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{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1978)}} | |||
{{Infobox MLB player| | |||
{{for-multi|the president of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly|John Lackey (politician)|the Irish cyclist|John Lackey (cyclist)}} | |||
name=John Lackey| | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} | |||
image=John Lackey 2006.jpg| | |||
{{Infobox baseball biography | |||
width=300| | |||
|name=John Lackey | |||
position=]| | |||
|image=John Lackey on July 17, 2016 (3).jpg | |||
team=Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim| | |||
|image_size=270px | |||
number=41| | |||
|caption=Lackey with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 | |||
bats=Right| | |||
|position=] | |||
throws=Right| | |||
|bats=Right | |||
birthdate={{birth date and age|1978|10|23}}| | |||
|throws=Right | |||
birthplace={{city-state|Abilene|Texas}}| | |||
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1978|10|23}} | |||
debutdate=June 24| | |||
|birth_place=], U.S. | |||
debutyear=2002| | |||
|debutleague=MLB | |||
debutteam=Anaheim Angels| | |||
|debutdate=June 24 | |||
statyear=September 5, 2009| | |||
|debutyear=2002 | |||
stat1label=]| | |||
|debutteam=Anaheim Angels | |||
stat1value=100-70| | |||
|finalleague=MLB | |||
stat2label=]| | |||
|finaldate=October 1 | |||
stat2value=3.82| | |||
|finalyear=2017 | |||
stat3label=]s| | |||
|finalteam=Chicago Cubs | |||
stat3value=1,176| | |||
|statleague=MLB | |||
teams=<nowiki></nowiki> | |||
|stat1label=] | |||
*] ({{by|2002}}–present)| | |||
|stat1value=188–147 | |||
|awards= <nowiki></nowiki> | |||
|stat2label=] | |||
* ] Champion | |||
|stat2value=3.92 | |||
* 1x ] selection ({{mlby|2007}}) | |||
|stat3label=]s | |||
* 2007 ] ] Champion | |||
|stat3value=2,294 | |||
|teams= | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2009}}) | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2011}}, {{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2014}}) | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2015}}) | |||
* ] ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2017}}) | |||
|awards= | |||
* ] (]) | |||
* 3× ] champion ({{wsy|2002}}, {{wsy|2013}}, {{wsy|2016}}) | |||
* ] (2007) | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''John Derran Lackey''' (born October 23, 1978, in ], ]) is a ] ]. He has played for the ] his entire career. ] ] ] coined the nickname '''Big John''' for the 6' 6" Angels hurler. | |||
'''John Derran Lackey''' (born October 23, 1978) is an American former ] ] who played in ] from 2002 through 2017 for the ], ], ] and ]. A three-time ] champion with three different teams, Lackey is regarded as a key figure in his clubs' ] success, winning the title-clinching games of two out of the three Series. Selected to the ] in 2007, he won that year's ] (AL) ]. After missing the 2012 season due to ] surgery in his pitching elbow, and helping the Red Sox win the ], Lackey was named the winner of the ]. | |||
A right-handed pitcher and batter, the ] selected Lackey from ] in ] in the ] amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2002 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title ]. After ] more than 100 games with the Angels, Lackey signed with Boston in ] prior to the 2010 season. Declining performance and elbow injuries in 2011 led him to allow the most ]s in the American League before missing the next season due to elbow surgery. Lackey rebounded in 2013 to win his second championship. Boston traded him to St. Louis in July 2014, and prior to the 2016 season, he signed with Chicago as a free agent. Lackey earned his third ] championship in 2016 with the Cubs. | |||
Known for his intense competitiveness and overall durability, Lackey reached at least 200 ] six times in his career, and in five seasons was in the top ten in games started. With the exception of his rookie season in 2002, he reached at least 10 wins every season of his career. In ten of his 15 seasons, he registered an ERA below 4.00 − once below 3.00 − and four times was in the top ten in ERA. He also twice reached the top ten in both wins and ]s. He appeared in ten postseasons overall, recording a career 8–6 record and 3.44 ERA over 144 innings. In 2007 and 2015, he received votes for the ]. | |||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
===High school years=== | |||
Before Lackey was in high school, he played at Dixie Little League in Abilene. Lackey attended ] (the Eagles), and was a letterman in ], ], and ]. In baseball, he was a two-time first team All-District honoree and as a senior, he was also an All-State selection. | |||
Lackey was born in ] to Derran and Sharon Lackey. Before Lackey was in high school, he played at Dixie Little League in Abilene. Lackey attended ], and was a ] in ], ], and ]. In baseball, he was a two-time first team All-District honoree and as a senior, he was also an All-State selection. | |||
===College years=== | |||
He played one season of baseball at the ], playing ] and sometimes moonlighting as a ]. In {{by|1999}}, he played on the Junior College World Series champion ] team in ], where he posted a 10-3 record with a 4.23 ]. | |||
== |
==College career== | ||
He played one season of baseball at the ] (UTA), playing ] and sometimes moonlighting as a ]. The first summer after attending UTA, Lackey first learned to pitch in the Kansas Jayhawk Summer League. In {{Baseball year|1999}}, he played on the Junior College World Series champion ] team in ], which went 50–13. In 100 ] (IP), he posted a 10–3 ] with a 4.23 ] (ERA) and 88 ]s. At the plate, he batted .428 with 15 ]s (HR) and 81 ] (RBI). In the World Series, he tallied eight hits, two HR, and seven RBI.<ref name=mlbbio>{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=407793#gameType=%27R%27§ionType=career&statType=2&season=2015&level=%27MLB%27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809015355/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=407793#gameType=%27R%27§ionType=career&statType=2&season=2015&level=%27MLB%27 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |title=John Lackey stats, video highlights, photos, bio |work=] |access-date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In the ], he was drafted in the second round (68th overall) by the ]. He began his professional career with the Rookie-Level ], posting a 6-2 record and a 4.98 ERA. In {{by|2000}}, Lackey split his time between the Single-A ], High-A ], and Double-A ]. Because of his quick ascent up the minor league ladder, he was named the Angels' Minor League Pitcher of the Year, posting a combined 15-9 record with a 3.15 ERA. He began {{by|2001}} with Double-A ] before being promoted in July of that year to the Triple-A ], where he struggled a bit, posting a 3-4 record and a 6.71 ERA. He recovered in the {{by|2002}} season, being named Best Pitching Prospect of the ] and accumulating an 8-2 record with a 2.57 ERA. | |||
== |
==Professional career== | ||
=== |
===Draft and minor leagues=== | ||
The ] selected Lackey in the second round of the ] as the 68th overall. He began his professional career with the ] in the Short Season Class A ], posting a 6–2 record and a 4.98 ERA. Already in his first year, Lackey became known for his competitiveness. According to MLB.com, Tom Kotchman, the veteran manager, recalled "one particular game when he tried to replace Lackey only to have the tall Texan tell him otherwise. Sure enough, Kotchman trotted back to the dugout and Lackey kept dominating, as if to say, 'See? I'm not done yet.'"<ref>{{cite news |last=Ghiroli |first=Brittany |title=Path of the Pros: John Lackey: Always unflappable, the Angels' ace never wavered in his winning ways |url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7138436&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp |date=October 5, 2009 |publisher=MiLB.com |access-date=November 26, 2009 |archive-date=November 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091129004652/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090924&content_id=7138436&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
He was called up to the bigs on ], dropping his first major league start against the ]. He was optioned back to Salt Lake, until he was recalled to replace pitcher ] on ]. On ], he replaced ] in the Angels' rotation and gained his first ] against the cross-town rival ]. Lackey was the winning pitcher for the ] ]-clinching victory against Texas on ]. | |||
In {{Baseball year|2000}}, Lackey split his time between the Single-A ], High-A ], and Double-A ]. Because of his quick ascent up the minor league ladder, he was named the Angels' Minor League Pitcher of the Year,<ref name="Path of the Pros"/> posting a combined 15–9 record with a 3.15 ERA. He began {{Baseball year|2001}} with Double-A ] before being promoted in July of that year to the Triple-A ], where he struggled a bit, posting a 3–4 record and a 6.71 ERA. He recovered in the {{Baseball year|2002}} season, being named Best Pitching Prospect of the ] and accumulating an 8–2 record with a 2.57 ERA.<ref name="Path of the Pros">{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091005&content_id=7334092&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|title=Path of the Pros: John Lackey|last=Ghiroli|first=Brittany|date=October 5, 2009|work=]|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> | |||
With the AL Wild Card in hand, the Angels began their march through the 2002 postseason, facing the feared ] in the ]. Lackey made his relief and postseason debut in Game 3, allowing two ]s in the midst of an Angels rally to win 9-6. He gained his first postseason victory against the ] in Game 4 of the ], pitching seven innings while allowing only three ] and ] seven. | |||
===Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2002–2009)=== | |||
With their victory in five games over the Twins, the Angels earned their first ] pennant and made their first trip to the ]. After starter ] was pulled after two-plus innings in Game 2, Lackey pitched two innings giving up two earned runs on two hits, receiving a no-decision in the eventual 11-10 Angel victory over the ]. He started Game 4 of the Series, pitching four scoreless innings, but gaining a no-decision after allowing three hits and three earned runs in the 5th inning in the eventual Angels loss. | |||
====2002==== | |||
The Angels called Lackey up to the major leagues on June 24, 2002, dropping his first major league start against the ]. He was optioned back to Salt Lake, only to be recalled on June 28 to replace pitcher ]. Two days later, he replaced ] in the Angels' rotation and gained his first ] against the cross-town rival ]. Lackey was also the winning pitcher for the ] (AL) ]-clinching victory against Texas on September 26. | |||
