Content provided in partnership with
Troubled teens
Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005 by Conor Nicholl
Mariners rookie Felix Hernandez, who allowed one earned run in his first 13 big-league innings, could be the second coming of Dwight Gooden, the best teen-aged pitcher of the past 20 years. Or Hernandez, 19, might be the next Todd Van Poppel or Brien Taylor, "can't miss" prospects who never panned out. Hernandez is the 23rd player in the past 20 years to make his major league debut before turning 20. Fifteen were position players, including some who could be headed to Cooperstown (Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Ken Griffey, Ivan Rodriguez). The seven pitchers other than Hernandez, though, have a shakier history.
Pitcher, age at debut
- Most Popular Articles in Sports
- The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...
- The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...
- Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...
- Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association
- The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking
- More »
Jose Rijo, 18 years, 327 days Was the 1990 World Series MVP but only reached double-digit wins five times in a 14-year career.
Rich Games, 19 years, 120 days "El Guapo" went 8-1 for the Red Sox in 2000 but never could stay healthy.
Wilson Alvarez, 19 years, 124 days Twice won 15 games as a starter but now is working in the Dodgers' bullpen.
Edwin Correa, 19 years, 142 days Won 12 games in 1986 but was out of baseball by '88.
Dwight Gooden, 19 years, 142 days Won the 1985 Cy Young and had electric stuff, but drug problems derailed his career.
Todd Van Poppel, 19 years, 277 days Is Exhibit A of what happens when a team rushes a No. 1 pick to the majors.
Bret Saberbagen, 19 years, 358 days Battled injuries but also won two Cy Younga.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
Find Research Guides for:
Find Featured Titles for: Technology
Most Popular Articles in Sports
- The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...
- The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...
- Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...
- Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association
- The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking
- More »