Tim Hudson, Retired


Date of Birth: 7/14/1975
Birthplace: Columbus, Georgia
College: Auburn University

Tim Hudson was a top pitcher in high school, finishing his high school years with a 12-1 win-loss record and a 1.78 ERA. He continued as a top player in college. In 1994, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics but he didn't sign with them. Three years later, however, when they drafted him again, he did sign with them. He pitched in their minor league system for just two years before being called up to the major leagues.

In 1999, his first season in the major leagues, Hudson pitched 136.1 innings in 21 games and he finished with an impressive 11-2 record and a 3.23 ERA. The following year, he had an even better season, leading the American League in wins with a career high of 20 (to 6 losses). In 2000, he pitched 202.1 innings with 169 strikeouts to 82 walks and a 4.14 ERA in 32 games.

Hudson continued to have strong seasons, with career highs in games played (35) and strikeouts (189 to 71 walks) in 2001, a 15-9 record and a 2.98 ERA in 2002, and a career low ERA of 2.70 in 2003.

Prior to the 2005 season, the Athletics traded Hudson to the Atlanta Braves. He did well in his first season with the Braves, finishing the 2005 season with a 14-9 record and a 3.52 ERA but he didn't do as well the following season when he finished with a 13-12 record and a 4.86 ERA.

In August, 2008, after 23 games with the Braves, Hudson had Tommy John surgery. He missed most of the 2009 season, playing in just seven games that year.

Hudson signed a three-year, $28 million contract extension with the Braves in November, 2009. The following season, he showed his worth by winning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. In 2010, he pitched 228.2 innings in 34 games and he finished the season with a 17-9 record and a 2.83 ERA. He continued to play well for the Braves, finishing the 2011 season with a 3.22 ERA and a 16-10 record and the 2012 season with a 16-7 record and a 3.62 ERA.

In 2013, Hudson spent time on the DL with an ankle fracture. In 21 games in 2013, he had an 8-7 record and a 3.97 ERA. He became a free agent after the season ended and in November, 2013, he signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Giants.

Hudson finished the 2014 season with a 9-13 record, 120 strikeouts to 34 walks, and a 3.57 ERA in 189.1 innings in 31 games. Although he struggled in the postseason, it was a special one for him since it was the first time he pitched in a World Series game. In the postseason, he pitched 21.0 innings in 4 games and he gave up 21 hits, 10 runs, and 1 home run to finish with a 4.29 ERA.

Hudson pitched in 24 games for the Giants in 2015. He finished the season with an 8-9 record, 64 strikeouts to 37 walks, and a 4.44 ERA in 123.2 innings. He retired as a major league player after the season ended.

Statistics for Hudson in 16 full seasons (1999-2008, 2010-2015) in the major leagues include:

  • 9 seasons with over 30 games, with a high of 35 in 2001 and 2006
  • 8 seasons with over 200 innings pitched, with a high of 240.0 in 2003
  • 2 seasons with over 18 wins, with a high of 20 in 2000
  • 5 seasons with over 150 strikeouts, with a high of 181 in 2001
  • 3 seasons with an ERA under 3.00, with a low of 2.70 in 2003

Career pitching statistics for Hudson through 2015 include:

  • 482 games played
  • 3,126.2 innings pitched
  • 222-133 win-loss record
  • 2,080 strikeouts to 917 walks
  • 3.49 ERA

Charitable Work

Hudson established the Hudson Family Foundation to help children in need. Information on the foundation is available at hudsonfamilyfoundation.com.

Personal Life

Hudson and his wife Kim have one son and two daughters.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Tim Hudson
ESPN - Tim Hudson