With the AL Wild Card in hand, the Angels began their march through the 2002 postseason, facing the ] in the ] (ALDS). He made his relief and postseason debut in Game 3, allowing two ]s in the midst of an Angels rally to win 9–6. He gained his first postseason victory against the ] in Game 4 of the ] (ALCS), pitching seven innings while allowing only three ] and ] seven. | |||
However, it was in Game 7 of the World Series on ], 2002, that Lackey won one of the biggest games of his career. | |||
allowed only one earned run on four hits while striking out four in five innings, allowing the Angels to hold an early 4-1 lead to hand over to their ] trio of ], ], and ] to seal their World Series title. Lackey became only the second rookie in World Series history to start and win Game 7, the other being ] of the {{mlby|1909}} ]. | |||
With their victory in five games over the Twins, the Angels earned their first AL pennant and trip to the ]. After starter ] was pulled after two-plus innings in Game 2, Lackey pitched two innings giving up two earned runs on two hits, receiving a no-decision in the eventual 11–10 Angels victory over the ]. He started Game 4 of the Series, pitching four scoreless innings, but gaining a no-decision after allowing three hits and three earned runs in the 5th inning in the eventual Angels loss. | |||
===2003-06=== | |||
Lackey struggled his sophomore year, compiling a 10-16 record with a 4.63 ERA while leading the team in hits allowed, earned runs allowed, and ]es. He improved in {{mlby|2004}}, with a record of 14-13 and a 4.67 ERA, helping the Angels win their first ] title since {{mlby|1986}}. The {{mlby|2005}} campaign saw Lackey mature further, working into the sixth inning in thirty of his 36 starts, earning a 14-5 record with a 3.44 ERA. He ranked second in strikeouts per nine innings (with 8.6 K/9 IP) and third in strikeouts (199). However, he retained a bit of his wild nature with the third most wild pitches in the league. | |||
However, in Game 7 of the World Series on October 27, 2002, Lackey allowed one earned run on four hits while striking out four in five innings,<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821113258/http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/baseballs_best/mlb_bb_gamepage.jsp?story_page=bb_02ws_gm7_sfnana |date=August 21, 2006 }}, ].</ref> allowing the Angels to hold an early 4–1 lead to hand over to their ] trio of ], ], and ] to seal their World Series title. Lackey became only the second rookie in World Series history to start and win Game 7, the other being ] of the {{mlby|1909}} ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/john_donovan/news/2002/10/27/insider_g7/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021028181620/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/john_donovan/news/2002/10/27/insider_g7/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 28, 2002|title=It was no Game 6, but Angels got what they needed|last=Donovan|first=John|date=October 28, 2002|publisher=]|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> It was the first of two Series title-clinching games in which he received credit as the winning pitcher.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shaikin |first=Bill |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-dodgers-cubs-matchup-20161014-snap-story.html |title=NLCS preview: How the Dodgers and Cubs match up |work=] |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref> | |||
After the Angels placed 2005 ] winner ] on the ] in {{mlby|2006}}, Lackey emerged as the team's ], and skipper ] made him the number one starter after the ] break. On ], 2006, Lackey retired 27 batters in a row after ] of the ] led off the first inning with ], coming within one out of a ]. He threw a career high 30 2/3 scoreless innings from ], 2006 through ], 2006, when he gave up a fifth-inning ] to ] of the ]. He was later named ] Pitcher of the Month for July 2006. | |||
====2003–2006==== | |||
], {{by|2007}}]] | |||
]]] | |||
===2007-present=== | |||
] announced that Lackey would start on Opening Day 2003, replacing injured ace ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030324&content_id=229406&vkey=spt2003news&fext=.jsp&c_id=null|title=Lackey gets Opening Day nod|last=Miller|first=Doug|date=March 24, 2003|work=]|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> Lackey struggled his sophomore year, compiling a 10–16 record with a 4.63 ERA while leading the team in hits and earned runs allowed, and ]es. He finished {{mlby|2004}} with a record of 14–13 and a 4.67 ERA, helping the Angels win their first division title since {{mlby|1986}}. The {{mlby|2005}} campaign saw Lackey mature further, working into the sixth inning in 30 of his 36 starts, earning a 14–5 record with a 3.44 ERA. He ranked second in strikeouts per nine innings (with 8.6 K/9 IP) and third in strikeouts (199). However, he finished with the third most wild pitches in the league. | |||
On ], {{mlby|2007}}, Lackey became the first pitcher to win 10 games for the 2007 season. On ], Lackey was named as one of three Angels to represent the club and the American League at the 2007 ]. At the end of the 2007 season, Lackey won the award for the American League's top earned run average, finishing with an excellent 3.01 ERA. Lackey was rewarded for his excellent season with a third-place finish in that season's Cy Young voting. | |||
He participated in the MLB 2006 All-Star Series in Japan.<ref name=mlbbio/> After the Angels placed 2005 ] winner ] on the ] in {{mlby|2006}}, Lackey emerged as the team's ], and skipper ] made him the number one starter after the All-Star break. On July 7, 2006, Lackey retired 27 consecutive batters after ] of the ] led off the first inning with ]. He threw a career high 30{{fraction|2|3}} scoreless innings from July 2 through July 19, 2006, when he gave up a fifth-inning ] to ] of the ], leaving his scoreless streak 5{{fraction|1|3}} innings short of the club record, set by ] in 1967.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260719103|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104195712/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260719103|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 4, 2012|title=Indians end Lackey's scoreless streak, Angels win streak|agency=]|date=July 19, 2006|work=]|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> He was later named ] Pitcher of the Month for July 2006. | |||
On ], {{mlby|2008}}, Lackey allowed six runs on 15 hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 15 hits tied an all-time Angels franchise record for hits allowed by a starter in a single game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=3551634|accessdate=2008-07-10|publisher=Associated Press|work=SportingNews.com|date=]|title=Angels hang on for wild win over Rangers}}</ref> | |||
====2007–2009==== | |||
On ], 2008, Lackey recorded his 1000th career strikeout against ] of the ]. Lackey is the sixth Angels pitcher to accomplish that feat.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3152304&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|title=Lackey tallies 1,000th strikeout vs. Sox Hurler becomes the sixth Angels pitcher to reach milestone|publisher=losangeles.angels.mlb.com|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> On ], 2008, Lackey pitched against the Red Sox at ], carrying a ] into the ninth inning. He came within two outs of a no-hitter before ] ] to left to spoil it. The next batter, ] hit a two-run homer to break up the ]. Lackey still finished the game and the Angels won 6-2. | |||
] | |||
On June 13, {{mlby|2007}}, Lackey became the first pitcher to win 10 games for the 2007 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270613117|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525025642/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270613117|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2011|title=Lackey pitches streaking Angels past Reds|agency=]|date=June 13, 2007|work=]|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> On July 1, Lackey was named as one of three Angels to represent the club and the American League at the 2007 ]. Lackey finished the 2007 season with an American League leading 3.01 ERA. He finished in third place for that season's ] voting. | |||
On July 10, {{mlby|2008}}, Lackey allowed six runs on 15 hits in 5{{fraction|2|3}} innings. The 15 hits tied an all-time Angels' franchise record for hits allowed by a starter in a single game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=3551634|access-date=July 10, 2008|agency=Associated Press|work=SportingNews.com|date=July 10, 2008|title=Angels hang on for wild win over Rangers|archive-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618094435/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=3551634|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In Game 1 of the 2008 ALDS, he gave up a two-run home run to ] of the Boston Red Sox, and was charged with the Angel's first loss in the series. | |||
On July 18, 2008, Lackey recorded his 1000th career strikeout, against ] of the ]. Lackey was the sixth Angels pitcher to accomplish that feat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3152304&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|title=Lackey tallies 1,000th strikeout vs. Sox Hurler becomes the sixth Angels pitcher to reach milestone|publisher=losangeles.angels.mlb.com|access-date=July 20, 2008|archive-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618114235/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3152304&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 29, 2008, Lackey pitched against the Red Sox at ], carrying a ] into the ninth inning. He came within two outs of a no-hitter before ] ] to left to spoil it. The next batter, Youkilis, hit a two-run homer to break up the ]. Lackey still finished the game and the Angels won 6–2. | |||
In his first start of ], on ], Lackey was ejected after his first two pitches of the season in a game against the ]. Lackey threw his first pitch behind ]'s head, and hit Kinsler in the side with his second pitch. ] ] ] ejected Lackey without hesitation. Since Kinsler scored, Lackey was charged with an earned run, giving him an ERA of infinity. Kinsler had hit two home runs against the Angels the night before. | |||
In Game 1 of the 2008 ALDS, he gave up a two-run home run to ] of the Red Sox, and was charged with the Angels' first loss in the series. | |||
In his first start of 2009, on May 16, Lackey was ejected after his first two pitches of the season in a game against the ]. Lackey threw his first pitch behind ]'s head, and hit Kinsler in the side with his second pitch. Home plate ] ] immediately ejected Lackey. Since Kinsler scored, Lackey was charged with an earned run, giving him an ERA of infinity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/game/Angels_Rangers/2009/05/16|title=USATODAY.com|website=content.usatoday.com}}</ref> Kinsler had hit two home runs against the Angels the night before.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226051806/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/178320-john-lackey-ejected-after-two-pitches-shows-lack-of-sportsmanship |date=February 26, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
