Dallas Braden

Dallas Braden
Dallas Braden in Stockton, 5/22/10
Oakland Athletics – No. 51
Pitcher
Born: August 13, 1983 (1983-08-13) Phoenix, Arizona
Bats: Left	Throws: Left
MLB debut
April 24, 2007 for the Oakland Athletics
Career statistics (through 2011 Season)
Win-Loss record	26-36
Earned run average	4.16
Strikeouts	305
Teams
Oakland Athletics (2007-present)
Career highlights and awards
Pitched the 19th perfect game in MLB history on May 9, 2010 against the Tampa Bay Rays Co-lead AL in Shutouts (2010)

Dallas Lee Braden (born August 13, 1983) is a left-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He was drafted out of Texas Tech University in the twenty fourth round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft by the Athletics. On May 9, 2010, Braden pitched the nineteenth perfect game in baseball history, in Oakland, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-0.

Early life

Braden was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He played Little League baseball in Stockton, California, playing in the Hoover Tyler Little League. Braden threw out the first pitch at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Little League World Series.

Braden graduated from Stagg High School in Stockton, California, where he played baseball and ran cross country. His mother, Jodie Atwood, died of cancer during his senior year. After his mother's death, he lived with his maternal grandmother.

Before playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Braden posted a combined record of 12-4 in two seasons at American River College. He threw a complete game against Fresno City College while allowing one hit and striking out 14 batters.

Baseball career

In general

In 2004, Braden began the season at Single-A Vancouver. He made eight relief appearances, picking up a pair of victories and was promoted to Kane County and pitched exclusively as a starter. He made five starts for Kane County, and posted a 2-1 record.

In 2005, Braden split the season between Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland. He posted a 6-0 record for the Ports, and a 9-5 mark for the RockHounds. His composite total of 15 wins led all A's minor league pitchers and earned him Pitcher of the Year honors for the Athletics organization. He underwent shoulder surgery in the 2005-2006 offseason.

Braden began the 2006 season on a rehabilitation assignment with the Arizona League Athletics. He made six starts, going 2-0 and moved up to Stockton, where was also 2-0, but with a high 6.23 ERA. He was promoted to Double-A Midland where he made one start, giving up six runs in 3⅓ innings pitched receiving a no-decision. His composite 2006 numbers were: 4-0 record, 4.10 ERA, 55 strikeouts and eight walks in 37⅓ innings of work.

Braden warming up before a game against the Boston Red Sox in 2010

Braden began 2007 in Double-A Midland and was called up to Triple-A Sacramento after one start. When Rich Harden got hurt On April 23, he was called up to the majors to replace him. On April 24, 2007, Braden made his first major league start and picked up the win against the Baltimore Orioles.

In Braden's first outing of 2010, he struck out a career high 10 batters in 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and walked 1. He received a no-decision, but the team got the win in the 10th.

On April 22, 2010, Braden was pitching against the New York Yankees when he accused Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez of running across the pitcher's mound on his way back to first base after a foul ball. At the end of the inning as the players were switching sides, Braden yelled at Rodriguez. Rodriguez offered no apology and later engaged Braden in the press, pointing to his short career and losing record.

On December 13, 2011, Braden avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal. He will make $3.35 million in guaranteed money, with $400K in incentives.

Perfect game

Main article: Dallas Braden's perfect game

On May 9, 2010, Braden pitched the 19th perfect game in MLB history against the Tampa Bay Rays in Oakland. He did it in 109 pitches, 77 of which were strikes. Braden had lost his mother to breast cancer, therefore pitching the 19th perfect game in major league history was of even greater significance to Braden because he achieved the feat on Mother's Day.

The Athletics celebrated the feat during the next homestand. On May 17, the A's placed a commemorative graphic on the outfield wall, next to Rickey Henderson's retired number. May 21 was called "Dallas Braden Day" by the City of Oakland. On May 22, Braden was awarded with the key to the city of Stockton at a Stockton Ports minor league game.

Repertoire

Braden features an 87-90 mph fastball, a slider, changeup, and an occasional curveball. His changeup is considered by most observers to be his best pitch. Braden at one time featured a screwball but has not thrown the pitch since his shoulder surgery following the 2005 season.

Charitable Work

Braden helps give food and money for Charity Communities in Stockton. On Thanksgiving, he personally collects and distributes thousands of food for the needy. The University of the Pacific in Stockton gave Braden an Annual Community Service Award.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters

Bibliography

• 2006 Oakland Athletics Media Guide. Pg. 376. Produced by the Oakland Athletics Public Relations Department.

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• CalLeaguers.com: Dallas Braden 2005
• BaseballAmerica.com: Dallas Braden
• Texas Tech profile

Achievements
Preceded by Mark Buerhle	Perfect game pitcher May 9, 2010	Succeeded by Roy Halladay
Preceded by Ubaldo Jiménez	No-hitter pitcher May 9, 2010	Succeeded by Roy Halladay