Roy Oswalt
From BR Bullpen
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Roy Edward Oswalt
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.
- School Holmes Community College
- Debut May 6, 2001
- Born August 29, 1977 in Kosciusko, MS USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Roy Oswalt won an Olympic gold medal for the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
He led the majors in 2006 with 20 sacrifice hits.
Oswalt began his career 22-1 against the Cincinnati Reds. As of August 2008 he had pitched 169.0 innings boasting a 2.56 ERA and striking out 145 batters. This ranked as the best winning percentage (minimum 20 wins) against one team, 3.6% ahead of Carl Mays (35-3 versus the Philadelphia Athletics). Oswalt was the first pitcher ever to begin his career by going 21-1 against another team. Three other pitchers began 20-1, but each then lost his 22nd decision: Charley Radbourn against the Phillies, and Larry Jackson and Juan Marichal both against the Mets.
Oswalt was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in mid-season 2010, and the following off-season the team added Cliff Lee, putting together a starting rotation that reminded observers of that of the great 1990s Atlanta Braves teams, as it included four All-Stars - Oswalt, Lee, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. However, Oswalt proved to be the weak link in the group, being hampered by back problems in the first months of 2011. After a first stint on the disabled list, and an unsuccessful return, he went back to the DL on June 23rd expressing a pessimistic outlook, indicating he might well retire. He explained that the pain was caused by two degenerative disks and that pain-killing shots had not been of help. Things got better after that initial reaction, and by the end of July he was throwing without pain in bullpen sessions and could be sent to AAA Lehigh Valley for a rehabilitation assignment.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2001 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 3-time NL All-Star (2005-2007)
- 2005 NLCS MVP
- NL ERA Leader (2006)
- NL Wins Leader (2004)
- NL Winning Percentage Leader (2001)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 5 (2002, 2004-2006 & 2008)
- 20 Wins Seasons: 2 (2004 & 2005)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 7 (2002, 2004-2008 & 2010)
- 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 2 (2002 & 2004)
