Óliver Pérez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Óliver Pérez |
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Pérez with the Cleveland Indians in 2019
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| Pitcher | ||||||||||||||
| Born: August 15, 1981 Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico |
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| debut | ||||||||||||||
| June 16, 2002, for the San Diego Padres | ||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | ||||||||||||||
| April 24, 2022, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | ||||||||||||||
| Career statistics | ||||||||||||||
| Win–loss record | 74–94 | |||||||||||||
| Earned run average | 4.37 | |||||||||||||
| Strikeouts | 1,546 | |||||||||||||
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Medals
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Óliver Pérez Martínez, born on August 15, 1981, is a former professional baseball pitcher from Mexico. He played for 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was a pitcher for many teams, including the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Cleveland Indians. Óliver also proudly played for the Mexico national baseball team in several World Baseball Classic tournaments.
Contents
Óliver Pérez's Baseball Journey
Starting with the Padres
Óliver Pérez began his professional baseball journey in 1999. The San Diego Padres signed him as a young player. He made his big league debut with the Padres in 2002. As a rookie, he showed great potential, striking out many batters. However, he sometimes struggled with throwing the ball exactly where he wanted.
Time with the Pittsburgh Pirates
In August 2003, Pérez was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He joined the team along with Jason Bay.
Before the 2004 season, the Pirates helped him improve his pitching style. That year, he was one of the best pitchers in the league. He had the most strikeouts per nine innings in all of MLB. His ERA was also very low, ranking fifth in the National League. He won 12 games and lost 10. His 239 strikeouts that season were one of the highest in Pirates' history.
The 2005 season was tough for Pérez due to injuries. He even broke his toe after kicking a cart! He missed over two months of playing time. In 2006, he started as the Pirates' top pitcher. But after struggling, he was sent to the team's bullpen. Later, he was sent to a minor league team.
Playing for the New York Mets
On July 31, 2006, Pérez was traded to the New York Mets. He was first sent to their minor league team. But he was called up to the Mets in August 2006. He pitched a complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves in September.
The Mets needed Pérez to pitch in the playoffs that year. He earned his first playoff win in Game 4 of the NLCS. He also pitched well in Game 7, where the Mets narrowly lost.
In 2007, Pérez had a strong season. He finished with 15 wins and 10 losses. He struck out 174 batters. In 2008, he had an up-and-down season. He sometimes struggled, but also had dominant games. For example, he pitched 7 strong innings against the New York Yankees.
In 2009, the Mets signed Pérez to a three-year contract. However, he faced more injury problems. He had surgery on his right knee and missed the end of the season. In 2010, he continued to struggle and was moved to the bullpen. The Mets later released him in 2011.
Journey to Other Teams
After leaving the Mets, Pérez signed with the Washington Nationals in 2011. He played in the minor leagues. His coach suggested he become a relief pitcher, which is a pitcher who comes into the game after the starting pitcher.
In 2012, the Seattle Mariners signed Pérez. He started in the minor leagues again. But he was called up to the Mariners in June. Observers noticed his fastball was faster, and he was throwing more strikes. He had a good season as a reliever. He signed another contract with the Mariners for 2013.
In 2014, Pérez signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In August 2015, the Diamondbacks traded Pérez to the Houston Astros. He played in the playoffs with the Astros that year. After the season, he became a free agent.
Second Time with the Nationals
In December 2015, Pérez signed a two-year contract to return to the Washington Nationals. In 2016, he was part of a very exciting game. He hit a bunt that helped score the tying run in the 15th inning! The Nationals won the game in the next inning. He became a free agent after the 2017 season.
Short Stints and the Cleveland Indians
In 2018, Pérez briefly signed with the Cincinnati Reds and then the New York Yankees minor league teams.
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On June 2, 2018, Pérez signed a major league deal with the Cleveland Indians. He was part of a unique moment on June 29. He entered a game and was credited with a relief appearance without throwing a single pitch! This happened because of a new rule for intentional walks. He was replaced by another pitcher after the batter was intentionally walked.
The Indians re-signed Pérez for 2019. He played in 67 games that season. In 2020, he reached a milestone. He became the longest-tenured Mexican player in MLB history, playing in his 18th season. He played 21 games for the Indians that year. He re-signed with the Indians in 2021 but was later released.
Playing in Mexico and Retirement
In May 2021, Pérez signed with the Toros de Tijuana in the Mexican League. He played 21 games for them.
In March 2022, Pérez signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks again. He made a few appearances for them before being released in April. He then re-signed with the Toros de Tijuana. He played 32 games for Tijuana in 2022.
On January 19, 2023, Óliver Pérez announced his retirement from professional baseball. However, he briefly signed with the Leones de Yucatán in June 2023 and pitched one more time before officially retiring on June 9.
Personal Life
Óliver Pérez is married and has three children. They live in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
Images for kids
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Pérez with the Harrisburg Senators in 2011
See also
In Spanish: Óliver Pérez Martínez para niños
