Óliver Pérez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Óliver Pérez
Pérez with the Cleveland Indians in 2019
Pitcher
Born: (1981-08-15) August 15, 1981 (age 43) Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Batted: Left Threw: Left
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
Teams
San Diego Padres (2002–2003) Pittsburgh Pirates (2003–2006) New York Mets (2006–2010) Seattle Mariners (2012–2013) Arizona Diamondbacks (2014–2015) Houston Astros (2015) Washington Nationals (2016–2017) Cleveland Indians (2018–2021) Arizona Diamondbacks (2022)
Medals Men's baseball Representing MEX World Baseball Classic Bronze 2023 Miami Team

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 pitched for many teams, including the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Cleveland Indians. Óliver also played for the Mexico national baseball team in several World Baseball Classic tournaments.

Óliver Pérez's Baseball Journey

San Diego Padres: Starting Out

Óliver Pérez joined the San Diego Padres in 1999. He was signed as an amateur free agent, meaning he joined the team without being drafted. He made his first big league appearance with the Padres in 2002. As a rookie, he showed great skill, striking out many batters. However, he sometimes had trouble controlling where his pitches went. In 2003, his performance was not as strong.

Pittsburgh Pirates: A New Team

In August 2003, Óliver was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He moved to Pittsburgh along with Jason Bay and Cory Stewart. The Padres received Brian Giles in return.

Before the 2004 season, the Pirates helped Óliver change how he pitched. This change worked very well for him. He led all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts per nine innings. His ERA (which measures how many earned runs a pitcher gives up) was one of the best in the National League. He finished the season with 12 wins and 10 losses.

In 2005, Óliver had a tough season because of injuries. He even broke his toe after kicking a cart! He missed over two months of playing time. When he returned, his fastball was not as fast as it used to be.

In 2006, Óliver started the season as the Pirates' top pitcher. But he struggled and was moved to the bullpen. Later, he was sent to a minor league team to work on his pitching.

New York Mets: Big City Lights

Pérez pitching for the New York Mets in 2010

On July 31, 2006, Óliver Pérez was traded to the New York Mets. He was sent to their minor league team first. But he was called up to the Mets' main team in August 2006. He even pitched a complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves!

The Mets needed Óliver to pitch in the playoffs that year because other pitchers were injured. He earned his first playoff win in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. He also pitched well in Game 7, where the Mets eventually lost a close game.

In 2007, many people wondered if Óliver could become a great pitcher. He proved them wrong by having a strong season, finishing with 15 wins and 10 losses. He struck out many batters that year.

The 2008 season was a mix for Óliver. He had some great games and some tough ones. He sometimes gave up many runs in a single inning. He also led the league in walks. After his manager was changed, Óliver started pitching better. He even changed his pitching style a bit.

In 2009, the Mets signed Óliver to a big three-year contract. However, he spent time on the disabled list with knee problems. He had surgery on his knee and finished the season with only 3 wins.

In 2010, Óliver was moved to the bullpen, meaning he would pitch in relief instead of starting games. He struggled and was eventually released by the Mets in 2011.

Washington Nationals: A New Start

Pérez with the Harrisburg Senators in 2011

In March 2011, Óliver signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He joined the Nationals because their pitching coach had worked with him before. He played for their minor league team. His coach suggested he become a full-time relief pitcher, which means he would come into games after the starting pitcher.

Seattle Mariners: Finding His Groove

Pérez pitching for the Seattle Mariners in 2013

In 2012, the Seattle Mariners signed Óliver to a minor league deal. He pitched well in the minor leagues and was called up to the Mariners' main team in June. People noticed that his fastball was faster, and he was walking fewer batters. He had a good season as a reliever. In 2013, he signed another contract with the Mariners.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Back in the Desert

In 2014, Óliver signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Houston Astros: A Short Stop

Pérez pitching for the Houston Astros in 2015

In August 2015, Óliver was traded to the Houston Astros. He played in a few games for them and was part of their playoff team. After the season, he became a free agent.

Washington Nationals: Return Visit

Pérez pitching for the Washington Nationals in 2016

In December 2015, Óliver signed a two-year contract to return to the Washington Nationals. In a memorable game in April 2016, Óliver helped the Nationals win a long, extra-inning game. He was credited with the win in that game. He played for the Nationals through the 2017 season.

Cleveland Indians: A Veteran Presence

Pérez pitching for the Cleveland Indians in 2019

In June 2018, Óliver signed with the Cleveland Indians. He was part of a unique play where he was credited with a walk without throwing any pitches. This happened because of a new rule for intentional walks.

The Indians re-signed Óliver for the 2019 season. He pitched in many games that year. In 2020, Óliver played in his 18th Major League season, becoming the longest-playing Mexican player in MLB history. He continued to pitch well for the Indians. He re-signed with them in 2021 but was later released.

Mexican League: Playing at Home

After leaving the Indians, Óliver signed with the Toros de Tijuana in the Mexican League in May 2021. He pitched well for them.

Arizona Diamondbacks: One Last MLB Chance

In March 2022, Óliver signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks again. He made it to their Opening Day roster. He pitched in a few games before being released in April 2022.

Mexican League: Retirement

After his short time with the Diamondbacks, Óliver re-signed with the Toros de Tijuana in April 2022. He played for them for the rest of the year. In January 2023, Óliver announced his retirement from professional baseball.

However, in June 2023, Óliver briefly signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He pitched in one game, striking out the only batter he faced. He officially retired again on June 9, 2023.

Personal Life

Óliver Pérez is married and has three children. He and his family live in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

See also

In Spanish: Óliver Pérez Martínez para niños