On August 30, 2009, Lackey earned his 100th career win against the Oakland Athletics, giving up one run (on an error by shortstop Erick Aybar) through eight innings. | On August 30, 2009, Lackey earned his 100th career win against the Oakland Athletics, giving up one run (on an error by shortstop Erick Aybar) through eight innings. | ||
Lackey is one of only |
Lackey is one of only six major league pitchers who won at least 11 games in each year from 2004 to 2009, the others being ], ], ], ], and ]. | ||
At the end of the 2009 season Lackey became a free agent, widely regarded as the best free agent starting pitcher on the 2010 market. '']'' declared, "Lackey stands alone as the best of the best, a relatively young righty who carries significantly less risk than the other high-upside hurlers", additionally noting he faced a tough division and tougher league and his statistics would likely be even better if he were a National League pitcher.<ref>{{cite news|last=Seidman|first=Eric|title=So You Need: Starting Pitching|url=http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9799|publisher=baseballprospectus.com|date=November 24, 2009|access-date =November 25, 2009 }}</ref> As one of the top free agent starters on the market, he was predicted to command a deal worth around $70 to $80 million, similar to the deal ] received from the Yankees. Lackey drew interest from many teams, including the ], the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091112&content_id=7657006&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|work=mlb.com|date=November 12, 2009|title=Brewers Meet With Lackey Agent}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Heyman|first=Jon|title=Yankees looking at Lackey|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/lackey.yankees/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111133115/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/lackey.yankees/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 11, 2009|date=November 9, 2009|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> the ], the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Shaikin|first=Bill|title=For Angels, Jason Bay, John Lackey and Chone Figgins are all in play|work=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shaikin-dodgers20-2009nov20,0,2237535.story|date=November 20, 2009|access-date=November 26, 2009 }}</ref> He formally declined the Angels' offer of salary arbitration on December 8.<ref>Spencer, Lyle. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722081603/http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091207&content_id=7768816&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana |date=July 22, 2011 }}, ]. Published December 8, 2009. Retrieved December 8, 2009.</ref> | |||
===Boston Red Sox (2010–2014)=== | |||
On December 16, 2009, Lackey officially signed a five-year contract worth $82.5 million with the ].<ref>Browne, Ian. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219124645/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091215&content_id=7814688&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos |date=December 19, 2009 }}, ]. Published December 16, 2009. Retrieved December 16, 2009.</ref> His contract had a clause where if he missed a full season due to injury, the Red Sox would have a team option at the end of the contract worth the league minimum.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/02/28/john-lackey-on-salary-structure-for-2015-its-going-going-to-be-different/ |title=John Lackey on salary structure for 2015: 'It's going to be different' |publisher=WEEI |first=Rob |last=Bradford |date=February 28, 2014}}</ref> On April 7, 2010, Lackey made his debut for Boston at Fenway Park against the Yankees, pitching six innings of three-hit, shutout ball. | |||
====2010==== | |||
Lackey posted a 10–5 record and a 4.26 ERA during the first half of the ] and finished his first season with the Red Sox with a 14–11 record, 4.40 ERA over 215 innings pitched.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2010.shtml |title=2010 Boston Red Sox Statistics |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
====2011==== | |||
Lackey went 2–5 with an 8.01 ERA in his first seven starts, and in May, he was placed on the disabled list with an elbow strain in his throwing arm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=6557306|title=John Lackey shelved with elbow strain|work=]|first=Steven|last=Krasner|date=May 17, 2011|access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref> Lackey returned shortly, recording an ERA over 5.00 in every month but one.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=lackejo01&year=&t=p|title=John Lackey 2011 Pitching Splits|work=]|access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref> In 28 starts, Lackey finished the season 12–12 with a 6.41 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, both career worsts. The 114 earned runs he allowed were the most in the American League,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml|title=John Lackey Statistics and History|work=]|access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref> and his ERA was the highest in Red Sox history for a starter with at least 150 innings pitched. In the end of the 2011 season, Lackey and two more starting pitchers (] and ], allegedly) were in the center of a controversy that told that the three (and sometimes more) drank beers and ate fried chicken in the clubhouse during games in which they were not pitching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111017&content_id=25692288&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|title=Lester: We did drink in clubhouse during games|access-date=October 20, 2011|date=October 17, 2011|last=Brown|first=Ian|archive-date=October 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020121345/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111017&content_id=25692288&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/7091574/boston-red-sox-collapse-terry-francona-distracted-pitchers-john-lackey-josh-beckett-jon-lester-party-report-says|title=Report outlines Red Sox problems|date=October 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/thebuzz/2012/08/report_john_lac_1.html|title=Report: John Lackey 'double-fisting' beer in Red Sox clubhouse after loss|date=August 10, 2012 | work=The Boston Globe|first=Steve|last=Silva}}</ref> | |||
====2012==== | |||
During a press conference, ], the new GM of the Boston Red Sox, revealed that John Lackey had ] during the 2011 offseason. As a result, Lackey did not pitch for the entire {{baseball year|2012}} season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jackson|first=Scott|title=John Lackey to miss 2012 Season|url=http://bleacherbumsports.net/2011/10/25/john-lackey-to-miss-2012-season/|work=Bleacher Bum Sports|access-date=October 25, 2011}}</ref> Lackey was later seen drinking beer in the clubhouse during his rehabilitation, causing further controversy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Report: John Lackey 'double-fisting' beer in Red Sox clubhouse after loss|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/thebuzz/2012/08/report_john_lac_1.html|date=August 10, 2012 | work=The Boston Globe|first=Steve|last=Silva}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jon Heyman On Gresh & Zo: John Lackey 'Just A Big Disappointment'|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/08/14/jon-heyman-on-gresh-zo-john-lackey-just-a-big-disappointment/|date=August 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
====2013==== | |||
On April 6, Lackey injured his arm in his first start since September 2011. The Red Sox announced it was a right biceps strain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2013/04/lackey_injured.html|title=John Lackey suffers biceps strain, leaves game|author-link=Nick Cafardo|last=Cafardo|first=Nick|date=April 6, 2013|work=Boston Globe|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> On April 28, Lackey got his first win since the 2011 season, going six innings, giving up one run and five hits in a 6–1 win over the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_04_28_houmlb_bosmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=bos|title=Astros vs. Red Sox - 04/28/13|website=MLB.com}}</ref> | |||
On October 30, Lackey was the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the ], which clinched the ]' eighth ] title. In doing so, Lackey became the first starting ] in ] history to win two ] "clinching" games with two different teams. Lackey garnered much media attention by his refusal to leave the game when Manager ] came to the mound with two outs in the seventh inning, telling Farrell "this is my guy" (referring to the next batter, ]). Farrell allowed Lackey to stay in the game, but he eventually walked Holliday to load the bases. Lackey exited to a standing ovation from Fenway Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/33218/lackey-caps-comeback-season-in-style|title=Lackey caps comeback season in style|first=Joe|last=McDonald|date=October 31, 2013|publisher=] Boston|access-date=October 31, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Many credited Lackey's turnaround as a major reason for the Red Sox' success in 2013, especially at mid-season when ] went on the disabled list and ] was going through a rough stretch. Lackey finished 2013 with a 10–13 record and a 3.52 ERA. He was plagued by a lack of run support throughout the season, but threw two complete games, the first time in a season that he had multiple complete games since 2008. | |||
After the season, Lackey was awarded with the ], an award given out to the player who has overcome the most adversity.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/33623/john-lackey-wins-tony-c-award|title = John Lackey wins Tony C. Award |date = December 3, 2013 |publisher=ESPN Boston }}</ref> | |||
====2014==== | |||
Lackey began the ] as the Red Sox' number-two starter behind Lester. He made six starts in April, with four being quality starts, and two giving up six runs in less than six innings. Dating back to the previous May 23, he had thrown six straight quality starts, going 3–1 with a 1.60 ERA and 34 strikeouts. | |||
