He was a left-handed starting pitcher who made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, earning two All-Star selections during his career. Known for his standout performance, he led the league with an impressive 21 wins back in 2001—truly a highlight of his time on the mound. Unfortunately, his promising trajectory took a turn due to persistent arm injuries that ultimately derailed his career. Before fame, he honed his skills playing college baseball at Michigan State University, where he began building the foundation for his professional journey. Off the field, he cherished family life and had two children, Xander and Tatym, who remained close to his heart throughout the ups and downs of his career. He showed resilience and dedication, both as an athlete and as a father.
He ended up being picked second overall in the 1998 MLB Draft, which was a huge moment in his career. That selection really set the stage for what was to come, and honestly, it’s not every day someone lands such a high draft position. He definitely made the most of that opportunity, showing why he was worth the pick.