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'''Barry William Zito''' (born [[May 13]], [[1978]] in {{city-state|Las Vegas|Nevada}}) is a [[left handed]] [[starting pitcher]] for the [[San Francisco Giants]] of [[Major League Baseball]]. He previously played seven seasons with the [[Oakland Athletics]] where he won the [[2002 Major League Baseball season|2002]] [[American League]] [[Cy Young Award]] and made three [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] game rosters.<ref name=mlb-bio>{{cite web| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=217096 |title=Barry Zito Player File| work=[[MLB.com]]| accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> Zito has never missed a scheduled start in his career, and led the [[American League]] in starts four times. After the [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 season]], Zito signed the most expensive contract in history for a pitcher at the time.<ref name=contract>{{cite web| url=http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2004/12/san-francisco-giants_30.html |title=San Francisco Giants|work= Cot's Baseball Contracts}}</ref> In Zito's first season with the Giants, he set a career high in [[earned run average]] and he recorded his lowest number of [[strikeouts]] and winning percentage in any full major league season in his career.
'''Barry William Zito''' (born [[May 13]], [[1978]] in {{city-state|Las Vegas|Nevada}}) is a [[left handed]] [[starting pitcher]] for the [[San Francisco Giants]] of [[Major League Baseball]]. He previously played seven seasons with the [[Oakland Athletics]] where he won the [[2002 Major League Baseball season|2002]] [[American League]] [[Cy Young Award]] and made three [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] game rosters.<ref name=mlb-bio>{{cite web| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=217096 |title=Barry Zito Player File| work=[[MLB.com]]| accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> Zito has never missed a scheduled start in his career, and led the [[American League]] in starts four times. After the [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 season]], Zito signed the most expensive contract in history for a pitcher at the time.<ref name=contract>{{cite web| url=http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2004/12/san-francisco-giants_30.html |title=San Francisco Giants|work= Cot's Baseball Contracts}}</ref> In Zito's first season with the Giants, he set a career high in [[earned run average]] and he recorded his lowest number of [[strikeouts]] and winning percentage in any full major league season in his career.


Zito features a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery and throws an 81–84 [[Miles per hour|mph]] (130–135) [[Kilometres per hour|km/h]]) [[four-seam fastball]], one of the slowest in the game.<ref name=fastball_obsession/> His best pitch, the "12–6" [[curveball]], has been voted the best curveball in baseball. Zito played collegiately at [[UC Santa Barbara]], [[Los Angeles Pierce College]], and the [[University of Southern California]]. In the {{by|1999}} draft, he was drafted by the [[Oakland Athletics]] with the ninth pick of the first round.<ref name=cube/> Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality has made him a media favorite. He created the charity ''Strikeouts for Troops'' which provides money to hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.
Zito features a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery and throws an 81–84 [[Miles per hour|mph]] (130–135) [[Kilometres per hour|km/h]]) [[four-seam fastball]]. His "12–6" [[curveball]] has been voted the best curveball in baseball. Zito played collegiately at [[UC Santa Barbara]], [[Los Angeles Pierce College]], and the [[University of Southern California]]. In the {{by|1999}} draft, he was drafted by the [[Oakland Athletics]] with the ninth pick of the first round.<ref name=cube/> Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He created the charity ''Strikeouts for Troops'' which provides money to hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.


==High school and college==
==High school and college==
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===Minor leagues===
===Minor leagues===
In [[1999 in baseball|1999]], Zito began his professional career in Visalia, [[Oakland Athletics|Oakland]]'s Class-A team. He went 3-0 with a 2.45 [[Earned run average|ERA]] in 8 starts. He [[strikeout|struck out]] 62 in only 40⅓ [[inning]]s. Zito was promoted to the [[Midland RockHounds]] and went 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA to finish the AA schedule. He then got one start for the [[AAA (baseball)|AAA]] [[Sacramento River Cats|Vancouver Canadians]], allowing a lone run with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings.
In [[1999 in baseball|1999]], Zito began his professional career in Visalia, [[Oakland Athletics|Oakland]]'s Class-A team. He went 3-0 with a 2.45 [[Earned run average|ERA]] in 8 starts. He [[strikeout|struck out]] 62 in 40⅓ [[inning]]s. Zito was promoted to the [[Midland RockHounds]] and went 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA to finish the AA schedule. He then got one start for the [[AAA (baseball)|AAA]] [[Sacramento River Cats|Vancouver Canadians]], allowing a lone run with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings.


