Zach Neal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zach Neal |
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Neal warms up on September 6, 2016
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: November 9, 1988 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: May 11, 2016, for the Oakland Athletics | |||
| NPB: April 2, 2019, for the Saitama Seibu Lions | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| NPB: September 8, 2021, for the Saitama Seibu Lions | |||
| MLB: October 1, 2023, for the Oakland Athletics | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 3–5 | ||
| Earned run average | 5.35 | ||
| Strikeouts | 62 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 19–15 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.49 | ||
| Strikeouts | 143 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Zachary Sheridan Neal, born on November 9, 1988, is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played in Japan for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Contents
Zach Neal's Baseball Journey
Early Days in Baseball
Zach Neal went to Flower Mound High School in Flower Mound, Texas. After high school, he played college baseball at a few different universities. These included Sam Houston State University, Howard College, and the University of Oklahoma.
Starting His Professional Career
Florida / Miami Marlins
The Florida Marlins picked Zach Neal in the 17th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. This was his first step into professional baseball. He started playing for the GCL Marlins. He also played for the Low-A Jamestown Jammers. In his first year, he had a good record of 2 wins and 1 loss.
In 2011, Neal played for the Single-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. The next year, he played for two teams: the High-A Jupiter Hammerheads and the Double-A Jacksonville Suns. He showed he could strike out batters, getting 78 strikeouts that season.
Joining the Oakland Athletics
In 2013, Zach Neal signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics. He played for their Double-A team, the Midland RockHounds. He pitched many innings, showing his dedication to the game.
In 2014, he played for three different Athletics teams. These included the High-A Stockton Ports, Midland, and the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. He had a strong year with 10 wins and 7 losses. In 2015, he continued to play in Triple-A for the Nashville Sounds and also for Midland.
Making It to the Major Leagues
Zach Neal was called up to the Major Leagues for the first time on May 11, 2016. He became a helpful player for the Oakland Athletics. He appeared in 24 games, starting 6 of them. He finished the season with 2 wins and 4 losses, and also earned 2 saves.
In 2017, Neal started the season in Triple-A. He was called up to the Athletics again in May. He moved between the Triple-A team and the main team a few times that season. After the season, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.
Moving to Other Teams
Los Angeles Dodgers
On January 6, 2018, Neal signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was added to their main roster in April. He pitched one inning for the Dodgers before moving on.
Cincinnati Reds
Later in April 2018, the Dodgers traded Neal to the Cincinnati Reds. He played for the Louisville Bats, which is the Reds' Triple-A team.
Back with the Dodgers
In July 2018, Neal was traded back to the Dodgers organization. He played for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. He pitched in 14 games for them, starting 11. After this season, he became a free agent again.
Playing Baseball in Japan
Saitama Seibu Lions
For the 2019 season, Zach Neal signed with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan. This team plays in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He had a fantastic first season in Japan, winning 12 games and losing only 1. He also had a very good earned run average (ERA).
In 2020, Neal continued to play for the Lions. He pitched in 21 games that year. In 2021, he made 11 appearances for the team. After the 2021 season, he became a free agent.
Later Career and Retirement
Colorado Rockies
On February 18, 2022, Neal signed a contract with the Colorado Rockies. He played for their Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes. He pitched in 29 games for them, starting 21. He became a free agent again in November.
Second Time with the Oakland Athletics
On April 7, 2023, Zach Neal signed another contract with the Oakland Athletics. He played for their Triple-A team, the Las Vegas Aviators. In May, he was called up to the main Athletics team again. He pitched in 2 games for Oakland. He was later sent back to Triple-A. In August, he returned to the major league roster. He made 14 appearances for Oakland in total that year.
Retirement
Zach Neal announced that he retired from playing professional baseball after the 2023 season.
Personal Life
Zach Neal is married to Kianna Neal. Kianna is the sister of Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.. Zach and Kianna met when he was pitching for the University of Oklahoma. At that time, she was a cheerleader there. Zach is also a father.