On July 5, Orioles ] ] went 3-for-3 with a double off of Lackey. Cruz had served a 50-game suspension for his involvement in the ] the previous season, which Cruz claimed he had sought help from Biogenesis of America to fight a gastrointestinal infection. After Cruz' big game, Lackey stated, "I'm not going to comment on him. I've got nothing to say about him. There are some things I would like to say but I'm not going to. You guys forget pretty conveniently about stuff."<ref name=Encina>{{cite web |last1=Encina |first1=Eduardo |title=Red Sox pitcher John Lackey on Orioles star Nelson Cruz: 'I've got nothing to say about him' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/07/06/red-sox-pitcher-john-lackey-on-orioles-star-nelson-cruz-ive-got-nothing-to-say-about-him/ |work=] |date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014}}</ref> Orioles manager ] countered by saying, "Considering the timing of things, it's one of those things that you keep quiet about it and it reflects poorly upon the person who said it."<ref name=Axisa>{{cite web |last1=Axisa |first1=Mike |title=O's Showalter chides Lackey over PED hints following Cruz's 5 for 5 |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24609143/john-lackey-is-not-happy-he-got-hit-around-by-nelson-cruz-on-saturday|work=] |access-date=July 6, 2014 |date=July 6, 2014}}</ref> | |||
===St. Louis Cardinals (2014–2015)=== | |||
]]] | |||
On July 31, 2014, the Red Sox traded Lackey with minor league pitcher ] to the ] for outfielder ] and pitcher ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/red-sox-trade-john-lackey-for-joe-kelly-allen-craig?ymd=20140731&content_id=87232200&vkey=news_mlb |title=Lackey to Cards as Sox get Kelly, Craig |work=MLB.com |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=July 31, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054949/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/red-sox-trade-john-lackey-for-joe-kelly-allen-craig?ymd=20140731&content_id=87232200&vkey=news_mlb |url-status=dead }}</ref> In his Cardinals debut, Lackey pitched seven innings but was behind 2–0 when he exited the game. The Cardinals rallied for three runs the next inning, and ended up winning the game 3–2 while crediting him the win,<ref>{{cite news |last=Fallstrom |first=R. B. |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/03/john-lackey-wins-debut-with-cardinals/lsZGZJYCke5Bs0hwrJOYDL/story.html |title=John Lackey wins in debut with Cardinals |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=August 3, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2014}}</ref> the 150th of his career. ] ], acquired from the Red Sox the same month, caught Lackey for the 19th time in 22 starts in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/08/03/87772648/cards-rally-behind-lackeys-debut-to-stun-brewers |title=Cards rally behind Lackey's debut to stun Brewers |work=MLB.com |date=August 3, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704010751/http://m.mlb.com/news/2014/08/03/87772648/cards-rally-behind-lackeys-debut-to-stun-brewers |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wearing ] 41 during his tenure with Anaheim and Boston, Lackey acquired the number from new teammate ] in exchange for an autographed ] baseball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berg | first=Ted |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/john-lackey-pat-neshek-uniform-number-babe-ruth-st-louis-cardinals |title=John Lackey traded a Babe Ruth autograph for a uniform number |work=USA Today |date=August 20, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref> | |||
In 10 regular season starts for the Cardinals, Lackey allowed two or fewer runs in seven of them.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Jeff |url=http://www.stltoday.com/gallery/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-report-card/collection_3dcc54bf-d29e-5cde-b2c2-441460225311.html#17 |title=Cardinals 2014 report card: John Lackey B– |work=] |date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=October 18, 2014}}</ref> He totaled a 3–3 W–L with a 4.30 ERA in {{frac|60|2|3}} IP with St. Louis, and his totals for the year including those with Boston were 14-10 W–L with a 3.82 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 198 innings. He made the postseason for the seventh time in his career, starting once each against the ] in the ] (NLDS) and the ] in the ] (NLCS). The Giants defeated the Cardinals in five games, ending their season. Instead of retiring and foregoing being paid the league minimum, Lackey had stated in the previous August that he would pitch in 2015 if the Cardinals picked up the option that actuated because he missed the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery. On October 30, the Cardinals announced they had picked up the Tommy John option.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Geary |first=Molly |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/10/30/cardinals-pick-2015-option-john-lackey |title=Cardinals exercise 2015 option on veteran pitcher John Lackey |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> With a guaranteed base salary of $507,000, the club added performance bonuses before the start of the season.<ref name=2015bonuses>{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/offense-backs-lackey-as-cards-sweep/article_263a16f4-1ff5-50d5-9245-3ee371c41f0b.html |title=Offense backs Lackey as Cards sweep |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In {{frac|7|2|3}} IP against the ] on May 7, ], Lackey struck out 10. He also drove in his third career run with a double, his third career ] in a 5–1 win.<ref>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/05/07/lackey-drives-in-run-to-lead-cardinals-over-cubs-5-1/70964904/ |title=Lackey drives in run to lead Cardinals over Cubs 5–1 |work=USA Today |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> On July 12, despite the Cardinals losing to the ] 6–5 in 14 innings, he achieved his sixth consecutive ], and 12th in 15 appearances.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGonigal |first=John |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/136288064/john-lackey-has-sixth-straight-quality-start |title=Quality becoming commonplace for Lackey |work=MLB.com |date=July 12, 2015 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713084329/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/136288064/john-lackey-has-sixth-straight-quality-start |url-status=dead }}</ref> He lost to the ] on July 29, but gave up just one run with eight strikeouts while allowing one walk and two hits. It was the fewest hits he allowed through that point in the season. He also allowed three runs or fewer in all but of one of his prior 17 starts.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Dan |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/lackey-stellar-in-losing-effort-for-cards/article_0a7a7c0b-5fe9-5085-9abd-834bb5524144.html |title=Lackey stellar in losing effort for Cards |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2015}}</ref> | |||
By earning his 10th win of 2015 in a 6–2 defeat of the ] on August 15, Lackey recorded his 12th consecutive season of double-digit victory totals. He struck out six in {{frac|8|1|3|}} innings and retired nine batters in a row at one point. One of the hits Lackey allowed was a single to ], a hit with which Ichiro passed ] for the total attained in top-level professional baseball organizations, including ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Zunavich |first=Adam |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article31234787.html |title=Ichiro surpasses Ty Cobb in hits but Marlins fall to Cardinals |work=] |date=August 15, 2015 |access-date=August 16, 2015}}</ref> With seven scoreless innings of the ] on September 17, Lackey reached 200 IP for the sixth time in his career and first time since 2010. He had a 2.23 ERA over his last 17 starts.<ref>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/lackey-throws-seven-shutout-innings-cards-finish-off-sweep-of-brewers-091715 |title=Lackey throws seven shutout innings, Cards finish off sweep of Brewers |publisher=] |date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> By reaching 200 IP, he triggered a $400,000 bonus, bringing his earnings for the season over $2 million.<ref name=2015bonuses/> Further, Lackey turned in a season that exceeded his career norms, including a career-best 2.77 ERA, seventh-best in the league, and recorded 218 IP, his highest total since 2010. His fastball average speed for the season was {{convert|91.6|mph}}, the highest since 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rymer |first=Zach |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2577700-john-lackey-showcases-late-career-renaissance-with-dazzling-nlds-gem |title=John Lackey showcases late-career renaissance with dazzling NLDS gem |publisher=] |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> | |||
The Cardinals won 100 games and the ] division, and made Lackey the Game 1 starter of the ] against the Cubs. He opposed ] — both men had faced the Cardinals in the World Series two years earlier as teammates with the Red Sox. Lackey held the Cubs hitless through the first five innings on the way to pitching {{frac|7|1|3}} shutout innings in a 4–0 win.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/lackey-cardinals-cool-off-cubs/article_de05cd3f-e5d5-57e5-b54a-7688f461a1b0.html |title=Lackey, Cardinals cool off Cubs |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> The Cardinals started him on three days' for Game 4, the elimination game. He allowed a three-run home run to ], Lackey's first allowed in the playoffs since 2008, a span of {{frac|75|1|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite web |last=Frederickson |first=Ben |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-once-stellar-pitching-falters/article_5248fb8a-bd34-58fe-9d61-c2935fb61989.html |title=Cardinals' once-stellar pitching falters |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 14, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015}}</ref> The Cubs won this game and the series, ending the Cardinals' season,<ref>{{cite web |author=Chicago Tribune staff |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-game-4-cubs-cardinals-live-blog-20151013-htmlstory.html |title=On to NLCS: Cubs finish off Cardinals at Wrigley Field |work=] |date=October 13, 2015 |access-date=October 15, 2015}}</ref> with Lackey's free agency following.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bingol |first=Spencer |url=http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2015/11/9/9695108/john-lackey-cardinals-free-agent-sinker-combat-aging |title=Ageless John Lackey uses sinker to combat time |publisher=SB Nation |date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===Chicago Cubs (2016–2017)=== | |||
]]] | |||
