Mark Prior

From BR Bullpen

Mark William Prior

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 5", Weight 225 lb.
School Vanderbilt University, University of Southern California
High School University City High School (San Diego)
Debut May 22, 2002
Born September 7, 1980 in San Diego, CA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

"He was the second coming of Tom Seaver. . ." - from a Chicago Sun-Times article, August 4, 2009, about Prior never reaching the peaks expected of him

"The poor guy just couldn't seem to get over the hump." - Bud Black, about Prior's inability to overcome his injury problems

One of the most heralded young pitchers of the decade and the #2 pick in the 2002 draft, Mark Prior won 18 games in his second year with the Cubs. Beset with arm problems, he gradually faded from the M.L. scene. In his five years in the majors, though, he won nearly 60% of his decisions.

He even had a major league batting average over .200, unusual for a pitcher.

During four seasons in the minors, he had an ERA of 2.95 along with a batting average of .240. He continued to be under contract for 2007, 2008 and most of 2009, but had shoulder issues.

He eventually finished his degree in business from USC.