Despite an impressive spring, Zito began the [[2000 in baseball|2000 season]] with the [[Sacramento River Cats]] (formerly the Canadians). He pitched 101⅔ innings in 18 starts, going 8-5 with a 3.19 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 41 [[Walk (baseball)|walks]].<ref name=jockbio/><ref name=cube/>
Zito began the [[2000 in baseball|2000 season]] with the [[Sacramento River Cats]] (formerly the Canadians). He pitched 101⅔ innings in 18 starts, going 8-5 with a 3.19 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 41 [[Walk (baseball)|walks]].<ref name=jockbio/><ref name=cube/>


===Major leagues===
===Major leagues===
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[[Image:Zito6SEA.jpg|thumb|left|Zito pitching for the [[Oakland Athletics|A's]]]]
[[Image:Zito6SEA.jpg|thumb|left|Zito pitching for the [[Oakland Athletics|A's]]]]
In [[2002 Major League Baseball season|2002]], Zito won the AL [[Cy Young Award]] with a 23-5 record, narrowly defeating [[Pedro Martínez]] in the voting. He led the league with 23 wins, was second in winning percentage (.821), and third in both ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (182).<ref name=br-stats/> Martínez, who'd led the AL in ERA (2.26), strikeouts (239), and winning percentage (.833), became the first pitcher since the introduction of the award to lead his league in each of the three categories, yet not win.<ref name=br-stats-pedro>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/martipe02.shtml |title=Pedro Martinez Statistics| work=Baseball-Reference}}</ref>
In [[2002 Major League Baseball season|2002]], Zito won the AL [[Cy Young Award]] with a 23-5 record, narrowly defeating [[Pedro Martínez]] in the voting. He led the league with 23 wins, was second in winning percentage (.821), and third in both ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (182).<ref name=br-stats/> Martínez, who'd led the AL in ERA (2.26), strikeouts (239), and winning percentage (.833), became the first pitcher since the introduction of the award to lead his league in each of the three categories and not win the award.<ref name=br-stats-pedro>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/martipe02.shtml |title=Pedro Martinez Statistics| work=Baseball-Reference}}</ref>


In [[2003 Major League Baseball season|2003]], Zito was seventh in the AL in ERA (3.30). He was tenth in strikeouts in [[2004 Major League Baseball season|2004]] (163), and fifth in [[2005 Major League Baseball season|2005]] (171).<ref name=br-stats/> Zito had a streak of 14 consecutive starts (and 20 out of 21) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.<ref name=br-2005_gamelogs>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=zitoba01&t=p&year=2005 |title=Barry Zito 2005 Pitching Gamelogs| work=Baseball-Reference}}</ref> In [[2006 in baseball|2006]] he led the league in batters faced (945) and games started (34). He was third in the league in innings (221), eighth in wins (16), and 10th in ERA (3.83).
In [[2003 Major League Baseball season|2003]], Zito was seventh in the AL in ERA (3.30). He was tenth in strikeouts in [[2004 Major League Baseball season|2004]] (163), and fifth in [[2005 Major League Baseball season|2005]] (171).<ref name=br-stats/> Zito had a streak of 14 consecutive starts (and 20 out of 21) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.<ref name=br-2005_gamelogs>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=zitoba01&t=p&year=2005 |title=Barry Zito 2005 Pitching Gamelogs| work=Baseball-Reference}}</ref> In [[2006 in baseball|2006]] he led the league in batters faced (945) and games started (34). He was third in the league in innings (221), eighth in wins (16), and 10th in ERA (3.83).


He is a durable pitcher, throwing 200 or more innings in each of his six full seasons with the A's. Zito has never missed a scheduled start in his career, and led the [[American League]] in starts four times. He was named to the American League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Team]] in 2002, 2003, and [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006]].<ref name=br-stats/>
He has threw 200 or more innings in each of his six full seasons with the A's. Zito never missed a scheduled start and led the [[American League]] in starts four times. He was named to the American League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Team]] in 2002, 2003, and [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006]].<ref name=br-stats/>


Zito replaced his agent [[Arn Tellem]] with the more tendentious [[Scott Boras]] in July 2006.<ref name=agents>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/07/08/zito.boras/index.html |title=Zito drops agent Tellem for Boras| last=Heyman| first=Jon| work=[[Sports Illustrated]]| date=[[2006-07-08]]}}</ref> Zito was a focal point of the 2006 trade deadline, and was widely rumored to be headed to the Mets in a potential deal for prospect [[Lastings Milledge]]. Ultimately, A's general manager [[Billy Beane]] decided to keep him for the rest of the season.<ref name=jockbio/>
Zito replaced his agent [[Arn Tellem]] with [[Scott Boras]] in July 2006.<ref name=agents>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/07/08/zito.boras/index.html |title=Zito drops agent Tellem for Boras| last=Heyman| first=Jon| work=[[Sports Illustrated]]| date=[[2006-07-08]]}}</ref> Zito was a focal point of the 2006 trade deadline, and was widely rumored to be headed to the Mets in a potential deal for prospect [[Lastings Milledge]]. A's general manager [[Billy Beane]] decided to keep him for the rest of the season.<ref name=jockbio/>


