Daniel Hudson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daniel Hudson |
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Hudson with the Washington Nationals in 2021
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: March 9, 1987 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 4, 2009, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 27, 2024, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 65–45 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.74 | ||
| Strikeouts | 817 | ||
| Saves | 43 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Daniel Claiborne Hudson (born March 9, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2009 to 2024. Hudson was chosen by the Chicago White Sox in the 2008 MLB draft. He played for many teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals. Daniel Hudson helped his teams win two World Series championships in 2019 and 2024.
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Early Baseball Days
Daniel Hudson went to Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He then played college baseball at Old Dominion University. While in high school, he led his team to a state championship in 2005.
At Old Dominion, Hudson became one of the best pitchers. He finished his college career with 295 strikeouts, which was the second-highest in his school's history. He also had a good win–loss record of 20 wins and 14 losses.
Starting His Professional Career
Drafted by the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox picked Daniel Hudson in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB draft. After being drafted, he started playing in the minor leagues. He played for teams like the Great Falls Voyagers and the Kannapolis Intimidators.
Hudson quickly moved up through the minor league system. He showed he was a strong pitcher, winning many games and striking out a lot of batters.
Making it to the Major Leagues
The White Sox called Hudson up to the major leagues on September 3, 2009. He made his MLB debut the next day, pitching two innings without giving up any runs. He got his first major league win on September 27, 2009.
Playing for Different Teams
Arizona Diamondbacks
In 2010, the White Sox traded Hudson to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had a great season with the Diamondbacks, winning 7 games and having a low ERA of 1.69. In 2011, he continued to play well, winning 16 games. He also won the Silver Slugger Award that year for being the best hitting pitcher.
In 2012, Hudson had a serious arm injury and needed Tommy John surgery. This surgery kept him from playing for a long time. He had to have the surgery again in 2013. After a lot of hard work, he returned to play in 2014 as a relief pitcher. He pitched in many games for the Diamondbacks in 2015 and 2016.
Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2017, Hudson signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played in 71 games for them. Later, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, but they released him.
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In 2018, Hudson joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched in 40 games for them before an arm injury ended his season early.
Toronto Blue Jays
In 2019, Hudson signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a good record of 6 wins and 3 losses with the Blue Jays.
Washington Nationals and World Series Win
On July 31, 2019, Hudson was traded to the Washington Nationals. He quickly became an important part of their team. He helped the Nationals win the 2019 World Series. In Game 7 of the World Series, Hudson was on the mound for the final outs. He struck out two batters to seal the 6-2 victory, giving the Nationals their first championship.
He signed a new contract to stay with the Nationals in 2020. In the shorter 2020 season, he earned 10 saves. In 2021, he continued to pitch well for the Nationals.
San Diego Padres
On July 30, 2021, Hudson was traded to the San Diego Padres. He continued to pitch effectively for them. In a unique event, he and another player became the first in MLB history to play for four different teams on the same day due to a suspended game.
Return to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Second World Series
On November 30, 2021, Hudson signed a contract to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched in 25 games in 2022, but then tore a ligament in his knee, which ended his season. Even with the injury, the Dodgers kept him for the 2023 season.
He faced more injuries in 2023, including ankle and knee problems. However, he returned to the Dodgers in 2024. He pitched in 65 games that year, helping the team win another World Series in 2024. After winning his second World Series, Daniel Hudson announced his retirement from baseball.
How Daniel Hudson Pitched
Daniel Hudson used several different pitches:
- Four-seam fastball: This pitch is very fast, usually between 91 and 98 miles per hour.
- Two-seam fastball: A slightly slower fastball that moves differently.
- Slider: A pitch that breaks sharply as it gets to the batter.
- Changeup: A slower pitch that looks like a fastball, tricking the batter.
- Cutter: A fastball that has a slight, late break.
He often used his fastballs early in the count to get ahead of batters. He would then use his slider and changeup to try and get strikeouts.
Personal Life
Daniel Hudson is married to Sara, and they have three daughters.
Awards and Achievements
- 2009 "Overall Starter of the Year" in the minor leagues
- 2011 Silver Slugger Award (for hitting)
- 2-time World Series champion (2019, 2024)
