Yovani Gallardo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yovani Gallardo |
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Gallardo with the Texas Rangers in 2015
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: February 27, 1986 Penjamillo, Michoacán, Mexico |
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| debut | |||
| June 18, 2007, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 30, 2018, for the Texas Rangers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 121–101 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.06 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,584 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 2024 | ||
Yovani Gallardo (pronounced gah-YAR-doh; born February 27, 1986) is a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher. He was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft. Gallardo played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), including the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. He was recognized as an All-Star in 2010 and also won the Silver Slugger Award that year for being the best-hitting pitcher.
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Playing Career Highlights
Yovani Gallardo went to Green B. Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth, Texas. He planned to play college baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU). However, the Milwaukee Brewers picked him in the second round of the 2004 MLB draft. Gallardo decided to sign with the Brewers instead of going to TCU.
Time with the Milwaukee Brewers
Starting Out (2006-2007)
In 2006, Gallardo played in the minor leagues. He led all minor league pitchers with 188 strikeouts. This was the most strikeouts by a Milwaukee Brewers prospect in a single season.
Gallardo made his big league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on June 18, 2007. He pitched well and even hit an RBI double in his very first time at bat!
Overcoming Injuries (2008)
The 2008 season was tough for Gallardo because of injuries. He tore a ligament in his left knee and later a different ligament in his right knee. Despite these setbacks, he worked hard to return to the team. He even started a playoff game for the Brewers on October 1, 2008.
Becoming an Ace (2009)
In 2009, many people thought Gallardo would become the Brewers' top pitcher. He had a great start to the season. On April 8, he hit a three-run home run off of baseball legend Randy Johnson. Gallardo was the only pitcher ever to hit a home run off Johnson!
He also pitched his first complete game on April 24, allowing only two runs. Later, he pitched 8 shutout innings and hit the only home run in a 1–0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He became one of only 26 pitchers in history to win a game 1–0 while hitting a home run. Gallardo finished the 2009 season with 204 strikeouts, becoming only the fourth Brewers pitcher to reach 200+ strikeouts in a season.
All-Star Season (2010)
Before the 2010 season, Gallardo signed a big contract extension with the Brewers. On May 28, he pitched his first complete-game shutout. His excellent performance earned him a spot in the All-Star game for the first time!
Gallardo had a strong 2010 season, winning 14 games and recording 200 strikeouts. He also showed off his skills at the plate, hitting 4 home runs. Because of his great hitting, he won the Silver Slugger Award as the best-hitting pitcher in the National League.
Continued Success (2011-2012)
Gallardo continued to be a key pitcher for the Brewers. In 2011, he recorded his third career complete-game shutout. He also pitched a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished the season with 17 wins and 207 strikeouts, which were among the best in the league.
In 2012, Gallardo set a new personal best by striking out 14 batters in one game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had another solid season, winning 16 games and striking out 204 batters. He also led the National League by starting 33 games.
Later Years with Brewers (2013-2014)
In 2013, Gallardo played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. He had a tougher season in 2013, but he bounced back towards the end. In 2014, he even got a rare walk-off hit as a pinch-hitter, helping the Brewers win a game in the 10th inning!
Moving to Other Teams
Texas Rangers (2015)
In 2015, Gallardo was traded to the Texas Rangers. He pitched well for them and even earned a win in a playoff game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Baltimore Orioles (2016)
Gallardo signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2016. He pitched one season for them.
Seattle Mariners (2017)
In 2017, Gallardo was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He started the season as a pitcher but later moved to the bullpen to pitch in relief. He returned to the starting rotation for a while due to his good performance and team injuries.
Return to Milwaukee and Final Seasons (2018)
Gallardo signed with the Milwaukee Brewers again in December 2017, but he was released before the 2018 season began. He then signed with the Cincinnati Reds for a short time. Finally, he signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers and was called up to pitch for them again in June 2018. He became a free agent after that season.
How He Pitched
Yovani Gallardo used several different pitches during his career. He threw a four-seam fastball that was usually very fast, between 92 and 95 miles per hour. He also had a curveball and a slider. His curveball was considered one of the best in the minor leagues when he was starting out. Later in his career, he also added a cutter pitch.
Personal Life
Yovani Gallardo is married to Patricia. They have a son named Yovani, Jr., and twin daughters named Zayra and Zoey. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
See also
In Spanish: Yovani Gallardo para niños
- List of Major League Baseball single-inning strikeout leaders