On December 8, 2015, Lackey signed a two-year, $32 million contract with the ].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=Cubs|author=Chicago Cubs|number=674317752807501828|date=December 8, 2015|title=It’s official! #Cubs and RHP John Lackey have agreed to terms on a two-year deal.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/159133736/cubs-thrilled-to-add-john-lackey|title=Cubs thrilled to add Lackey to their fold|work=MLB.com|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2015|first=Carrie|last=Muskat|archive-date=December 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212013228/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/159133736/cubs-thrilled-to-add-john-lackey|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On April 18, 2016, in a game against the Cardinals, his former club, Lackey struck out 11 hitters in seven innings, earning his third win of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN201604180.shtml |title=Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, April 18, 2016 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> It was also his first regular season win against St. Louis, making him only the 16th player to notch a win against all 30 major league teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/173145090/john-lackey-beats-cardinals-in-first-matchup|title=John Lackey beats Cardinals in first matchup|work=MLB.com|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2016|first=Carrie|last=Muskat|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420114058/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/173145090/john-lackey-beats-cardinals-in-first-matchup|url-status=dead}}</ref> He joined ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] as the only players to achieve this milestone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/138937922/tim-hudson-has-wins-over-all-30-mlb-teams|title=Tim Hudson has wins over all 30 MLB teams|work=MLB.com|date=July 26, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2016|first=Chad|last=Thornburg|archive-date=December 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217054342/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/138937922/tim-hudson-has-wins-over-all-30-mlb-teams|url-status=dead}}</ref> He reached double-digit win totals for the 13th consecutive season on September 21, 2016, in a 9−2 win over the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://e-edition.dailyherald.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=c744a421-5fb7-4e43-8234-b58fa5e5e80c |title=Lackey reaches double figures in wins |work=Daily Herald e-Edition |date=September 21, 2016 |access-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref> In 29 starts of 2016, Lackey finished 11–8 with a 3.35 ERA. With the Cubs finishing the season 103–58, the team clinched the NL Central Division.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/2016.shtml |title=2016 Chicago Cubs Statistics |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> Lackey won the World Series for the third time of his career, and with a third different team after the Cubs beat the ] in the ], ending a 108-year long drought for a championship.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bastian|first1=Jordan|last2=Muskat|first2=Carrie|title=Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/207938228/chicago-cubs-win-2016-world-series/|publisher=MLB|access-date=November 3, 2016|archive-date=November 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130223630/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/207938228/chicago-cubs-win-2016-world-series/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On August 16, 2017, against the Cincinnati Reds, Lackey recorded his first career ], but was then picked off shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Lackey stole the first base of his career...and then got picked off|url=http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/248920640/john-lackey-steals-first-base-of-career-and-then-gets-picked-off|publisher=MLB|access-date=August 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201708160.shtml |title=Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Box Score, August 16, 2017 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> | |||
On September 15, 2017, Lackey was ejected and fined for arguing a strike call by umpire ]. Baker also ejected catcher ] who was arguing the same strike call.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/9/15/16317100/john-lackey-wilson-contreras-ejected-middle-of-play-cubs-cardinals|title=Watch John Lackey absolutely flip out and get ejected over a questionable strike call|date=September 15, 2017}}</ref> He became a free agent after the ] lost to the ] in the ]. | |||
===Retirement=== | |||
During the 2018 season, Lackey was offered a minor league contract by the ], and promptly turned it down.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2018/06/13/clay-buchholz-donald-trump-diamondbacks-staff-savior/698215002/|title=With Donald Trump in his corner, Diamondbacks' Clay Buchholz back to his old ways|date=June 13, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2024|work=]|last=Nightengale|first=Bob|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227015248/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2018/06/13/clay-buchholz-donald-trump-diamondbacks-staff-savior/698215002/|archive-date=December 27, 2022|url-status=live|location=]|quote=Buchholz now has the job that Lackey, his teammate for nearly five years in Boston, rejected during the winter. He was unwilling to sign a cheap, minor-league deal with Arizona, particularly with no guarantee of cracking the rotation.}}</ref> At a ] home game on September 27, 2018, Lackey was in attendance, and toasted to the camera when it panned to him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/john-lackey-comes-back-to-wrigley-field/c-296342044|title=John Lackey toasted the camera from the stands in his return to Wrigley Field|date=September 27, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2024|work=]|last=Mearns|first=Andrew|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522054646/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/john-lackey-comes-back-to-wrigley-field/c-296342044|archive-date=May 22, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season concluded, Lackey officially retired. | |||
==Personal life== | |||
On August 30, 2011, Lackey filed for divorce from Krista, his wife of almost three years, who had been battling ] since March and underwent ] through June.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abraham |first=Peter |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/06/after-bruising-years-lackey-ready-take-mound/nhKG5WSols2ANMt1GKtKUP/story.html |title=John Lackey vows to rebuild image, career |work=The Boston Globe |date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author='Duk |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/on-john-lackeys-divorce-and-the-boston-microscope?urn=mlb,wp20981 |title=On John Lackey's divorce and the Boston microscope |publisher=] |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref><ref> ], September 26, 2011</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playerwives.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/john-lackeys-wife-krista-clark-lackey/|title=John Lackey's wife Krista Clark Lackey - PlayerWives.com|date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> The divorce was finalized by February 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://matthewjensenlaw.com/2012/02/05/red-sox-pitcher-john-lackeys-divorce-finalized/|title=Red Sox Pitcher John Lackey's Divorce Finalized - Law Office of Matthew J. Jensen|website=matthewjensenlaw.com|access-date=May 17, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015010/http://matthewjensenlaw.com/2012/02/05/red-sox-pitcher-john-lackeys-divorce-finalized/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215063101/http://perezhilton.com/fitperez/2012-02-06-john-lackey-gets-his-divorce#.UZYf0sh3684 |date=February 15, 2013 }} ], February 4, 2012</ref><ref> ], February 4, 2012</ref> | |||
Lackey resides in the Austin area in the off-season. He and his wife, Kristina Carter, had their first child, a daughter, in November 2015. He is also a stepfather to Kristina's children from her first marriage.<ref name=mlbbio/> | |||
==Popular culture== | ==Popular culture== | ||
In 2009, the satirical publication '']'' published an article about Lackey, titled |
In 2009, the satirical publication '']'' published an article about Lackey, titled "Superstitious John Lackey Has to Build, Destroy a Luxury Hotel Before Every Start."<ref name=onion>{{cite web |url=https://sports.theonion.com/superstitious-john-lackey-has-to-build-destroy-a-luxur-1819571006 |title=Superstitious John Lackey has to build, destroy a luxury hotel before every start |work=] |date=September 15, 2009}}</ref> The article was intended to satirize superstitious professional athletes. | ||
He was featured in a 2011 ] music video alongside fellow Red Sox starting pitchers ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Platt |first=Chuck |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/894690-hell-yeah-i-like-beer-the-music-video-starring-red-sox-starting-pitchers |title=Boston Red Sox: 'Hell Yeah, I Like Beer' video, starring the starting pitchers |work=] |date=October 14, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2014}}</ref> | |||
In 2021, Lackey made a cameo in the football film '']'' as a guest speaker at a pep rally. | |||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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Latest revision as of 10:48, 3 December 2024
American baseball player (born 1978) For the president of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, see John Lackey (politician). For the Irish cyclist, see John Lackey (cyclist).Baseball player
John Lackey | |
---|---|
Lackey with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: (1978-10-23) October 23, 1978 (age 46) Abilene, Texas, U.S. | |
Batted: RightThrew: Right | |
MLB debut | |
June 24, 2002, for the Anaheim Angels | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 1, 2017, for the Chicago Cubs | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 188–147 |
Earned run average | 3.92 |
Strikeouts | 2,294 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
John Derran Lackey (born October 23, 1978) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 2002 through 2017 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. A three-time World Series champion with three different teams, Lackey is regarded as a key figure in his clubs' postseason success, winning the title-clinching games of two out of the three Series. Selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2007, he won that year's American League (AL) earned run average (ERA) title. After missing the 2012 season due to ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery in his pitching elbow, and helping the Red Sox win the 2013 World Series, Lackey was named the winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award.
