Brandon Webb
Encyclopedia
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball
pitcher
. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award
winner.
in Ashland, Kentucky
, and graduated in 1997.
, where he played for the Kentucky Wildcats baseball
team.
. He made his first major league appearance with the Diamondbacks on April 22, 2003, and finished the season with a 10–9 record. He was honored with Baseball America Rookie of the Year
Award and placed third in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting in the National League.
Webb finished the 2004 season with a 7–16 record, leading the team in losses, as the Diamondbacks won only 51 times.
In 2005, he posted a 14–12 record and an ERA of 3.54. After the season, he signed a four-year contract extension worth a guaranteed $19.5 million and a team option for 2010.
Through his first 13 starts of the season, Webb had an unbroken 8–0 record. He suffered his first losing effort of the season on June 10, in a 5–0 loss to the New York Mets
. An early contender to win the National League
Cy Young Award
, Webb pitched in the 2006 Major League All-Star Game, recording one hitless inning.
Webb struggled in the second half of the season in part due to elbow soreness. Webb did score a win in an emotional outing versus the San Diego Padres
on August 28, pitching seven effective innings. The win came a day after close friend and former UK teammate Jon Hooker and his new bride were among the victims of the doomed Comair Flight 5191
leaving Lexington
.
Webb went on to finish the 2006 season with a record of 16–8 and an ERA
of 3.10, and was recognized with the NL Cy Young Award
. His 16 wins tied five other pitchers for the most victories in the National League
. Webb's win total marked the lowest for a starting pitcher who won the Cy Young in a full season. His 3.10 ERA was the fourth best in the majors.
As of the conclusion of his start on August 17, 2007, Webb had logged an Arizona Diamondbacks
franchise record with 42.0 scoreless innings including three straight complete game shutouts. This is the twelfth longest such streak in major league history, and the fifth longest since 1940, surpassed only by Orel Hershiser
(59), Don Drysdale
(58), Bob Gibson
(47) and Sal Maglie
(45). His three consecutive complete game shutouts during the streak was the longest streak since Roger Clemens
accomplished the same with Toronto in 1998. This streak came to an end when the Milwaukee Brewers
scored in the first inning of his start on August 22, 2007.
On May 15, 2008, Webb won his ninth game in as many starts. Webb became the first pitcher in the Majors to win his first nine starts of the season since Andy Hawkins
won ten in his first ten starts in 1985. Near the end of June, Webb was leading the major leagues in wins. He was 13–4 with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.13. He made the All-Star team and threw a scoreless 14th inning with two strikeouts at Yankee Stadium.
Webb finished the 2008 season with a career high 22 wins and just 7 losses. Despite leading the National League in wins, Webb finished second in the National League Cy Young voting to division rival Tim Lincecum
. His 1.82 ground ball/fly ball ratio was the highest in the major leagues, and the 19 runners who reached base on errors while he was pitching were the most in the majors.http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-ratio-pitching.shtmlhttp://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-basesituation-pitching.shtml
In 2009 he was named #31 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball.
Webb pitched on opening day against the Colorado Rockies
, but was limited to pitching just four innings. On April 7, 2009, he was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis
. On August 3, 2009, Dr. Keith Meister of the Rangers performed surgery on his right shoulder, ending his 2009 season. Despite the injury, the Diamondbacks picked up Webb's $8.5 million option for 2010 after the 2009 season ended. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option. He spent the year rehabbing his injury and did not appear in any games in 2010.
. Webb made his first appearance in a game in more than two years on May 30, 2011, pitching for Double-A Frisco. Over 3 1/3 innings, he allowed five runs on eight hits, struck out two, walked two and hit a batter.
On July 24, the Rangers announced Webb would undergo a second right rotator cuff surgery on August 1, 2011, that would sideline him until the start of the 2012 season.
On April 3rd, 2011, Brandon was a contributor on Chalk Them Up Radio after announcement of starting the season on the 60 day DL.
. Along with Roy Halladay
and Chien-Ming Wang
's, it is often considered the best such pitch in baseball. He also features a changeup
which is frequently clocked around mid 80's. Webb also throws a curveball
which next to his sinker is one of his better pitches. Webb's curveball is clocked in the low 70's.
in Lexington
.
In December 2007, the City of Ashland re-named a section of Highway 60 the "Brandon Webb Highway" in honor of Webb.
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...
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...
. He was the 2006 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...
winner.
High school
Webb attended Paul G. Blazer High SchoolPaul G. Blazer High School
Paul G. Blazer High School is a public high school located in Ashland, Kentucky. It is part of the Ashland Independent school district. Blazer replaced the former Ashland High School in 1963. For this reason, Blazer is still commonly referred to as simply "Blazer" by local residents, or...
in Ashland, Kentucky
Ashland, Kentucky
Ashland, formerly known as Poage Settlement, is a city in Boyd County, Kentucky, United States, nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. The population was 21,981 at the 2000 census. Ashland is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the 2000 census, the...
, and graduated in 1997.
College
Webb attended the University of KentuckyUniversity of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
, where he played for the Kentucky Wildcats baseball
Kentucky Wildcats baseball
The Kentucky Wildcats baseball team represents the University of Kentucky in NCAA Division I college baseball and competes in the Eastern division of the Southeastern Conference...
team.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Webb was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 8th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft2000 Major League Baseball Draft
-First Round Selections:-Compensation picks:- Background :The Florida Marlins made Adrian Gonzalez of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, CA the first overall selection in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft...
. He made his first major league appearance with the Diamondbacks on April 22, 2003, and finished the season with a 10–9 record. He was honored with Baseball America Rookie of the Year
Baseball America Rookie of the Year
The Baseball America Rookie of the Year is an annual award granted by Baseball America to the best rookie in the major leagues.-Awardees:-See also:*Baseball America #Baseball America All-Rookie Team*Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award...
