Guide Note

Major League Baseball starting pitcher John Lackey currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Prior to his MLB career, Lackey played baseball in college at the University of Texas at Arlington for one year. He was drafted by the then named Anaheim Angels on June 2, 1999. Lackey was placed with the Angels' minor league affiliates for his first few years.

On June 24, 2002, Lackey was called up to make his MLB debut with the Angels. He pitched only 18 games his rookie season, but still came in fourth for Rookie of the Year voting. He also joined the Angels in the playoffs during the 2002 season. He pitched in game seven of their World Series win over the San Francisco Giants, making him the second ever rookie pitcher to start and win game seven of the World Series.

Lackey continued with the Angles full time over the next several years, playing in 33 games each year, joining the Angels in the post season again in 2005 and 2007. During the 2007 season, Lackey earned his best stats to date, finishing the season with a 3.01 ERA, earning him a MVP nomination and his first MLB All-Star Game selection. Although selected for the All-Star game, Lackey did not play. He was also the American League ERA Champion the same year and finished third in voting for the Cy Young award.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: John Derran Lackey
2. Born: October 23, 1978
3. Birthplace: Abilene, Texas
4. Bats: Right
5. Throws: Right
6. 2002 Game 7 World Series Winning Pitcher
7. 2007 All-Star Selection