Barry Zito, Starting Pitcher, Retired
Date of Birth: 5/13/1978
Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada
College: University of Southern California
Barry Zito was a very strong player in high school and college. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1999 and he spent his first season and a half in the minor leagues. He was called up in 2000 and pitched in 14 games for the Athletics. The following season, his rookie year, Zito played in 35 games, pitched 214.1 innings, and had an ERA of 3.49, a 17-8 record, and 205 strikeouts to 80 walks.
Zito excelled in 2002, leading the American League in wins and winning the Cy Young award. His statistics for 2002 include 35 games played, 229.1 innings pitched, ERA of 2.75, 23-5 record, and 182 strikeouts to 78 walks.
In December, 2006, Zito left the Athletics to sign a lucrative, seven-year, $126 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. He struggled with the Giants from 2007 to 2011, with no winning seasons and no seasons with an ERA under 4.00. He had 150 or more strikeouts in only two of those five seasons (150 in 2010 and 154 in 2009). The 2012 season was a winning one for Zito (15-8 record) but his ERA was high (4.15) and his strikeout number was low (114) in 184.1 innings pitched in 32 games.
Zito announced his retirement from major league baseball on October 19, 2015.
Statistics for Zito in 13 seasons (2000-2012) in the major leagues include:
- 11 seasons with over 30 games played, with a high of 35 in 2001-2003 and 2005
- 6 seasons with over 200 innings pitched, with a high of 231.2 in 2003
- 7 seasons with 150 or more strikeouts, with a high of 205 in 2001
Career statistics for Zito through 2012 include:
- 400 games played
- 160-132 win-loss record
- 1,797 strikeouts to 1,004 walks
Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Barry Zito
ESPN Sports - Barry Zito