Spectator sport: Once pitcher now slugger - St. Louis Cards Rick Ankiel
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From the gifted to the gorgeous, Spectator sport showcases athletes at the top of their game.
Can you name the only active player to play in the majors as a starting pitcher and full-time position player? I know many of you may be a catcher or a pitcher, but how many can say they are both? Honestly!
The answer is St. Louis Cardinals’ Rick Ankiel #66. He posted an 11 win 7 loss rookie season with the Cardinals in 2000. More impressive was his dominance against batters, striking out 9.8 batters per nine innings, second in the National League only to Randy Johnson.
However, Rick Ankiel's downfall came in the playoffs when he lost control in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Greg Maddux and the Atlanta Braves. Rick Ankiel continued to struggle with pitching command and injuries such as Tommy John surgery in subsequent seasons.
Ultimately, Rick Ankiel was sent down in the minors all the way to Rookie League ball. In Rookie ball Ankiel remained a starting pitcher but also spent time as the designated hitter winning Player of the Year awards for both.
In 2007, Rick Ankiel returned to the St. Louis Cardinals to successful win the right field starting position. He posted a 0.285 batting average, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs in just 47 games with 172 at-bats.
For the upcoming season Rick Ankiel is projected to hit 40 home runs. So you might want to have Rick Ankiel on your fantasy baseball draft radar.
Originally posted by Geoff Johns
Posted by Gay.com on April 6, 2008 in Athletes
, Baseball/softball
, Spectator sport
| Back to gay.com
this story sets the gay community back many years by supporting the stereotype that gays no nothing about sports. rick ankiel the first starting batter/pitcher? there have been many before him. ever hear of a guy named babe ruth? he was an all star pitcher before he became the home run champ. gay.com, please give this guy a pink slip - and fire him too.
Posted by: Pat McGroin | April 05, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Ankiel is first and only active play to pitch and be a position player.
Posted by: Geoff Johns | April 05, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Babe Ruth is a candy bar dumbass... duh
Posted by: Larry | April 05, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Rick Ankiel's homosexuality has been a well-known secret here in St. Louis for years. The reason he fell apart in the playoffs was due to his dealing with pressure, sudden fame, and secret homosexuality. He's all but come out - and I wish he would because he's HOT!
Posted by: Keith Campbell | April 06, 2008 at 12:59 AM
its boring to talk about coming out.
we dont talk about it, we do it.
and not at 30, but at 12.
who the fuck cares if he is gay or not.
i know i dont.
Posted by: eldadevata | April 07, 2008 at 04:22 AM