Jeremy Guthrie
Encyclopedia
Jeremy Shane Guthrie is a Major League Baseball
right-handed starting pitcher
for the Baltimore Orioles
.
and grew up in Ashland, Oregon
. As a youth, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout
in the Boy Scouts of America
. Guthrie attended Ashland High School
, where he excelled in basketball, football, baseball, as well as the classroom, where he was class valedictorian. After high school, he attended Brigham Young University
before transferring to Stanford University
, where he was a starting pitcher on their baseball team
.
. He pitched in the regionals that season against MAAC champion Marist College
in the first game and won 5-3. His team made it all the way to the World Series
final in Omaha, but lost 11-1 in the Championship to the Miami Hurricanes
.
in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft
. He signed with the Indians on October 3, 2002. His US $4 million contract
for four years included a US $3 million signing bonus
.
, but was twice called up to the majors to join the Cleveland Indians
as a relief pitcher
. He wore jersey number 57 for both the Bisons and the Indians. After being removed from the 40-man roster following the signing of Trot Nixon
and with no remaining Minor League options
, he was designated for assignment
on January 19, 2007.
on January 29, 2007. Upon joining the team, he requested and was granted permission to wear uniform number
46 from then-executive vice president
of baseball operations Mike Flanagan, who had worn it during his playing career with the ballclub. After starting the year in the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen and then moving into the starting rotation, Guthrie enjoyed a breakout year in 2007, becoming one of the best and most consistent pitchers in the American League
. Through June 21 that year, he ranked 2nd in ERA
and allowing more than two earned runs in just 1 out of 10 starts. He was also first in the AL in WHIP
.
Through the end of July 2007, Guthrie had a 7-3 record in 17 starts to go with a sparkling 2.89 ERA and a 1.027 WHIP (second only to 2-time Cy Young award
winner Johan Santana
), albeit in only 124.7 innings of work. Guthrie's rise to unexpected success in the first half of the season led to consideration for the American League's Rookie of the Year Award.
, defeating the Seattle Mariners
3-1. Throughout the 2008 season, Guthrie emerged as the staff ace of the Baltimore Orioles.
in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
. Guthrie pitched on Opening Day
for the Orioles
against the New York Yankees
before a record Opening Day crowd at Camden Yards. Guthrie pitched six innings and gave up three runs. He was able to get a career high win total in 2010 with 11 although he lost 14.
for them in Spain
. He lives in American Fork, Utah
with his wife, Jenny and three children, including daughter, Avery, and older son, Hudson. The couple's second son was born on July 19, 2010. He also continues to be active in promoting the Scouting program among boys in the Baltimore Area Council.
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 starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
for 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...
.
Early life and education
Guthrie was born in Roseburg, OregonRoseburg, Oregon
Roseburg is a city in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the county seat of Douglas County. The population was 21,181 at the 2010 census.-History:...
and grew up in Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States, near Interstate 5 and the California border, and located in the south end of the Rogue Valley. It was named after Ashland County, Ohio, point of origin of Abel Helman and other founders, and secondarily for Ashland, Kentucky, where other...
. As a youth, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
in the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
. Guthrie attended Ashland High School
Ashland High School (Oregon)
Ashland High School is public high school in Ashland, Oregon, United States near the Southern Oregon University campus.-Academics:In 2008, 81% of the school's seniors received their high school diploma. Of 296 students, 239 graduated, 53 dropped out, 1 received a modified diploma, and 3 are still...
, where he excelled in basketball, football, baseball, as well as the classroom, where he was class valedictorian. After high school, he attended Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private university located in Provo, Utah. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , and is the United States' largest religious university and third-largest private university.Approximately 98% of the university's 34,000 students...
before transferring to Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
, where he was a starting pitcher on their baseball team
Stanford Cardinal baseball
The Stanford Cardinal baseball team represents Stanford University in NCAA Division I college baseball. Along with most other Stanford athletic teams, the baseball team participates in the Pacific-10 Conference. The Cardinal play their home games on campus at the Sunken Diamond, and they are...
.
2001
Guthrie was the ace of the Stanford University staff and formed a battery with Ryan GarkoRyan Garko
Ryan Francis Garko is a professional baseball outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter, who plays for the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball Organization. In college, he was a catcher. He has played for the Cleveland Indians, the San Francisco Giants, and the Texas Rangers in Major...
. He pitched in the regionals that season against MAAC champion Marist College
Marist Red Foxes
Marist College plays NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the MAAC. Other schools in this conference include Siena College, Iona College, Niagara University, Manhattan College, Fairfield University, Loyola College in Maryland, Canisius College, Rider University, and Saint Peter's...
in the first game and won 5-3. His team made it all the way to the World Series
2001 College World Series
The 2001 College World Series was played at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE from June 8 to June 16. The fifty-fifth tournament's champion was the University of Miami, coached by Jim Morris...
final in Omaha, but lost 11-1 in the Championship to the Miami Hurricanes
Miami Hurricanes baseball
The Miami Hurricanes baseball team is the college baseball program that represents the University of Miami.Since 1973, the program has been one of college baseball's elite with 23 College World Series appearances, winning four national championships and advancing to the NCAA regionals a record 39...