A right-handed pitcher and batter, the Anaheim Angels selected Lackey from Grayson County College in Texas in the 1999 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2002 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title that year. After winning more than 100 games with the Angels, Lackey signed with Boston in free agency prior to the 2010 season. Declining performance and elbow injuries in 2011 led him to allow the most earned runs in the American League before missing the next season due to elbow surgery. Lackey rebounded in 2013 to win his second championship. Boston traded him to St. Louis in July 2014, and prior to the 2016 season, he signed with Chicago as a free agent. Lackey earned his third World Series championship in 2016 with the Cubs.
Known for his intense competitiveness and overall durability, Lackey reached at least 200 innings pitched six times in his career, and in five seasons was in the top ten in games started. With the exception of his rookie season in 2002, he reached at least 10 wins every season of his career. In ten of his 15 seasons, he registered an ERA below 4.00 − once below 3.00 − and four times was in the top ten in ERA. He also twice reached the top ten in both wins and strikeouts. He appeared in ten postseasons overall, recording a career 8–6 record and 3.44 ERA over 144 innings. In 2007 and 2015, he received votes for the Cy Young Award.
Early life
Lackey was born in Abilene, Texas to Derran and Sharon Lackey. Before Lackey was in high school, he played at Dixie Little League in Abilene. Lackey attended Abilene High School, and was a letterman in football, basketball, and baseball. In baseball, he was a two-time first team All-District honoree and as a senior, he was also an All-State selection.
College career
He played one season of baseball at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), playing first base and sometimes moonlighting as a relief pitcher. The first summer after attending UTA, Lackey first learned to pitch in the Kansas Jayhawk Summer League. In 1999, he played on the Junior College World Series champion Grayson County College team in Denison, Texas, which went 50–13. In 100 innings pitched (IP), he posted a 10–3 record with a 4.23 earned run average (ERA) and 88 strikeouts. At the plate, he batted .428 with 15 home runs (HR) and 81 runs batted in (RBI). In the World Series, he tallied eight hits, two HR, and seven RBI.
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
The Anaheim Angels selected Lackey in the second round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft as the 68th overall. He began his professional career with the Boise Hawks in the Short Season Class A Northwest League, posting a 6–2 record and a 4.98 ERA. Already in his first year, Lackey became known for his competitiveness. According to MLB.com, Tom Kotchman, the veteran manager, recalled "one particular game when he tried to replace Lackey only to have the tall Texan tell him otherwise. Sure enough, Kotchman trotted back to the dugout and Lackey kept dominating, as if to say, 'See? I'm not done yet.'"
In 2000, Lackey split his time between the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels, High-A Lake Elsinore Storm, and Double-A Erie SeaWolves. Because of his quick ascent up the minor league ladder, he was named the Angels' Minor League Pitcher of the Year, posting a combined 15–9 record with a 3.15 ERA. He began 2001 with Double-A Arkansas before being promoted in July of that year to the Triple-A Salt Lake Stingers, where he struggled a bit, posting a 3–4 record and a 6.71 ERA. He recovered in the 2002 season, being named Best Pitching Prospect of the Pacific Coast League and accumulating an 8–2 record with a 2.57 ERA.
Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2002–2009)
2002
The Angels called Lackey up to the major leagues on June 24, 2002, dropping his first major league start against the Texas Rangers. He was optioned back to Salt Lake, only to be recalled on June 28 to replace pitcher Al Levine. Two days later, he replaced Scott Schoeneweis in the Angels' rotation and gained his first victory against the cross-town rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Lackey was also the winning pitcher for the American League (AL) Wild Card-clinching victory against Texas on September 26.
With the AL Wild Card in hand, the Angels began their march through the 2002 postseason, facing the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS). He made his relief and postseason debut in Game 3, allowing two earned runs in the midst of an Angels rally to win 9–6. He gained his first postseason victory against the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), pitching seven innings while allowing only three hits and striking out seven.
With their victory in five games over the Twins, the Angels earned their first AL pennant and trip to the World Series. After starter Kevin Appier was pulled after two-plus innings in Game 2, Lackey pitched two innings giving up two earned runs on two hits, receiving a no-decision in the eventual 11–10 Angels victory over the San Francisco Giants. He started Game 4 of the Series, pitching four scoreless innings, but gaining a no-decision after allowing three hits and three earned runs in the 5th inning in the eventual Angels loss.
However, in Game 7 of the World Series on October 27, 2002, Lackey allowed one earned run on four hits while striking out four in five innings, allowing the Angels to hold an early 4–1 lead to hand over to their bullpen trio of Brendan Donnelly, Francisco Rodríguez, and Troy Percival to seal their World Series title. Lackey became only the second rookie in World Series history to start and win Game 7, the other being Babe Adams of the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the first of two Series title-clinching games in which he received credit as the winning pitcher.
2003–2006
Mike Scioscia announced that Lackey would start on Opening Day 2003, replacing injured ace Jarrod Washburn. Lackey struggled his sophomore year, compiling a 10–16 record with a 4.63 ERA while leading the team in hits and earned runs allowed, and wild pitches. He finished 2004 with a record of 14–13 and a 4.67 ERA, helping the Angels win their first division title since 1986. The 2005 campaign saw Lackey mature further, working into the sixth inning in 30 of his 36 starts, earning a 14–5 record with a 3.44 ERA. He ranked second in strikeouts per nine innings (with 8.6 K/9 IP) and third in strikeouts (199). However, he finished with the third most wild pitches in the league.
He participated in the MLB 2006 All-Star Series in Japan. After the Angels placed 2005 Cy Young winner Bartolo Colón on the disabled list in 2006, Lackey emerged as the team's ace, and skipper Mike Scioscia made him the number one starter after the All-Star break. On July 7, 2006, Lackey retired 27 consecutive batters after Mark Kotsay of the Oakland Athletics led off the first inning with double. He threw a career high 302⁄3 scoreless innings from July 2 through July 19, 2006, when he gave up a fifth-inning home run to Ben Broussard of the Cleveland Indians, leaving his scoreless streak 51⁄3 innings short of the club record, set by Jim McGlothlin in 1967. He was later named American League Pitcher of the Month for July 2006.
2007–2009
On June 13, 2007, Lackey became the first pitcher to win 10 games for the 2007 season. On July 1, Lackey was named as one of three Angels to represent the club and the American League at the 2007 All-Star Game. Lackey finished the 2007 season with an American League leading 3.01 ERA. He finished in third place for that season's Cy Young Award voting.
On July 10, 2008, Lackey allowed six runs on 15 hits in 52⁄3 innings. The 15 hits tied an all-time Angels' franchise record for hits allowed by a starter in a single game.
On July 18, 2008, Lackey recorded his 1000th career strikeout, against Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox. Lackey was the sixth Angels pitcher to accomplish that feat. On July 29, 2008, Lackey pitched against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning. He came within two outs of a no-hitter before Dustin Pedroia singled to left to spoil it. The next batter, Youkilis, hit a two-run homer to break up the shutout. Lackey still finished the game and the Angels won 6–2.
In Game 1 of the 2008 ALDS, he gave up a two-run home run to Jason Bay of the Red Sox, and was charged with the Angels' first loss in the series.
In his first start of 2009, on May 16, Lackey was ejected after his first two pitches of the season in a game against the Texas Rangers. Lackey threw his first pitch behind Ian Kinsler's head, and hit Kinsler in the side with his second pitch. Home plate umpire Bob Davidson immediately ejected Lackey. Since Kinsler scored, Lackey was charged with an earned run, giving him an ERA of infinity. Kinsler had hit two home runs against the Angels the night before.
On August 30, 2009, Lackey earned his 100th career win against the Oakland Athletics, giving up one run (on an error by shortstop Erick Aybar) through eight innings.