====San Francisco Giants (2007–)====
====San Francisco Giants (2007–)====
[[Image:Zito.jpg|thumb|right|Zito warming up for the Giants at [[Fenway Park]] in [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]]]]
[[Image:Zito.jpg|thumb|right|Zito warming up for the Giants at [[Fenway Park]] in [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]]]]
Following his seventh season with the [[Oakland Athletics|A's]], [[Scott Boras]] negotiated a seven-year deal with the [[San Francisco Giants]] worth $126 million, plus an option for an eighth season at $18 million. Zito's contract became the highest for any pitcher in [[Major League Baseball|Major League]] history at the time.<ref name=rich_contract>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061228&content_id=1768110&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Zito agrees to huge deal with Giants| last=Draper| first=Rich| work=MLB.com| date=[[2006-12-28]]}}</ref>
Following his seventh season with the [[Oakland Athletics|A's]], Scott Boras negotiated a seven-year deal with the [[San Francisco Giants]] worth $126 million, plus an option for an eighth season at $18 million. Zito's contract became the highest for any pitcher in [[Major League Baseball|Major League]] history at the time.<ref name=rich_contract>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061228&content_id=1768110&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Zito agrees to huge deal with Giants| last=Draper| first=Rich| work=MLB.com| date=[[2006-12-28]]}}</ref>


During spring training in [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]], he and [[Barry Bonds]] made shirts that read "Don't ask me, ask Barry" with an arrow pointing to the other Barry. By all accounts, Zito and Bonds got along well during their short time as teammates, and Zito made a point of saying he would stand by Bonds through onslaughts from the media.<ref name=ask_barry>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2880193 |title=Let Barry be Barry| last=Zito| first=Barry| work=[[ESPN The Magazine]]| date=[[2007-05-24]]}}</ref>
During spring training in [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]], he and [[Barry Bonds]] made shirts that read "Don't ask me, ask Barry" with an arrow pointing to the other Barry. By all accounts, Zito and Bonds got along well during their short time as teammates, and Zito made a point of saying he would stand by Bonds through onslaughts from the media.<ref name=ask_barry>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2880193 |title=Let Barry be Barry| last=Zito| first=Barry| work=[[ESPN The Magazine]]| date=[[2007-05-24]]}}</ref>


On [[May 18]], Zito made his return to Oakland as a Giant. However, he lasted only four [[inning]]s as he gave up seven [[Run (baseball)|run]]s while [[Walk (baseball)|walk]]ing seven, including two bases loaded walks. The A's beat the Giants, 15-3.<ref name=5/18/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070518&content_id=1972990&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Zito battered in return to Oakland| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-05-19]]}}</ref> He faced his old team again on [[June 9]], this time in [[San Francisco]]. Zito fared little better, lasting only four innings again while giving up three [[earned run]]s on nine [[Hit (baseball)|hits]].<ref name=6/09/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070609&content_id=2015927&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Giants shut out by Athletics| last=Eymer| first=Rick| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-06-09]]}}</ref>
On [[May 18]], Zito made his return to Oakland as a Giant. He lasted only four [[inning]]s as he gave up seven [[Run (baseball)|run]]s while [[Walk (baseball)|walk]]ing seven, including two bases loaded walks. The A's beat the Giants, 15-3.<ref name=5/18/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070518&content_id=1972990&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Zito battered in return to Oakland| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-05-19]]}}</ref> He faced his old team again on [[June 9]], this time in [[San Francisco]]. Zito pitched four innings while giving up three [[earned run]]s on nine [[Hit (baseball)|hits]].<ref name=6/09/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070609&content_id=2015927&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Giants shut out by Athletics| last=Eymer| first=Rick| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-06-09]]}}</ref>


Zito made his first Major League relief appearance on [[August 5]] against the [[San Diego Padres]], due to an early exit by starter [[Noah Lowry]] and an overworked bullpen. Zito pitched a perfect seventh inning, but the Giants still lost.<ref name=8/05/07-recap>{{cite web| url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131647&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf | title=Lowry hurt, Zito has relief outing in loss| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-08-05]]| accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> He recorded his first career [[Run batted in|RBI]] two days later against the [[Washington Nationals]], in the same game that [[Barry Bonds]] hit his record-breaking 756th career home run.<ref name=8/07/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070807&content_id=2135836&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Bonds' 756th comes in loss to Nats| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-08-08]]}}</ref>
Zito made his first Major League relief appearance on [[August 5]] against the [[San Diego Padres]], due to an early exit by starter [[Noah Lowry]] and an overworked bullpen. Zito pitched a scoreless seventh inning.<ref name=8/05/07-recap>{{cite web| url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131647&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf | title=Lowry hurt, Zito has relief outing in loss| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-08-05]]| accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> He recorded his first career [[Run batted in|RBI]] two days later against the [[Washington Nationals]], in the same game that [[Barry Bonds]] hit his record-breaking 756th career home run.<ref name=8/07/07-recap>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070807&content_id=2135836&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Bonds' 756th comes in loss to Nats| last=Haft| first=Chris| work=MLB.com| date=[[2007-08-08]]}}</ref>