Award and placed third in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting in the National League.
Webb finished the 2004 season with a 7–16 record, leading the team in losses, as the Diamondbacks won only 51 times.
In 2005, he posted a 14–12 record and an ERA of 3.54. After the season, he signed a four-year contract extension worth a guaranteed $19.5 million and a team option for 2010.
Through his first 13 starts of the season, Webb had an unbroken 8–0 record. He suffered his first losing effort of the season on June 10, in a 5–0 loss to the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. An early contender to win 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...
, Webb pitched in the 2006 Major League All-Star Game, recording one hitless inning.
Webb struggled in the second half of the season in part due to elbow soreness. Webb did score a win in an emotional outing versus 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...
on August 28, pitching seven effective innings. The win came a day after close friend and former UK teammate Jon Hooker and his new bride were among the victims of the doomed Comair Flight 5191
Comair Flight 5191
Comair Flight 191, marketed as Delta Connection Flight 5191, was a scheduled United States domestic passenger flight from Lexington, Kentucky, to Atlanta, Georgia, operated on behalf of Delta Connection by Comair...
leaving Lexington
Blue Grass Airport
Blue Grass Airport is a public airport located in Fayette County, Kentucky, United States, 4 miles west of the central business district of the city of Lexington. The main terminal building was opened in 1977. The airport covers an area of and has two runways. It is also home to the Aviation...
.
Webb went on to finish the 2006 season with a record of 16–8 and 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 3.10, and was recognized with the NL 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...
. His 16 wins tied five other pitchers for the most victories in 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...
. Webb's win total marked the lowest for a starting pitcher who won the Cy Young in a full season. His 3.10 ERA was the fourth best in the majors.
As of the conclusion of his start on August 17, 2007, Webb had logged an 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...
franchise record with 42.0 scoreless innings including three straight complete game shutouts. This is the twelfth longest such streak in major league history, and the fifth longest since 1940, surpassed only by Orel Hershiser
Orel Hershiser
Orel Leonard Hershiser IV is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is currently an analyst for Baseball Tonight and Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and a professional poker player for...
(59), Don Drysdale
Don Drysdale
Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career...
(58), Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
(47) and Sal Maglie
Sal Maglie
Salvatore Anthony Maglie was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played from 1945-1958 for the New York Giants, Cleveland Indians, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. Maglie was known as "Sal the Barber", because he gave close shaves—that is, pitched inside to...
(45). His three consecutive complete game shutouts during the streak was the longest streak since Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens
William Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
accomplished the same with Toronto in 1998. This streak came to an end when 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...
scored in the first inning of his start on August 22, 2007.
On May 15, 2008, Webb won his ninth game in as many starts. Webb became the first pitcher in the Majors to win his first nine starts of the season since Andy Hawkins
Andy Hawkins
Melton Andrew "Andy" Hawkins is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.A right-handed starter, Hawkins spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres, and also played for the New York Yankees and briefly for the Oakland Athletics...
won ten in his first ten starts in 1985. Near the end of June, Webb was leading the major leagues in wins. He was 13–4 with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.13. He made the All-Star team and threw a scoreless 14th inning with two strikeouts at Yankee Stadium.
Webb finished the 2008 season with a career high 22 wins and just 7 losses. Despite leading the National League in wins, Webb finished second in the National League Cy Young voting to division rival Tim Lincecum
Tim Lincecum
Timothy Leroy Lincecum is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He was nicknamed "The Freak" and "Big Time Timmy Jim" and "The Franchise." He throws right-handed and bats left-handed....
. His 1.82 ground ball/fly ball ratio was the highest in the major leagues, and the 19 runners who reached base on errors while he was pitching were the most in the majors.http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-ratio-pitching.shtmlhttp://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-basesituation-pitching.shtml
In 2009 he was named #31 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball.
Webb pitched on opening day against the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, but was limited to pitching just four innings. On April 7, 2009, he was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless...
. On August 3, 2009, Dr. Keith Meister of the Rangers performed surgery on his right shoulder, ending his 2009 season. Despite the injury, the Diamondbacks picked up Webb's $8.5 million option for 2010 after the 2009 season ended. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option. He spent the year rehabbing his injury and did not appear in any games in 2010.
Texas Rangers
Webb became a free agent at the conclusion of the season and on December 26, 2010 agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas RangersTexas 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...
. Webb made his first appearance in a game in more than two years on May 30, 2011, pitching for Double-A Frisco. Over 3 1/3 innings, he allowed five runs on eight hits, struck out two, walked two and hit a batter.
On July 24, the Rangers announced Webb would undergo a second right rotator cuff surgery on August 1, 2011, that would sideline him until the start of the 2012 season.
On April 3rd, 2011, Brandon was a contributor on Chalk Them Up Radio after announcement of starting the season on the 60 day DL.
Pitch repertoire
Webb is mainly known for his sinkerSinker (baseball)
In baseball, a sinker , is a type of fastball pitch which has significant downward and horizontal movement. The sinker is known for inducing a lot of ground balls...
. Along with Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
and Chien-Ming Wang
Chien-Ming Wang
Chien-Ming Wang is a Taiwanese Major League Baseball pitcher. He was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees for the 2000 season, and played for the Staten Island Yankees...
's, it is often considered the best such pitch in baseball. He also features a 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...
which is frequently clocked around mid 80's. Webb also throws a 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...
which next to his sinker is one of his better pitches. Webb's curveball is clocked in the low 70's.
Personal
Brandon and his wife, Alicia, make their home in Ashland. He decided to stick close to home for college, attending the University of KentuckyUniversity of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
in Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
.
In December 2007, the City of Ashland re-named a section of Highway 60 the "Brandon Webb Highway" in honor of Webb.