Lackey is one of only six major league pitchers who won at least 11 games in each year from 2004 to 2009, the others being CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe, Johan Santana, Javier Vázquez, and Jason Marquis.
At the end of the 2009 season Lackey became a free agent, widely regarded as the best free agent starting pitcher on the 2010 market. Baseball Prospectus declared, "Lackey stands alone as the best of the best, a relatively young righty who carries significantly less risk than the other high-upside hurlers", additionally noting he faced a tough division and tougher league and his statistics would likely be even better if he were a National League pitcher. As one of the top free agent starters on the market, he was predicted to command a deal worth around $70 to $80 million, similar to the deal A. J. Burnett received from the Yankees. Lackey drew interest from many teams, including the Seattle Mariners, the Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, the Boston Red Sox, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He formally declined the Angels' offer of salary arbitration on December 8.
Boston Red Sox (2010–2014)
On December 16, 2009, Lackey officially signed a five-year contract worth $82.5 million with the Boston Red Sox. His contract had a clause where if he missed a full season due to injury, the Red Sox would have a team option at the end of the contract worth the league minimum. On April 7, 2010, Lackey made his debut for Boston at Fenway Park against the Yankees, pitching six innings of three-hit, shutout ball.
2010
Lackey posted a 10–5 record and a 4.26 ERA during the first half of the 2010 season and finished his first season with the Red Sox with a 14–11 record, 4.40 ERA over 215 innings pitched.
2011
Lackey went 2–5 with an 8.01 ERA in his first seven starts, and in May, he was placed on the disabled list with an elbow strain in his throwing arm. Lackey returned shortly, recording an ERA over 5.00 in every month but one. In 28 starts, Lackey finished the season 12–12 with a 6.41 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, both career worsts. The 114 earned runs he allowed were the most in the American League, and his ERA was the highest in Red Sox history for a starter with at least 150 innings pitched. In the end of the 2011 season, Lackey and two more starting pitchers (Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, allegedly) were in the center of a controversy that told that the three (and sometimes more) drank beers and ate fried chicken in the clubhouse during games in which they were not pitching.
2012
During a press conference, Ben Cherington, the new GM of the Boston Red Sox, revealed that John Lackey had Tommy John surgery during the 2011 offseason. As a result, Lackey did not pitch for the entire 2012 season. Lackey was later seen drinking beer in the clubhouse during his rehabilitation, causing further controversy.
2013
On April 6, Lackey injured his arm in his first start since September 2011. The Red Sox announced it was a right biceps strain. On April 28, Lackey got his first win since the 2011 season, going six innings, giving up one run and five hits in a 6–1 win over the Houston Astros.
On October 30, Lackey was the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the 2013 World Series, which clinched the Boston Red Sox' eighth World Series title. In doing so, Lackey became the first starting pitcher in Major League history to win two World Series "clinching" games with two different teams. Lackey garnered much media attention by his refusal to leave the game when Manager John Farrell came to the mound with two outs in the seventh inning, telling Farrell "this is my guy" (referring to the next batter, Matt Holliday). Farrell allowed Lackey to stay in the game, but he eventually walked Holliday to load the bases. Lackey exited to a standing ovation from Fenway Park.
Many credited Lackey's turnaround as a major reason for the Red Sox' success in 2013, especially at mid-season when Clay Buchholz went on the disabled list and Jon Lester was going through a rough stretch. Lackey finished 2013 with a 10–13 record and a 3.52 ERA. He was plagued by a lack of run support throughout the season, but threw two complete games, the first time in a season that he had multiple complete games since 2008.
After the season, Lackey was awarded with the Tony Conigliaro Award, an award given out to the player who has overcome the most adversity.
2014
Lackey began the 2014 season as the Red Sox' number-two starter behind Lester. He made six starts in April, with four being quality starts, and two giving up six runs in less than six innings. Dating back to the previous May 23, he had thrown six straight quality starts, going 3–1 with a 1.60 ERA and 34 strikeouts.
On July 5, Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz went 3-for-3 with a double off of Lackey. Cruz had served a 50-game suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis baseball scandal the previous season, which Cruz claimed he had sought help from Biogenesis of America to fight a gastrointestinal infection. After Cruz' big game, Lackey stated, "I'm not going to comment on him. I've got nothing to say about him. There are some things I would like to say but I'm not going to. You guys forget pretty conveniently about stuff." Orioles manager Buck Showalter countered by saying, "Considering the timing of things, it's one of those things that you keep quiet about it and it reflects poorly upon the person who said it."
St. Louis Cardinals (2014–2015)
On July 31, 2014, the Red Sox traded Lackey with minor league pitcher Corey Littrell to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Allen Craig and pitcher Joe Kelly. In his Cardinals debut, Lackey pitched seven innings but was behind 2–0 when he exited the game. The Cardinals rallied for three runs the next inning, and ended up winning the game 3–2 while crediting him the win, the 150th of his career. Catcher A. J. Pierzynski, acquired from the Red Sox the same month, caught Lackey for the 19th time in 22 starts in 2014. Wearing uniform number 41 during his tenure with Anaheim and Boston, Lackey acquired the number from new teammate Pat Neshek in exchange for an autographed Babe Ruth baseball.
In 10 regular season starts for the Cardinals, Lackey allowed two or fewer runs in seven of them. He totaled a 3–3 W–L with a 4.30 ERA in 60+2⁄3 IP with St. Louis, and his totals for the year including those with Boston were 14-10 W–L with a 3.82 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 198 innings. He made the postseason for the seventh time in his career, starting once each against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS) and the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The Giants defeated the Cardinals in five games, ending their season. Instead of retiring and foregoing being paid the league minimum, Lackey had stated in the previous August that he would pitch in 2015 if the Cardinals picked up the option that actuated because he missed the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery. On October 30, the Cardinals announced they had picked up the Tommy John option. With a guaranteed base salary of $507,000, the club added performance bonuses before the start of the season.
In 7+2⁄3 IP against the Chicago Cubs on May 7, 2015, Lackey struck out 10. He also drove in his third career run with a double, his third career extra base hit in a 5–1 win. On July 12, despite the Cardinals losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6–5 in 14 innings, he achieved his sixth consecutive quality start, and 12th in 15 appearances. He lost to the Cincinnati Reds on July 29, but gave up just one run with eight strikeouts while allowing one walk and two hits. It was the fewest hits he allowed through that point in the season. He also allowed three runs or fewer in all but of one of his prior 17 starts.
By earning his 10th win of 2015 in a 6–2 defeat of the Miami Marlins on August 15, Lackey recorded his 12th consecutive season of double-digit victory totals. He struck out six in 8+1⁄3 innings and retired nine batters in a row at one point. One of the hits Lackey allowed was a single to Ichiro Suzuki, a hit with which Ichiro passed Ty Cobb for the total attained in top-level professional baseball organizations, including Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball. With seven scoreless innings of the Milwaukee Brewers on September 17, Lackey reached 200 IP for the sixth time in his career and first time since 2010. He had a 2.23 ERA over his last 17 starts. By reaching 200 IP, he triggered a $400,000 bonus, bringing his earnings for the season over $2 million. Further, Lackey turned in a season that exceeded his career norms, including a career-best 2.77 ERA, seventh-best in the league, and recorded 218 IP, his highest total since 2010. His fastball average speed for the season was 91.6 miles per hour (147.4 km/h), the highest since 2009.
The Cardinals won 100 games and the National League Central division, and made Lackey the Game 1 starter of the NLDS against the Cubs. He opposed Jon Lester — both men had faced the Cardinals in the World Series two years earlier as teammates with the Red Sox. Lackey held the Cubs hitless through the first five innings on the way to pitching 7+1⁄3 shutout innings in a 4–0 win. The Cardinals started him on three days' for Game 4, the elimination game. He allowed a three-run home run to Javier Báez, Lackey's first allowed in the playoffs since 2008, a span of 75+1⁄3 innings. The Cubs won this game and the series, ending the Cardinals' season, with Lackey's free agency following.
Chicago Cubs (2016–2017)
On December 8, 2015, Lackey signed a two-year, $32 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
On April 18, 2016, in a game against the Cardinals, his former club, Lackey struck out 11 hitters in seven innings, earning his third win of the season. It was also his first regular season win against St. Louis, making him only the 16th player to notch a win against all 30 major league teams. He joined Al Leiter, Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Barry Zito, Terry Mulholland, Curt Schilling, Woody Williams, Jamie Moyer, Javier Vázquez, Vicente Padilla, Derek Lowe, Dan Haren, A. J. Burnett, Kyle Lohse, and Tim Hudson as the only players to achieve this milestone. He reached double-digit win totals for the 13th consecutive season on September 21, 2016, in a 9−2 win over the Cincinnati Reds. In 29 starts of 2016, Lackey finished 11–8 with a 3.35 ERA. With the Cubs finishing the season 103–58, the team clinched the NL Central Division. Lackey won the World Series for the third time of his career, and with a third different team after the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series, ending a 108-year long drought for a championship.
