Prior to making it to the MLB, Greinke helped his Orlando, Florida team win the 1998 Senior Little League World Series. The following year Greinke joined the United States Junior Olympic team.

Greinke was drafted right out of high school on June 4, 2002 by the Kansas City Royals. He was immediately placed in the minors, where he earned the Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year. After just two seasons with the Royals' minor league affiliates, he was called up to make his MLB debut on May 22, 2004.

Greinke started 24 games in 2004 with the Royals, pitching 145 innings and finishing with a 3.97 ERA. He continued to split his playing time over the next few seasons between the Royals and their affiliates. In 2006, he took a leave of absence from the Royals, so he could deal with Social Anxiety Disorder.

Although his role with the Royals for the 2008 season is still yet to be determined, his strong play during spring training suggests that he will be joining the full Royals roster for the regular season. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Donald Zackary Greinke
2. Born: October 21, 1983
3. Birthplace: Orlando, Florida
4. MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2004