Zito's 2007 season has been marked by inconsistency. After his start on [[August 12]], his ERA was 5.13.<ref name=br-2007_gamelogs>{{cite web| url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=zitoba01&t=p&year=2007 |title=Barry Zito 2007 Pitching Gamelogs| work=Baseball-Reference| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> Over his next four starts, Zito lowered his ERA to 4.46, however. He admitted that he had put pressure on himself to perform because of the large contract and was learning that he just needed be himself. Zito also said that it had been difficult for him to adjust to a new league, team, and ballpark.<ref name=finding_himself>{{cite web| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/03/SPN1RU5CK.DTL | title=By being himself, Zito is again Zito| last=Shea| first=John| work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]| date=[[2007-09-03]]| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> On the final day of the season, in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Dodgers]], Zito allowed two runs on five hits and had four strikeouts in an 11-2 win.
After Zito's start on [[August 12]], his ERA was 5.13.<ref name=br-2007_gamelogs>{{cite web| url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=zitoba01&t=p&year=2007 |title=Barry Zito 2007 Pitching Gamelogs| work=Baseball-Reference| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> Over his next four starts, he lowered his ERA to 4.46. He admitted that he had put pressure on himself to perform because of the large contract and was learning that he just needed be himself. Zito also said that it had been difficult for him to adjust to a new league, team, and ballpark.<ref name=finding_himself>{{cite web| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/03/SPN1RU5CK.DTL | title=By being himself, Zito is again Zito| last=Shea| first=John| work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]| date=[[2007-09-03]]| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> On the final day of the season, in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Dodgers]], Zito allowed two runs on five hits and had four strikeouts in an 11-2 win.


Zito began the 2008 season as the oldest starter and the veteran presence in the Giants starting rotation.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/17/SP5SV38PG.DTL Burden's on Giants' youthful starters Rotation appears to be strength of otherwise weak team]</ref> In April, Zito went 0–6 with a 7.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was the third pitcher in the last 52 years to go 0-6 before May 1st.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/27/SP5210CSEP.DTL | title=Zito Zapped Again| last=Shea| first=John| work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]| date=[[2008-04-27]]| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>
Zito began the 2008 season as the oldest starter and the veteran presence in the Giants starting rotation.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/17/SP5SV38PG.DTL Burden's on Giants' youthful starters Rotation appears to be strength of otherwise weak team]</ref> In April, Zito went 0–6 with a 7.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was the third pitcher in the last 52 years to go 0-6 before May 1st.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/27/SP5210CSEP.DTL | title=Zito Zapped Again| last=Shea| first=John| work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]| date=[[2008-04-27]]| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>
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==Pitching style==
==Pitching style==
A lefthander, Zito throws an 80–84 [[Miles per hour|mph]] (135–140 [[Kilometres per hour|km/h]]) [[four-seam fastball]], one of the slowest in the game.<ref name=fastball_obsession>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview07/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2809709 |title=Baseball's obsession with the fastball| last=Crasnick| first=Jerry| work=[[ESPN.com]]| date=[[2007-03-26]]}}</ref> However, he augments it with a [[changeup]], a slider, and a very slow but strong "12–6" [[curveball]] (whose nicknames include "Captain Hook", "Rip-Curl", and "Bert"). It was voted best curveball in the Major Leagues in a player poll conducted by [[ESPN The Magazine]]. In mid-[[2004 Major League Baseball season|2004]], Zito started throwing a [[two-seam fastball]], and in [[2005 Major League Baseball season|2005]], he added a strong [[slider]], or "[[slurve]]", to his arsenal. Zito's motion is very fluid and consistent, featuring a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery.
A lefthander, Zito throws a [[four-seam fastball]], one of the slowest in the game.<ref name=fastball_obsession>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview07/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2809709 |title=Baseball's obsession with the fastball| last=Crasnick| first=Jerry| work=[[ESPN.com]]| date=[[2007-03-26]]}}</ref> He augments it with a [[changeup]], a slider, and a very slow but strong "12–6" [[curveball]] (whose nicknames include "Captain Hook", "Rip-Curl", and "Bert"). It was voted best curveball in the Major Leagues in a player poll conducted by [[ESPN The Magazine]]. In mid-[[2004 Major League Baseball season|2004]], Zito started throwing a [[two-seam fastball]], and in [[2005 Major League Baseball season|2005]], he added a strong [[slider]], or "[[slurve]]", to his arsenal. Zito's motion is very fluid and consistent, featuring a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery.


