trade.
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...
right-handed 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...
. Known for his fluid pitching motion and sound mechanics, he won the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
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...
in 1990.
Early life
Drabek attended St. Joseph High SchoolSt. Joseph High School (Victoria, Texas)
St. Joseph High School is a co-educational, private Roman Catholic college preparatory high school in Victoria, Texas, USA. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria in Texas.-Background:...
in Victoria, where he played football and baseball. Drabek was drafted in by the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in the 4th round of the June 1980 MLB Draft, but did not sign. He then attended the University of Houston
University of Houston
The University of Houston is a state research university, and is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1927, it is Texas's third-largest university with nearly 40,000 students. Its campus spans 667 acres in southeast Houston, and was known as University of...
and played three seasons for the Cougar's baseball team
Houston Cougars baseball
The Houston Cougars baseball team is the college baseball team of the University of Houston.Along with the university's other athletic teams, the baseball team is a member of the Conference USA as a Division I team. They play their home games at Cougar Field. In addition to numerous NCAA...
. Following his Junior year, Drabek was drafted by the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
in the 11th round of the June 1983 MLB Draft and signed on June 11.
Career
After signing with the White Sox, Drabek was assigned to the Niagara Falls SoxNiagara Falls Sox
The Niagara Falls Sox were a Class-A minor league baseball team located in Niagara Falls, New York. The team played in the New York – Penn League, and were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox. From 1978 to 1979 they were known as the Niagara Falls Pirates, and were affiliated with the Pittsburgh...
in the short-season New York-Penn League where he finished 6-7 with a 3.67 ERA in 16 games with 103 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings. After pitching one game for the Class A Appleton, Drabek was promoted to the AA Glens Falls White Sox
Glens Falls White Sox
The Glens Falls White Sox were an American minor league baseball team from Glens Falls, New York that played in the Eastern League from 1980 until 1985. The team was founded in 1980 as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. In 1986, the team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers and...
and was 12-5 with a 2.24 ERA. On 13 August, he was traded to 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...
along with Kevin Hickey
Kevin Hickey
Kevin John Hickey , is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of six seasons in the majors, between and . for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles....
to complete an earlier deal made on July 18 for Roy Smalley. Drabek then spent the rest of the 1984 season at AA Nashville
Nashville Sounds
The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League , and the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the city's association with the music industry...
. In 1985, Drabek returned to AA and spent the entire season at Albany-Colonie in the Eastern League
Eastern League
Eastern League may refer to:*Eastern League , a professional baseball minor league in the United States*International League, a baseball minor league known as the Eastern League from 1884 to 1912...
and finished with a 13-7 record with a 2.99 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 192 2/3 innings. After starting the 1986 season at AAA Columbus
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
, Drabek made his Major League debut on May 30, coming in relief for starter Joe Niekro
Joe Niekro
Joseph Franklin Niekro was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of Minor League Baseball pitcher Lance Niekro. A native of Blaine, Ohio, Niekro attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and attended West...
in a 6-3 loss to 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....
. He would spend the rest of the season with the Yankees, appearing in 27 games (21 starts) and go 7-8 with a 4.10 ERA. Following the season, he was traded with Logan Easley
Logan Easley
Kenneth Logan Easley is an American former Major League Baseball player. A pitcher, Easley played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in and ....
and Brian Fisher
Brian Fisher
Brian L. Fisher is a field biologist who works on the systematics of arthropods, with a particular focus on ants. He has discovered over 1000 species, including 800 species of ant in Madagascar. He mainly conducts field work in Madagascar and Africa.-Career:After working with the Smithsonian...
to the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for Rick Rhoden
Rick Rhoden
Richard Alan Rhoden is a professional golfer and was a Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 16 year baseball career, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros of the National League; and the New York Yankees of the American League.-Early years:Rhoden was...
, Cecilio Guante
Cecilio Guante
Cecilio Guante Magallane is a former professional Major League Baseball player who played from 1982 to 1990. He made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates and ended his career after playing with the Cleveland Indians. He finished his career with a 29-34 won/loss record and a 3.48 ERA...
and Pat Clements
Pat Clements
Patrick Brian Clements is a retired professional baseball player who played eight seasons for the California Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball.-External links:...
.
Drabek enjoyed his best years with Pittsburgh, from 1987 to 1992, during which time he regularly pitched over 230 innings and consistently finished in the top 10 in the National League 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...
race. He went 22-6 with a 2.76 ERA in 1990 en route to winning the National League 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 leading the Pirates to the postseason (where they lost in the NLCS
National League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
to the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
). His 22 wins that year were a league high; it was also 7 more wins than his previous single-season mark.
Drabek signed as a free agent after the 1992 season with 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...
. Despite a solid 3.79 ERA and playing for a rising team, he posted a 9-18 record. He improved in the strike
Strike action
Strike action, also called labour strike, on strike, greve , or simply strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became...
-shortened 1994 season to 12-6 with a 2.84 ERA.
When play resumed after the players' strike in 1995, however, he was unable to maintain his success and retired after the 1998 season, having compiled a 35-40 record over his final four seasons.
Retirement and personal life
After retiring, Drabek coached his son's Little League and select league teams. Drabek returned to the organized baseball in 2010, accepting a position in the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
system as the pitching coach for the Yakima Bears
Yakima Bears
The Yakima Bears are a minor league baseball team in Yakima, Washington. They are a Short-Season A classification team in the Northwest League and have been a farm team of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2001, formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers from the team's creation in 1990 when the Salem...
in the short-season Class A Northwest League
Northwest League
The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
. On 13 December 2010 the D-backs announced that Drabek was promoted to the pitching coach for the Visalia Rawhide in the Class A California League
California League
The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
.
Drabek is married to wife Kristy and has three children; sons Justin (b. 1987) and Kyle
Kyle Drabek
Kyle Jordan Drabek is an American Major League Baseball pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays. He made his first major league start on September 15, 2010 against the Baltimore Orioles....
(b. 1988) and daughter Kelsey (b. 1992). Justin spent time playing in independent ball. Kyle is a starting pitcher and is currently in 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 ....
organization after coming over from 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 the 2009 Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
trade.