Zack Greinke
Encyclopedia
Donald Zackary "Zack" Greinke (ˈɡrɪŋki ; born October 21, 1983) is a Major League Baseball
starting pitcher
for the Milwaukee Brewers
. Greinke won the American League
Cy Young Award
in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals
.
. After being named the Gatorade
National Player of the Year in 2002, he was selected out of Apopka High School
in the first round of the 2002
draft. Greinke turned down a scholarship to Clemson
to sign with the Royals.
In 2003, he played for the Wilmington Blue Rocks
and Wichita Wranglers
, where he was named the Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, and The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year, with a 4-15 record and 10.93 ERA.
. Greinke's first major league hit
was a home run
off Arizona Diamondbacks
pitcher Russ Ortiz
in a 12–11 loss on June 10, 2005.
When Greinke was 22, he almost quit baseball. He has stated that he was "surprised I came back" to baseball. He left spring training
for personal reasons in late February 2006. It was later revealed that he was suffering from social anxiety disorder
and depression
. He reported back to the Royals' spring training facility in Surprise, Arizona, on April 17, where he underwent ongoing pitching sessions. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list
due to psychological issues and took time away from baseball entirely until returning on a rehab assignment with Wichita.
In 2007, he returned to the Royals rotation at the start of the season, but was sent to the bullpen in early May. Greinke's 2008 saw him return to the rotation and put up a good year. His 3.47 ERA was the best by a full-time Royals starter in 11 years. On January 26, 2009, Greinke agreed to a four-year contract with the Royals worth $38 million.
Greinke started off 2009 by not allowing a run in his first 24 innings. Greinke's 2008 ended with 14 scoreless innings, which meant that for 38 innings in a row, he had not given up a run. Greinke was named American League Pitcher of the Month
for April for all tops in the Majors his 5 wins, 0.50 ERA and 44 strikeouts. On August 25, Greinke struck out 15 batters, breaking Mark Gubicza
's record for strikeouts in a single game for the Royals. On August 30, Greinke had a one-hit complete game against the Seattle Mariners.
His record for the 2009 season was 16–8, and he posted an ERA of 2.16, the lowest in MLB. On October 21, Greinke was named American League Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News
. On October 28, Greinke was awarded the MLBPA Players Choice AL Pitcher of the Year, which was announced during Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio. On November 17, 2009, Greinke won the American League
Cy Young Award
. Greinke credited some of his performance to his use of "modern pitching metrics"—statistics on team defense and defense independent pitching statistics
—to calibrate his own approach to pitching. Greinke specifically mentioned "FIP" (fielding independent pitching), an indicator developed by sabermetrician
Tom Tango
, as his favorite statistic. "That's pretty much how I pitch, to try to keep my FIP as low as possible.
and 2 million dollars for Alcides Escobar
, Lorenzo Cain
, Jeremy Jeffress
, and Jake Odorizzi
. He was given the number 13, instead of his preferred number 23, due to number 23 already being issued to Rickie Weeks
. In February 2011, Greinke suffered a fractured rib while playing basketball. He subsequently started the 2011 season on the disabled list.
Greinke made his Brewers debut on May 4, 2011. Greinke finished second on the team in wins despite missing the first month of the season and as many as 5 starts. He finished 2011 with a 16–6 record, a 3.83 ERA, and 201 strikeouts (7th in the NL) in 171 innings pitched while surrendering only 45 walks. Greinke became only the fifth Brewer pitcher to strike out 200+ batters in a season. He was fourth in the NL in won-lost percentage (.727), and sixth in wins. He was also exceptional at Miller Park, going 11–0 for the season at the Brewers home park.
that he can throw consistently from 92–96 mph
and occasionally 97. Depending on the field that he is pitching in, he also throws a 2-seam fastball
to try to induce ground balls. His best pitch is considered his slider
that many current major league players say is the best pitch in all of baseball, having sharp 12–6 movement, ranging from 86–90 mph. Greinke also throws 2 curveballs
, one in the mid to upper 70's, and one that he throws as slow as possible in the 60's, and even 50's.
