He’s best known as an MLB relief pitcher who made a name for himself with his unique, submarine-style delivery—a move that set him apart on the mound. Over the course of his professional career, which spanned from 1998 to 2009, he played for six different major league teams, including notable stints with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. Before all the spotlight and stadium lights, though, life looked a bit different. He went to Byram High School in his hometown of Byram, Mississippi, where his journey in baseball really began to take shape. From there, he continued developing his skills at Hinds Community College before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi to play college ball. On a more personal note, he’s been married to his high school sweetheart, Jenny, showing that some things from the early days never changed. Together, they’ve built a family, raising two kids—Lanie and Walker. Throughout it all, he’s remained a standout figure, not just for how he pitched, but for the path he took to get there.
He played a key role in Michael Lewis’ widely acclaimed book Moneyball, and his story was also brought to life in the 2011 film adaptation, which earned an Oscar nomination. He was prominently featured throughout both the book and the movie, making his contributions central to the narrative. His influence really stood out in the way the story unfolded, especially as portrayed in Moneyball. He wasn’t just a background figure—he was one of the main driving forces behind the movement that changed how people viewed baseball analytics. His presence in Moneyball—both on the page and on screen—cemented his legacy in sports history.