Vicente Padilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vicente Padilla |
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Padilla with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: September 27, 1977 Chinandega, Nicaragua |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: June 29, 1999, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |||
| NPB: April 4, 2013, for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 2, 2012, for the Boston Red Sox | |||
| NPB: August 9, 2013, for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 108–91 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.32 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,121 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 3–6 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.84 | ||
| Strikeouts | 40 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Vicente de la Cruz Padilla (born September 27, 1977) is a former professional baseball pitcher from Nicaragua. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. These teams included the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan.
Vicente Padilla's Baseball Career
Playing for Nicaragua
Padilla played for the Nicaragua national team in the 1998 Baseball World Cup. He helped his team win the Bronze medal as their closer. A closer is a pitcher who finishes the game. He also played in the Central American Games that same year. His team finished in second place in that competition.
Arizona Diamondbacks Team
After getting help from former MLB pitcher Dennis Martínez, Padilla signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This happened on August 31, 1998. He started playing in the minor leagues in 1999. He played for the Class-A Advanced High Desert Mavericks. Later, he moved up to the Class-AAA Tucson Sidewinders.
Padilla made his first Major League game appearance on June 29, 1999. He pitched in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. He played in four more games in 1999. In 2000, he appeared in 27 games for the Diamondbacks. He finished with a 2–1 record and a 2.31 ERA. His first win was on May 9 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Philadelphia Phillies Team
On July 26, 2000, Padilla was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He was part of a trade that sent four players to the Phillies.
In 2002, he became a starting pitcher. His first start was on April 3 against the Atlanta Braves. He pitched six innings and earned the win. He finished the season with 14 wins and 11 losses. His ERA was 3.28 in 32 starts. He was also chosen to play in the All-Star Game.
He had some injuries in 2004 and 2005. During these two seasons, his combined record was 16 wins and 19 losses. After the 2005 season, Padilla was traded to the Texas Rangers.
Texas Rangers Team
During the 2006 season, Padilla sometimes struggled with his control when pitching. On September 16, 2007, Padilla hit Oakland Athletics outfielder Nick Swisher with a pitch. This led to a brief argument on the field.
In 2006, Padilla and Kevin Millwood both won 15 games. This was a great achievement for Rangers pitchers. His 11 road victories in 2008 matched a team record.
On July 22, 2009, Padilla tested positive for swine flu. He was thought to be the first major U.S. athlete to get the illness.
On August 7, 2009, the Rangers decided to release Padilla. He had an 8–6 record with a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts. He was released due to issues within the team.
Los Angeles Dodgers Team
On August 19, 2009, Padilla signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made one start in the minor leagues. Then, on August 27, he started for the Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies. He made seven starts for the Dodgers in August and September. He finished with a 4–0 record and a 3.20 ERA.
On October 10, 2009, Padilla was the winning pitcher in Game 3 of the 2009 National League Division Series. This game helped the Dodgers win the series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He also pitched well in Game 2 of the 2009 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
On January 21, 2010, Padilla signed a new contract with the Dodgers. On March 25, 2010, the Dodgers announced Padilla would be their opening day starter. Due to injuries, Padilla only started 16 games in 2010. He finished with a 6–5 record and a 4.31 ERA. His best game was a complete-game shutout against the San Diego Padres on August 4.
He was injured during spring training in 2011. He started the season on the disabled list. He returned to the team on April 23 as a relief pitcher. He got his first save since 2000 on April 27. He became the Dodgers' closer for a short time. However, he also went on the disabled list on May 14. He had a forearm injury and later neck problems. He could not return to the Dodgers in 2011. He appeared in only nine games. This was the fewest appearances for Padilla since his first season. He became a free agent after the season.
Boston Red Sox Team
On January 16, 2012, Padilla signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox. He made the team's main roster and pitched from the bullpen. He became a free agent after the season.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Team
On January 16, 2013, Padilla signed a one-year contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. This team plays in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan. He became a free agent after that season.
Padilla's Pitching Style
Padilla used many different types of pitches during his career. These included a fastball, a curveball, a sinker, a slider, a changeup, and an eephus pitch. His fastball was his main pitch. It could reach speeds of 92–94 miles per hour.
He was also one of the few pitchers to throw an eephus pitch. This is a very slow curveball that travels around 55 miles per hour. Padilla was known for hitting many batters with his pitches. He led the American League in hit batters in 2006.
See also
In Spanish: Vicente Padilla para niños
- List of Major League Baseball career hit batsmen leaders
