Introduction to Craig Kimbrel and his impressive career as an MLB pitcher

Craig Kimbrel is a name that echoes throughout the baseball world, known for his impressive pitching skills and dominant presence on the mound. With multiple All-Star appearances, awards, and records under his belt, it’s no surprise that he has become one of the most recognized names in Major League Baseball (MLB). In this section, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Craig Kimbrel, from his early days to his rise to fame as an MLB pitcher.

Early Life: Childhood, upbringing, and introduction to baseball

Craig Michael Kimbrel was born on May 28th, 1988 in Huntsville, Alabama. He grew up in a sports-oriented family with both parents being athletes themselves. His father was a high school football coach while his mother played softball. From a young age, Kimbrel showed a natural talent for athletics and had a strong love for sports.

Kimbrel’s introduction to baseball came when he was just four years old when he started playing T-ball. He quickly excelled in the sport and continued to play throughout his childhood. As he got older, he also played other sports such as football and basketball but ultimately decided to focus solely on baseball.

Rise to Fame: High school and college baseball career, draft into the MLB

In high school, Craig Kimbrel attended Lee High School where he continued to hone his pitching skills. He recorded an impressive 0.25 ERA during his senior year which caught the attention of many college scouts. Despite receiving offers from several universities including UAB and Troy University, Kimbrel ultimately chose Wallace State Community College due to its strong baseball program.

During his time at Wallace State CC, Kimbrel’s performance only continued to improve as he set numerous records including most strikeouts in a season (123) and most saves in a season (18). This caught the eye of professional teams leading him to be drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2008 MLB draft.

Kimbrel’s professional career took off quickly as he made his debut for the Atlanta Braves in 2010, just two years after being drafted. His performance was nothing short of exceptional, and he soon became known for his signature fastball that could reach speeds of over 100 mph. In his first full season with the Braves, Kimbrel recorded an impressive 46 saves and won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award.

Since then, Kimbrel has continued to dominate on the mound, earning multiple All-Star appearances and setting records such as being the fastest pitcher to reach 300 career saves. He has also played for other teams including the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and most recently, the Chicago Cubs. Craig Kimbrel’s early love for sports and natural talent for baseball have paved a path toward a successful career as an MLB pitcher.

Professional Career: Teams played for, notable achievements and records

Craig Kimbrel is one of the most dominant relief pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. He has played for various teams throughout his career, showcasing his incredible pitching skills and earning numerous accolades along the way.

Kimbrel started his professional career in 2008 after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the MLB draft. He made his debut with the Braves in 2010 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the mound. In his first season, he recorded an impressive 46 saves, breaking the record for most saves by a rookie pitcher.

After five successful seasons with the Braves, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2015. He continued to dominate as their closer, earning three consecutive All-Star selections and setting a new franchise record for most saves in a single season.

In 2016, Kimbrel joined the Boston Red Sox, where he spent three seasons before signing with the Chicago Cubs in 2019. Throughout his career, he has amassed an impressive list of achievements and records. He is a seven-time All-Star, four-time National League (NL) Reliever of the Year, and holds several records such as being the fastest pitcher to reach 300 career saves.

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Personal Life: Relationships, family, and hobbies outside of baseball

While Craig Kimbrel’s professional career has been nothing short of remarkable, he also leads a fulfilling personal life. Born in Huntsville Alabama on May 28th, 1988, Craig Lee Kimbrel has been married to Ashley Holt since December 1st,2012. The couple welcomed their first child Joey Kimbrel on November,14th,2014 while they were still living in Georgia because Craig was playing for Atlanta Braves at that time. Their second daughter Lydia Joy was born four years later on February,18th,2018 when they were residing in Boston due to Craig’s transfer to the Boston Red Sox.

Outside of baseball, Kimbrel enjoys spending time with his family and participating in various outdoor activities. He is an avid hunter and fisherman, often sharing pictures of his catches on social media. He also has a passion for golf and frequently tees off with his fellow MLB players during the off-season.

Net Worth: An estimate of Craig Kimbrel’s earnings throughout his career

With a successful professional career under his belt, it’s no surprise that Craig Kimbrel has amassed a significant net worth. As of 2021, his estimated net worth is around $50 million. This includes his salary from playing for various teams as well as endorsement deals with companies such as Under Armour and Gatorade.

Kimbrel’s most recent contract with the Chicago Cubs earned him $43 million over three years, making him one of the highest-paid relief pitchers in MLB history. His success on the field and marketability have also led to lucrative endorsement deals that add to his overall net worth.

Conclusion

Craig Kimbrel’s success both on and off the field is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the game of baseball. From humble beginnings in Huntsville, Alabama to becoming an All-Star pitcher with multiple accolades under his belt, Kimbrel has proven himself as one of the best in the league. His supportive family, especially his wife and children, have played a significant role in his journey. With a net worth of over $50 million and many more years left in his career, it will be exciting to see what else Craig Kimbrel can achieve. He continues to inspire young athletes with his skill and dedication while being a loving husband and father off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Craig Kimbrel’s current era?

3.33 ERA

What is Craig Kimbrel’s nickname?

Dirty Craig

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