==Awards==
==Awards==
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==Personal life ==
==Personal life ==
Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality has made him a media favorite. He has earned the nicknames "Planet Zito" and "Captain Quirk".<ref name=nicknames>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/athletics/2002-10-03-cover-zito_x.htm |title=Pitching the Zen of Zito| last=Weiner| first=Richard| work=[[USA Today]]| date=[[2002-10-03]]}}</ref> He once made it a practice to buy his own autographed baseball cards on [[eBay]]; when asked why he bought them at auction for high prices rather than acquiring unsigned cards and signing them himself, Zito replied, "Because they're authenticated." Despite batting and throwing left-handed, Zito signs autographs for fans at the ballpark right-handed.
Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He has earned the nicknames "Planet Zito" and "Captain Quirk".<ref name=nicknames>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/athletics/2002-10-03-cover-zito_x.htm |title=Pitching the Zen of Zito| last=Weiner| first=Richard| work=[[USA Today]]| date=[[2002-10-03]]}}</ref> He once made it a practice to buy his own autographed baseball cards on [[eBay]]; when asked why he bought them at auction for high prices rather than acquiring unsigned cards and signing them himself, Zito replied, "Because they're authenticated." Despite batting and throwing left-handed, Zito signs autographs for fans at the ballpark right-handed.


At his introductory press conference with the Giants, Zito said he liked the way his uniform number 75 looked, because the 7 and the 5 are like a "shelf" to hold the name "Zito" up. He carries pink satin pillows on the road, collects stuffed animals (such as a good luck teddy bear, with which he used to travel), and burns incense to relax.<ref name=10_burning_questions>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/page2/s/questions/zito.html |title=10 Burning Questions for... Barry Zito| work=ESPN.com}}</ref> Early in his career, Zito dyed his hair blue. He plays guitar, surfs, practices [[yoga]], and follows [[Zen]]. He has done [[yoga]] poses in the outfield, and [[meditate]]s before games.<ref name=yoga>{{cite web |url=http://www.silive.com/sports/advance/index.ssf?/base/Sports/1165411813246270.xml&coll=1 |title= For Zito, it's dollars vs. sense| last=Price| first=Jay| work=[[Staten Island Advance]]| date=[[2006-12-06]]}}</ref> In [[2001 Major League Baseball season|2001]], Zito espoused a universal life force that he credited with his midseason turnaround.<ref name=10_burning_questions/> His mother Roberta named him after her brother Barry, a beatnik “freethinker” and acolyte of Zen who mysteriously vanished in [[1964]] at the age of 22 near {{city-state|Big Sur|California}}.<ref name=Horowitz>{{cite web |url=http://www.mitchhorowitz.com/barry-zito.html |title=Barry's Way| last=Horowitz| first=Mitch| date=September [[2003]]| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>
At his introductory press conference with the Giants, Zito said he liked the way his uniform number 75 looked, because the 7 and the 5 are like a "shelf" to hold the name "Zito" up. He carries pink satin pillows on the road, collects stuffed animals (such as a good luck teddy bear, with which he used to travel), and burns incense to relax.<ref name=10_burning_questions>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/page2/s/questions/zito.html |title=10 Burning Questions for... Barry Zito| work=ESPN.com}}</ref> Early in his career, Zito dyed his hair blue. He plays guitar, surfs, practices [[yoga]], and follows [[Zen]]. He has done [[yoga]] poses in the outfield, and [[meditate]]s before games.<ref name=yoga>{{cite web |url=http://www.silive.com/sports/advance/index.ssf?/base/Sports/1165411813246270.xml&coll=1 |title= For Zito, it's dollars vs. sense| last=Price| first=Jay| work=[[Staten Island Advance]]| date=[[2006-12-06]]}}</ref> In [[2001 Major League Baseball season|2001]], Zito espoused a universal life force that he credited with his midseason turnaround.<ref name=10_burning_questions/> His mother Roberta named him after her brother Barry, a beatnik “freethinker” and acolyte of Zen who mysteriously vanished in [[1964]] at the age of 22 near {{city-state|Big Sur|California}}.<ref name=Horowitz>{{cite web |url=http://www.mitchhorowitz.com/barry-zito.html |title=Barry's Way| last=Horowitz| first=Mitch| date=September [[2003]]| accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>


He created the charity ''Strikeouts for Troops'', to which he donates $400 for every strikeout he throws. The charity benefits hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations. Unfortunately for the charity, its donations received from Barry Zito have declined with his strikeout rate.
He created the charity ''Strikeouts for Troops'', to which he donates $400 for every strikeout he throws. The charity benefits hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.