On August 16, 2017, against the Cincinnati Reds, Lackey recorded his first career stolen base, but was then picked off shortly thereafter.
On September 15, 2017, Lackey was ejected and fined for arguing a strike call by umpire Jordan Baker. Baker also ejected catcher Willson Contreras who was arguing the same strike call. He became a free agent after the Cubs lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
Retirement
During the 2018 season, Lackey was offered a minor league contract by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and promptly turned it down. At a Chicago Cubs home game on September 27, 2018, Lackey was in attendance, and toasted to the camera when it panned to him. After the season concluded, Lackey officially retired.
Personal life
On August 30, 2011, Lackey filed for divorce from Krista, his wife of almost three years, who had been battling cancer since March and underwent chemotherapy through June. The divorce was finalized by February 2012.
Lackey resides in the Austin area in the off-season. He and his wife, Kristina Carter, had their first child, a daughter, in November 2015. He is also a stepfather to Kristina's children from her first marriage.
Popular culture
In 2009, the satirical publication The Onion published an article about Lackey, titled "Superstitious John Lackey Has to Build, Destroy a Luxury Hotel Before Every Start." The article was intended to satirize superstitious professional athletes.
He was featured in a 2011 Kevin Fowler music video alongside fellow Red Sox starting pitchers Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, and Clay Buchholz.
In 2021, Lackey made a cameo in the football film Under the Stadium Lights as a guest speaker at a pep rally.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual shutout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career hit batsmen leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a pitcher leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders
- List of people from Abilene, Texas
- List of University of Texas at Arlington people
- List of World Series starting pitchers
- Los Angeles Angels award winners and league leaders
References
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- Spencer, Lyle. Lackey declines Halos' arbitration offer Archived July 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Published December 8, 2009. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
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- Brown, Ian (October 17, 2011). "Lester: We did drink in clubhouse during games". Archived from the original on October 20, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
- "Report outlines Red Sox problems". October 13, 2011.
- Silva, Steve (August 10, 2012). "Report: John Lackey 'double-fisting' beer in Red Sox clubhouse after loss". The Boston Globe.
- Jackson, Scott. "John Lackey to miss 2012 Season". Bleacher Bum Sports. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
- Silva, Steve (August 10, 2012). "Report: John Lackey 'double-fisting' beer in Red Sox clubhouse after loss". The Boston Globe.
- "Jon Heyman On Gresh & Zo: John Lackey 'Just A Big Disappointment'". August 14, 2012.
- Cafardo, Nick (April 6, 2013). "John Lackey suffers biceps strain, leaves game". Boston Globe. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
- "Astros vs. Red Sox - 04/28/13". MLB.com.
- McDonald, Joe (October 31, 2013). "Lackey caps comeback season in style". ESPN Boston. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- "John Lackey wins Tony C. Award". ESPN Boston. December 3, 2013.
- Encina, Eduardo (July 6, 2014). "Red Sox pitcher John Lackey on Orioles star Nelson Cruz: 'I've got nothing to say about him'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- Axisa, Mike (July 6, 2014). "O's Showalter chides Lackey over PED hints following Cruz's 5 for 5". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- Browne, Ian (July 31, 2014). "Lackey to Cards as Sox get Kelly, Craig". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- Fallstrom, R. B. (August 3, 2014). "John Lackey wins in debut with Cardinals". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- Langosch, Jenifer (August 3, 2014). "Cards rally behind Lackey's debut to stun Brewers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- Berg, Ted (August 20, 2014). "John Lackey traded a Babe Ruth autograph for a uniform number". USA Today. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
- Gordon, Jeff (October 17, 2014). "Cardinals 2014 report card: John Lackey B–". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
- Geary, Molly (October 30, 2014). "Cardinals exercise 2015 option on veteran pitcher John Lackey". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
- ^ Goold, Derrick (September 17, 2015). "Offense backs Lackey as Cards sweep". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
- "Lackey drives in run to lead Cardinals over Cubs 5–1". USA Today. Associated Press. May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- McGonigal, John (July 12, 2015). "Quality becoming commonplace for Lackey". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
- O'Neill, Dan (July 30, 2015). "Lackey stellar in losing effort for Cards". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
- Zunavich, Adam (August 15, 2015). "Ichiro surpasses Ty Cobb in hits but Marlins fall to Cardinals". Miami Herald. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
- "Lackey throws seven shutout innings, Cards finish off sweep of Brewers". Fox Sports Midwest. Associated Press. September 17, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
- Rymer, Zach (October 9, 2015). "John Lackey showcases late-career renaissance with dazzling NLDS gem". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
- Goold, Derrick (October 9, 2015). "Lackey, Cardinals cool off Cubs". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
- Frederickson, Ben (October 14, 2015). "Cardinals' once-stellar pitching falters". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
- Chicago Tribune staff (October 13, 2015). "On to NLCS: Cubs finish off Cardinals at Wrigley Field". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
- Bingol, Spencer (November 9, 2015). "Ageless John Lackey uses sinker to combat time". SB Nation. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- Chicago Cubs (December 8, 2015). "It's official! #Cubs and RHP John Lackey have agreed to terms on a two-year deal" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- Muskat, Carrie (December 8, 2015). "Cubs thrilled to add Lackey to their fold". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- "Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, April 18, 2016". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
- Muskat, Carrie (April 19, 2016). "John Lackey beats Cardinals in first matchup". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
- Thornburg, Chad (July 26, 2015). "Tim Hudson has wins over all 30 MLB teams". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
- "Lackey reaches double figures in wins". Daily Herald e-Edition. September 21, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
- "2016 Chicago Cubs Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
- Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
- "John Lackey stole the first base of his career...and then got picked off". MLB. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
- "Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Box Score, August 16, 2017". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
- "Watch John Lackey absolutely flip out and get ejected over a questionable strike call". September 15, 2017.
- Nightengale, Bob (June 13, 2018). "With Donald Trump in his corner, Diamondbacks' Clay Buchholz back to his old ways". USA Today. Phoenix, Arizona. Archived from the original on December 27, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
Buchholz now has the job that Lackey, his teammate for nearly five years in Boston, rejected during the winter. He was unwilling to sign a cheap, minor-league deal with Arizona, particularly with no guarantee of cracking the rotation.
- Mearns, Andrew (September 27, 2018). "John Lackey toasted the camera from the stands in his return to Wrigley Field". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- Abraham, Peter (February 6, 2013). "John Lackey vows to rebuild image, career". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
- 'Duk (September 26, 2011). "On John Lackey's divorce and the Boston microscope". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
- John Lackey is divorcing his wife who is battling cancer and he's angry at the media too The Big Lead, September 26, 2011
- "John Lackey's wife Krista Clark Lackey - PlayerWives.com". May 12, 2011.
- "Red Sox Pitcher John Lackey's Divorce Finalized - Law Office of Matthew J. Jensen". matthewjensenlaw.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
- John Lackey gets his divorce Archived February 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Perez Hilton, February 4, 2012
- Red Sox pitcher John Lackey divorce is final TMZ, February 4, 2012
- "Superstitious John Lackey has to build, destroy a luxury hotel before every start". The Onion. September 15, 2009.
- Platt, Chuck (October 14, 2011). "Boston Red Sox: 'Hell Yeah, I Like Beer' video, starring the starting pitchers". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Official Blog on Yardbarker.com
Awards and achievements | ||
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Preceded byJohan Santana Scott Kazmir |
American League Pitcher of the Month July 2006 June 2008 |
Succeeded byEsteban Loaiza Jon Lester |
Anaheim Angels 2002 World Series champions | |
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Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series champions | |
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Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series champions | |
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American League season ERA leaders | |
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Tony Conigliaro Award | |
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- 1978 births
- Living people
- Anaheim Angels players
- Los Angeles Angels players
- Boston Red Sox players
- St. Louis Cardinals players
- Chicago Cubs players
- Grayson Vikings baseball players
- UT Arlington Mavericks baseball players
- Cedar Rapids Kernels players
- Lake Elsinore Storm players
- Erie SeaWolves players
- Arkansas Travelers players
- Salt Lake Stingers players
- Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players
- Salt Lake Bees players
- Boise Hawks players
- Pawtucket Red Sox players
- Portland Sea Dogs players
- Abilene High School (Abilene, Texas) alumni
- Baseball players from Abilene, Texas
- Major League Baseball pitchers
- American League ERA champions