Vicente Padilla

Vicente Padilla is a right-handed pitcher in the starting rotation of MLB's Texas Rangers.

Early Years

Vicente Delacruz Padilla was born on September 27, 1977 in Chinandega, Nicaragua, the oldest of five siblings. He trained with former MLB pitcher Dennis Martinez in 1998 to improve change-up, slider and curve ball. He pitched for Nicaragua in the XXXIII Baseball World Cup in 1998.

Arizona Diamondbacks

In 1999 he was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a non-drafted free agent. After spending two season in the Diamondbacks' farm organization, improving his pitching, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in mid-season in 2000.

Philadelphia Phillies

While in Philly Padilla was known for a 96 mph fastball and his wicked breaking pitches. Padilla battled injuries and a noted lack of control during his tenure in Philadelphia. Several dugout clearing brawls occurred after he beaned a batter. At the end of the 2006 season Padilla became an unrestricted free agent.

2002 All-Star Game

Padilla was the final pitcher in the 2002 All-Star Game which was called a tie after the National League team used all available pitchers in the contest. This game is still noted as the All-Star Tie Controversy and resulted in changes on how the pitching staffs are selected for the All-Star games.

Texas Rangers

In 2006, as a free agent, Padilla signed a three-year deal with the Texas Rangers valued at $33.75 million contract, plus an option for a fourth year.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Vicente Delacruz Padilla
2. Born: September 27, 1977 in Chinandega, Nicaragua
3. Height: 6'2"
4. Weight: 220 Lbs.
5. Position: Pitcher
6. Debut: 1999
7. Career Record: 69-69 (through June 19, 2007)
8. ERA: 4.25 (through June 19, 2007)
9. Strikeouts: 724 (through June 19, 2007)
10. Bats: Right
11. Throws: Right

Minor League Teams

• High Desert Mavericks (A)
• Tucson Sidewinders(AAA)
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (AAA)
• Clearwater Threshers (A)
• Fresno Grizzlies (AA)

Major League Teams

• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Texas Rangers

Categories