His father composed and arranged music for [[Nat King Cole]] in the early 1960s (ca.[[1961]]-[[1964|64]]), and arranged for the ''Buffalo Symphony''.<ref name=chinmusic>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinmusic.net/Zito.html |title=Slingin' it with Barry Zito| last=Moriarity| first=W.C| work=ChinMusic!}}</ref> Zito's mother is a classically trained musician who also sang with Nat King Cole's band, in a choral group known as The Merry Young Souls.<ref name=onmilwaukee>{{cite web |url=http://www.onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/benfoldsreview.html |title=Ben Folds' stop in Milwaukee engages audience| last=Bolda| first=Velia| work=OnMilwaukee.com| date=[[2002-11-25]]}}</ref>
His father composed and arranged music for [[Nat King Cole]] in the early 1960s (ca.[[1961]]-[[1964|64]]), and arranged for the ''Buffalo Symphony''.<ref name=chinmusic>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinmusic.net/Zito.html |title=Slingin' it with Barry Zito| last=Moriarity| first=W.C| work=ChinMusic!}}</ref> Zito's mother is a classically trained musician who also sang with Nat King Cole's band, in a choral group known as The Merry Young Souls.<ref name=onmilwaukee>{{cite web |url=http://www.onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/benfoldsreview.html |title=Ben Folds' stop in Milwaukee engages audience| last=Bolda| first=Velia| work=OnMilwaukee.com| date=[[2002-11-25]]}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:12, 28 April 2008

Barry Zito
San Francisco Giants – No. 75
Starting pitcher
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
debut
July 22, 2000, for the Oakland Athletics
Career statistics
(through 2007)
Wins–Losses113–76
ERA3.67
Strikeouts1,227
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Barry William Zito (born May 13, 1978 in Template:City-state) is a left handed starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He previously played seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics where he won the 2002 American League Cy Young Award and made three All-Star game rosters.[1] Zito has never missed a scheduled start in his career, and led the American League in starts four times. After the 2006 season, Zito signed the most expensive contract in history for a pitcher at the time.[2] In Zito's first season with the Giants, he set a career high in earned run average and he recorded his lowest number of strikeouts and winning percentage in any full major league season in his career.

Zito features a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery and throws an 81–84 mph (130–135) km/h) four-seam fastball. His "12–6" curveball has been voted the best curveball in baseball. Zito played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Pierce College, and the University of Southern California. In the 1999 draft, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics with the ninth pick of the first round.[3] Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops which provides money to hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.

High school and college

Zito transferred from San Diego's Grossmont High School to University of San Diego High School, a Catholic school where he earned all-league honors with an 8-4 record and 105 strikeouts in 85 innings as a senior. He then attended University of California, Santa Barbara|UC Santa Barbara where he earned Freshman All-America Honors with 123 strikeouts in 85⅓ innings. Transferring to Los Angeles Pierce College, he posted a 2.62 ERA and went 9-2 with 135 strikeouts in 103 innings, and was named to the all-state and all-conference teams.

He then transferred to USC, where he was a first-team All-America selection by USA Today Baseball Weekly, Collegiate Baseball, and Baseball America. With a 12-3 record, a 3.28 ERA, and 154 strikeouts in 113⅔ innings, Zito was named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year.[4]

While in college, Zito also played in the Cape Cod League, a summer wooden bat league which showcases the nation's top amateur prospects. He led the Wareham Gatemen to the league championship in 1997, and a runner-up finish in 1998.[5][6]

Professional career

Major League Baseball Draft

Zito was taken by the Seattle Mariners in the 59th round (1,586th overall) of the 1996 MLB Draft and in the third round (83rd overall) by the Texas Rangers in 1998, but did not sign with either team. In the 1999 draft, he was selected by the Oakland Athletics with the ninth pick of the first round, and signed for a $1.59 million bonus.[3][4]

Minor leagues

In 1999, Zito began his professional career in Visalia, Oakland's Class-A team. He went 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 8 starts. He struck out 62 in 40⅓ innings. Zito was promoted to the Midland RockHounds and went 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA to finish the AA schedule. He then got one start for the AAA Vancouver Canadians, allowing a lone run with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings.

Zito began the 2000 season with the Sacramento River Cats (formerly the Canadians). He pitched 101⅔ innings in 18 starts, going 8-5 with a 3.19 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 41 walks.[4][3]

Major leagues

Oakland Athletics (2000–06)

Zito made his major league debut on July 22, 2000 against the Anaheim Angels. He allowed one run in five innings, and got the win.[7]

In 2001, Zito finished third in the league in strikeouts per nine innings (8.61), fourth in strikeouts (205), sixth in wins (17), eighth in ERA (3.49), and tenth in winning percentage (.680).[8] Zito became the sixth lefty aged 23 or younger since 1902 to strike out at least 200 batters in a season.