. Kuchar is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
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...
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 Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. Greinke won 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...
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 2009 with the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
.
High school & minor leagues
Greinke was born in Orlando, FloridaOrlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
. After being named the Gatorade
Gatorade
Gatorade is a brand of sports-themed food and beverage products, built around its signature product: a line of sports drinks. Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, distributed in over 80 countries...
National Player of the Year in 2002, he was selected out of Apopka High School
Apopka High School
Apopka High School is a high school located in Apopka in northwest Orange County, Florida, United States. The school has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.The school serves grades 9 through 12...
in the first round of the 2002
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:...
draft. Greinke turned down a scholarship to Clemson
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
to sign with the Royals.
In 2003, he played for the Wilmington Blue Rocks
Wilmington Blue Rocks
The Wilmington Blue Rocks are a Minor League Baseball team located in Wilmington, Delaware. The Blue Rocks play in the Northern Division of the Carolina League.-Franchise history:...
and Wichita Wranglers
Wichita Wranglers
The Wichita Wranglers were a minor league baseball team based in Wichita, Kansas. The team, which played in the Texas League, was the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major-league club from 1995 to 2007, and of the San Diego Padres from 1987 to 1994. The Wranglers played in...
, where he was named the Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, and The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year, with a 4-15 record and 10.93 ERA.
Kansas City Royals (2004-10)
Greinke made his major league debut on May 22, 2004 against the Oakland AthleticsOakland 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....
. Greinke's first major league hit
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....
was a home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
off Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona 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...
pitcher Russ Ortiz
Russ Ortiz
Russell Reid Ortiz is a retired Major League baseball pitcher. Ortiz played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers...
in a 12–11 loss on June 10, 2005.
When Greinke was 22, he almost quit baseball. He has stated that he was "surprised I came back" to baseball. He left spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
for personal reasons in late February 2006. It was later revealed that he was suffering from social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder , also known as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear in social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life...
and depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
. He reported back to the Royals' spring training facility in Surprise, Arizona, on April 17, where he underwent ongoing pitching sessions. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
due to psychological issues and took time away from baseball entirely until returning on a rehab assignment with Wichita.
In 2007, he returned to the Royals rotation at the start of the season, but was sent to the bullpen in early May. Greinke's 2008 saw him return to the rotation and put up a good year. His 3.47 ERA was the best by a full-time Royals starter in 11 years. On January 26, 2009, Greinke agreed to a four-year contract with the Royals worth $38 million.
Greinke started off 2009 by not allowing a run in his first 24 innings. Greinke's 2008 ended with 14 scoreless innings, which meant that for 38 innings in a row, he had not given up a run. Greinke was named American League Pitcher of the Month
Pitcher of the Month
The Pitcher of the Month award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league for each month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award in . The American League followed in...
for April for all tops in the Majors his 5 wins, 0.50 ERA and 44 strikeouts. On August 25, Greinke struck out 15 batters, breaking Mark Gubicza
Mark Gubicza
Mark Steven Gubicza is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for 14 seasons for the Kansas City Royals and Anaheim Angels . He currently does color commentary for Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim games on Fox Sports...
's record for strikeouts in a single game for the Royals. On August 30, Greinke had a one-hit complete game against the Seattle Mariners.
His record for the 2009 season was 16–8, and he posted an ERA of 2.16, the lowest in MLB. On October 21, Greinke was named American League Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News
The Sporting News
Sporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
. On October 28, Greinke was awarded the MLBPA Players Choice AL Pitcher of the Year, which was announced during Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio. On November 17, 2009, Greinke won 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...
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...
