Gil Meche

Prior to his MLB career, Meche played for the U.S. Junior Olympic team in 1995. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the MLB Draft on June 4, 1996. He was immediately placed with the Mariners minor league affiliates for condition, before getting the call up to the majors. On July 6, 1999 Meche made his MLB debut with the Mariners, playing in 15 games his rookie season. He played another 15 games with the Mariners during the 2000 season, before an arm injury forced him to sit out.

In February of 2001, Meche underwent his first surgery, following with a second surgery in October the same year. The recovery from the surgeries caused Meche to miss two entire MLB seasons in 2001 and 2002. He returned to the Mariners in 2003, where he continued for the following four seasons. Following his return, he was selected for the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award, given to the player who reemerged as a star.

Meche signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals on December 7, 2006. His most successful year come in 2007, where he pitched 216 innings for the Royals and finished with a 3.67 ERA. Meche earned his first All-Star selection, however he did not play in the game. Fast Facts:

1. Born: September 8, 1978
2. Birth Place: Lafayette, LA
3. 2007: MLB All-Star Game Participant

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