Zito pitching for the A's

In 2002, Zito won the AL Cy Young Award with a 23-5 record, narrowly defeating Pedro Martínez in the voting. He led the league with 23 wins, was second in winning percentage (.821), and third in both ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (182).[8] Martínez, who'd led the AL in ERA (2.26), strikeouts (239), and winning percentage (.833), became the first pitcher since the introduction of the award to lead his league in each of the three categories and not win the award.[9]

In 2003, Zito was seventh in the AL in ERA (3.30). He was tenth in strikeouts in 2004 (163), and fifth in 2005 (171).[8] Zito had a streak of 14 consecutive starts (and 20 out of 21) in which he gave up fewer hits than innings pitched.[10] In 2006 he led the league in batters faced (945) and games started (34). He was third in the league in innings (221), eighth in wins (16), and 10th in ERA (3.83).

He has threw 200 or more innings in each of his six full seasons with the A's. Zito never missed a scheduled start and led the American League in starts four times. He was named to the American League All-Star Team in 2002, 2003, and 2006.[8]

Zito replaced his agent Arn Tellem with Scott Boras in July 2006.[11] Zito was a focal point of the 2006 trade deadline, and was widely rumored to be headed to the Mets in a potential deal for prospect Lastings Milledge. A's general manager Billy Beane decided to keep him for the rest of the season.[4]

San Francisco Giants (2007–)

Zito warming up for the Giants at Fenway Park in 2007

Following his seventh season with the A's, Scott Boras negotiated a seven-year deal with the San Francisco Giants worth $126 million, plus an option for an eighth season at $18 million. Zito's contract became the highest for any pitcher in Major League history at the time.[12]

During spring training in 2007, he and Barry Bonds made shirts that read "Don't ask me, ask Barry" with an arrow pointing to the other Barry. By all accounts, Zito and Bonds got along well during their short time as teammates, and Zito made a point of saying he would stand by Bonds through onslaughts from the media.[13]

On May 18, Zito made his return to Oakland as a Giant. He lasted only four innings as he gave up seven runs while walking seven, including two bases loaded walks. The A's beat the Giants, 15-3.[14] He faced his old team again on June 9, this time in San Francisco. Zito pitched four innings while giving up three earned runs on nine hits.[15]

Zito made his first Major League relief appearance on August 5 against the San Diego Padres, due to an early exit by starter Noah Lowry and an overworked bullpen. Zito pitched a scoreless seventh inning.[16] He recorded his first career RBI two days later against the Washington Nationals, in the same game that Barry Bonds hit his record-breaking 756th career home run.[17]

After Zito's start on August 12, his ERA was 5.13.[18] Over his next four starts, he lowered his ERA to 4.46. He admitted that he had put pressure on himself to perform because of the large contract and was learning that he just needed be himself. Zito also said that it had been difficult for him to adjust to a new league, team, and ballpark.[19] On the final day of the season, in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, Zito allowed two runs on five hits and had four strikeouts in an 11-2 win.

Zito began the 2008 season as the oldest starter and the veteran presence in the Giants starting rotation.[20] In April, Zito went 0–6 with a 7.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was the third pitcher in the last 52 years to go 0-6 before May 1st.[21]

Statistics

Year Ag Tm Lg W L G GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO HBP WP BFP BK ERA WHIP OBA
2000 22 OAK AL 7 4 14 14 1 1 92⅔ 64 30 28 6 45 78 2 2 376 0 2.72 1.176 .195
2001 23 OAK AL 17 8 35 35 3 2 214⅓ 184 92 83 18 80 205 13 6 902 1 3.49 1.232 .230
2002 24 OAK AL 23 5 35 35 1 0 229⅓ 182 79 70 24 78 182 9 2 939 1 2.75 1.134 .218
2003 25 OAK AL 14 12 35 35 4 1 231⅔ 186 98 85 19 88 146 6 4 957 0 3.30 1.183 .219
2004 26 OAK AL 13 11 34 34 0 0 213 216 116 106 28 81 163 9 4 926 1 4.48 1.394 .263
2005 27 OAK AL 14 13 35 35 0 0 228⅓ 185 106 98 26 89 171 13 4 953 0 3.86 1.200 .221
2006 28 OAK AL 16 10 34 34 0 0 221 211 99 94 27 99 151 13 4 945 2 3.83 1.403 .257
2007 29 SF NL 11 13 34 33 0 0 196⅔ 182 105 99 24 83 131 4 5 850 0 4.53 1.347 .244
Totals: 113 76 256 255 9 4 1,627 1,410 726 663 172 643 1,227 69 31 6,848 5 3.67 1.262 .234
Roll over stat abbreviations for definitions. Italics: led AL. Bold italics: led MLB. Stats through 2007 season.[8][22]

Pitching style

A lefthander, Zito throws a four-seam fastball, one of the slowest in the game.[23] He augments it with a changeup, a slider, and a very slow but strong "12–6" curveball (whose nicknames include "Captain Hook", "Rip-Curl", and "Bert"). It was voted best curveball in the Major Leagues in a player poll conducted by ESPN The Magazine. In mid-2004, Zito started throwing a two-seam fastball, and in 2005, he added a strong slider, or "slurve", to his arsenal. Zito's motion is very fluid and consistent, featuring a high leg kick with a straight over-the-top delivery.