. Greinke credited some of his performance to his use of "modern pitching metrics"—statistics on team defense and defense independent pitching statistics
Defense independent pitching statistics
In baseball, defense-independent pitching statistics measure a pitcher's effectiveness based only on plays that do not involve fielders: home runs allowed, strikeouts, hit batters, walks, and, more recently, fly ball percentage, ground ball percentage, and line drive percentage...
—to calibrate his own approach to pitching. Greinke specifically mentioned "FIP" (fielding independent pitching), an indicator developed by sabermetrician
Sabermetrics
Sabermetrics is the specialized analysis of baseball through objective, empirical evidence, specifically baseball statistics that measure in-game activity. The term is derived from the acronym SABR, which stands for the Society for American Baseball Research...
Tom Tango
Tom Tango
Tom Tango and "TangoTiger" are aliases used online by a well-respected expert in baseball sabermetrics and ice hockey statistical analysis. He runs the Tango on Baseball sabermetrics website and is also a contributor to ESPN's baseball blog TMI .In 2006, Tango's book The Book: Playing the...
, as his favorite statistic. "That's pretty much how I pitch, to try to keep my FIP as low as possible.
Milwaukee Brewers (2011-present)
On December 17, 2010, Greinke reportedly asked the Royals to trade him, citing he was not motivated to play for a rebuilding team. On December 19, he was traded to the Brewers with Yuniesky BetancourtYuniesky Betancourt
Yuniesky Betancourt is a Major League Baseball shortstop. He resides in Boca Raton, Florida.-Cuban leagues:...
and 2 million dollars for Alcides Escobar
Alcides Escobar
Alcides Escobar is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Kansas City Royals. He was considered the best-fielding infielder in the Brewers' organization and was previously one of the top prospects in the organization...
, Lorenzo Cain
Lorenzo Cain
Lorenzo Lamar Cain is an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Minor leagues:...
, Jeremy Jeffress
Jeremy Jeffress
Jeremy Ross Jeffress is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Milwaukee Brewers:...
, and Jake Odorizzi
Jake Odorizzi
Jacob Odorizzi is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization.-Amateur career:Odorizzi attended Highland High School, where he led the Highland Bulldogs to the state championship....
. He was given the number 13, instead of his preferred number 23, due to number 23 already being issued to Rickie Weeks
Rickie Weeks
Rickie Darnell Weeks is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers....
. In February 2011, Greinke suffered a fractured rib while playing basketball. He subsequently started the 2011 season on the disabled list.
Greinke made his Brewers debut on May 4, 2011. Greinke finished second on the team in wins despite missing the first month of the season and as many as 5 starts. He finished 2011 with a 16–6 record, a 3.83 ERA, and 201 strikeouts (7th in the NL) in 171 innings pitched while surrendering only 45 walks. Greinke became only the fifth Brewer pitcher to strike out 200+ batters in a season. He was fourth in the NL in won-lost percentage (.727), and sixth in wins. He was also exceptional at Miller Park, going 11–0 for the season at the Brewers home park.
Repertoire
Greinke has a 4-seam fastballFour-seam fastball
A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family...
that he can throw consistently from 92–96 mph
Miles per hour
Miles per hour is an imperial unit of speed expressing the number of statute miles covered in one hour. It is currently the standard unit used for speed limits, and to express speeds generally, on roads in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is also often used to express the speed of...
and occasionally 97. Depending on the field that he is pitching in, he also throws a 2-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...
to try to induce ground balls. His best pitch is considered his 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....
that many current major league players say is the best pitch in all of baseball, having sharp 12–6 movement, ranging from 86–90 mph. Greinke also throws 2 curveballs
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...
, one in the mid to upper 70's, and one that he throws as slow as possible in the 60's, and even 50's.
Personal life
Greinke is married to Miss Daytona Beach USA 2008 Emily Kuchar. Greinke met Kuchar in high school at Apopka High SchoolApopka High School
Apopka High School is a high school located in Apopka in northwest Orange County, Florida, United States. The school has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.The school serves grades 9 through 12...
. Kuchar is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.