.
Cleveland Indians
Guthrie was the first-round selection (22nd overall) of the Cleveland IndiansCleveland 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 2002 Major League Baseball Draft
2002 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 4 and 5.This year's draft is featured in Michael Lewis' 2003 book Moneyball.-First Round Selections:-Supplemental First Round Compensation Selections:...
. He signed with the Indians on October 3, 2002. His US $4 million contract
Contract
A contract is an agreement entered into by two parties or more with the intention of creating a legal obligation, which may have elements in writing. Contracts can be made orally. The remedy for breach of contract can be "damages" or compensation of money. In equity, the remedy can be specific...
for four years included a US $3 million signing bonus
Signing bonus
A signing bonus or sign-on bonus is a sum of money paid to a new employee by a company as an incentive to join that company. They are often given as a way of making a compensation package more attractive to the employee, e.g., if the annual salary is lower than he or she desires...
.
2006
Guthrie spent most of season with the Triple-A Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
, but was twice called up to the majors to join 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...
as a relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
. He wore jersey number 57 for both the Bisons and the Indians. After being removed from the 40-man roster following the signing of Trot Nixon
Trot Nixon
Christopher Trotman Nixon is an American retired professional baseball right fielder. He played from 1996-2008 for three different teams, but is noted primarily for his time with the Boston Red Sox...
and with no remaining Minor League options
Major League Baseball transactions
Major League Baseball transactions are changes made to the roster of a major league team during or after the season. They may include waiving, releasing, and trading players, as well as assigning players to minor league teams.-25-man and 40-man rosters:...
, he was designated for assignment
Designated for assignment
Designated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster. This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another...
on January 19, 2007.
2007
Guthrie was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore 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...
on January 29, 2007. Upon joining the team, he requested and was granted permission to wear uniform number
Uniform number (Major League Baseball)
As in many sports, a baseball player's uniform number has the purpose of identifying the player. However, it has come over time to have a much more significant meaning to the player and fans. A number can be symbolic of a player's legacy, and has resulted in all kinds of superstition...
46 from then-executive vice president
Vice president
A vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
of baseball operations Mike Flanagan, who had worn it during his playing career with the ballclub. After starting the year in the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen and then moving into the starting rotation, Guthrie enjoyed a breakout year in 2007, becoming one of the best and most consistent pitchers in 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...
. Through June 21 that year, he ranked 2nd 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...
and allowing more than two earned runs in just 1 out of 10 starts. He was also first in the AL in WHIP
Walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. It is a measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base...
.
Through the end of July 2007, Guthrie had a 7-3 record in 17 starts to go with a sparkling 2.89 ERA and a 1.027 WHIP (second only to 2-time 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...
winner Johan Santana
Johan Santana
Johan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
), albeit in only 124.7 innings of work. Guthrie's rise to unexpected success in the first half of the season led to consideration for the American League's Rookie of the Year Award.
2008
In August of , Guthrie recorded his first career complete gameComplete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
, defeating the Seattle Mariners
2008 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners season was the 32nd Major League Baseball season in the team's history. Coming off the heels of the previous 2007 season, in which the M's finished with their first winning record since 2003, the team was widely expected to once again compete for the American League West...
3-1. Throughout the 2008 season, Guthrie emerged as the staff ace of the Baltimore Orioles.
2009–Present
Guthrie pitched for Team USAUnited States national baseball team
The United States National Baseball team represents the United States in international baseball competition. The United States has won the previous two Baseball World Cups, having lost this title to the Netherlands in 2011, and is currently second in the IBAF World Rankings, behind Cuba.The team...
in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
2009 World Baseball Classic
The 2009 World Baseball Classic was an international baseball competition. It is the only international baseball tournament to feature a large number of players from the major leagues of North America and Asia. It began on March 5, 2009, and finished March 23, 2009.Japan emerged victorious for the...
. Guthrie pitched on Opening Day
Opening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
for the Orioles
2009 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles' 2009 season was the 109th season in franchise history. The Orioles finished the season last in the AL East with a record of 64-98. It was the fifth consecutive season in which the Orioles had fewer wins than in previous year....
against the New York Yankees
2009 New York Yankees season
The 2009 New York Yankees season was the 107th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees opened their new Yankee Stadium on April 3, 2009, when they hosted an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs...
before a record Opening Day crowd at Camden Yards. Guthrie pitched six innings and gave up three runs. He was able to get a career high win total in 2010 with 11 although he lost 14.
Personal life
At Stanford, he studied sociology; he continues to pursue his degree in the offseason. Guthrie is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he served a two-year missionMissionary (LDS Church)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most active modern practitioners of missionary work, with over 52,000 full-time missionaries worldwide, as of the end of 2010...
for them in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. He lives in American Fork, Utah
American Fork, Utah
American Fork is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, at the foot of Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, north of Utah Lake. It is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 26,263 at the 2010 census, nearly a 20% growth since the 2000 census...
with his wife, Jenny and three children, including daughter, Avery, and older son, Hudson. The couple's second son was born on July 19, 2010. He also continues to be active in promoting the Scouting program among boys in the Baltimore Area Council.