Awards

Personal life

Zito is known for his idiosyncrasies, and his offbeat personality. He has earned the nicknames "Planet Zito" and "Captain Quirk".[24] He once made it a practice to buy his own autographed baseball cards on eBay; when asked why he bought them at auction for high prices rather than acquiring unsigned cards and signing them himself, Zito replied, "Because they're authenticated." Despite batting and throwing left-handed, Zito signs autographs for fans at the ballpark right-handed.

At his introductory press conference with the Giants, Zito said he liked the way his uniform number 75 looked, because the 7 and the 5 are like a "shelf" to hold the name "Zito" up. He carries pink satin pillows on the road, collects stuffed animals (such as a good luck teddy bear, with which he used to travel), and burns incense to relax.[25] Early in his career, Zito dyed his hair blue. He plays guitar, surfs, practices yoga, and follows Zen. He has done yoga poses in the outfield, and meditates before games.[26] In 2001, Zito espoused a universal life force that he credited with his midseason turnaround.[25] His mother Roberta named him after her brother Barry, a beatnik “freethinker” and acolyte of Zen who mysteriously vanished in 1964 at the age of 22 near Template:City-state.[27]

He created the charity Strikeouts for Troops, to which he donates $400 for every strikeout he throws. The charity benefits hospitals for soldiers wounded in military operations.

His father composed and arranged music for Nat King Cole in the early 1960s (ca.1961-64), and arranged for the Buffalo Symphony.[28] Zito's mother is a classically trained musician who also sang with Nat King Cole's band, in a choral group known as The Merry Young Souls.[29]

His uncle is actor Patrick Duffy.[30]

He is a big fan of the San Francisco punk band, NOFX.

His favorite musician is Ben Folds.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Barry Zito.

References

  1. ^ "Barry Zito Player File". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  2. ^ "San Francisco Giants". Cot's Baseball Contracts.
  3. ^ a b c "Barry Zito Statistics". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  4. ^ a b c d "Barry Zito Biography". JockBio.com.
  5. ^ "CCBL Alumni Year Drafted". Cape Cod Baseball.
  6. ^ "CCBL Champions: Arnold Mycock Award". Cape Cod Baseball.
  7. ^ "Barry Zito 2000 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Barry Zito Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved 2007-10-01.
  9. ^ "Pedro Martinez Statistics". Baseball-Reference.
  10. ^ "Barry Zito 2005 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference.
  11. ^ Heyman, Jon (2006-07-08). "Zito drops agent Tellem for Boras". Sports Illustrated. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Draper, Rich (2006-12-28). "Zito agrees to huge deal with Giants". MLB.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Zito, Barry (2007-05-24). "Let Barry be Barry". ESPN The Magazine. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Haft, Chris (2007-05-19). "Zito battered in return to Oakland". MLB.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Eymer, Rick (2007-06-09). "Giants shut out by Athletics". MLB.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Haft, Chris (2007-08-05). "Lowry hurt, Zito has relief outing in loss". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-09-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Haft, Chris (2007-08-08). "Bonds' 756th comes in loss to Nats". MLB.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Barry Zito 2007 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  19. ^ Shea, John (2007-09-03). "By being himself, Zito is again Zito". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Burden's on Giants' youthful starters Rotation appears to be strength of otherwise weak team
  21. ^ Shea, John (2008-04-27). "Zito Zapped Again". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-04-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Barry Zito Stats". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-10-01.
  23. ^ Crasnick, Jerry (2007-03-26). "Baseball's obsession with the fastball". ESPN.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Weiner, Richard (2002-10-03). "Pitching the Zen of Zito". USA Today. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ a b "10 Burning Questions for... Barry Zito". ESPN.com.
  26. ^ Price, Jay (2006-12-06). "For Zito, it's dollars vs. sense". Staten Island Advance. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Horowitz, Mitch (September 2003). "Barry's Way". Retrieved 2007-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Moriarity, W.C. "Slingin' it with Barry Zito". ChinMusic!.
  29. ^ Bolda, Velia (2002-11-25). "Ben Folds' stop in Milwaukee engages audience". OnMilwaukee.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Arizona Diamondbacks broadcast of September 19, 2007 game against San Francisco Giants. KTVK 3TV.

External links

Related to: Patrick Duffy, his uncle

Preceded by American League Pitcher of the Month
August 2001-September 2001
July 2005 		Succeeded by
Preceded by American League Wins Champion
2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by American League Cy Young Award
2002 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barry_Zito&oldid=208705240"