Mike Pelfrey, American baseball player

Born on January 14, 1984, Michael Alan Pelfrey is a distinguished figure in American baseball, known for his impactful career as both a professional pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) and a respected college baseball coach. His journey has uniquely brought him full circle back to his roots, where he currently serves as the pitching coach at Wichita State University.

Collegiate Excellence at Wichita State University

Pelfrey's remarkable baseball journey began at his alma mater, Wichita State University, where he showcased his formidable pitching talent from 2003 to 2005. Playing under the tutelage of the legendary head coach Gene Stephenson, Pelfrey quickly established himself as one of the nation's premier collegiate pitchers. Stephenson, a highly acclaimed coach and a member of the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, guided the Shockers to perennial success, providing Pelfrey with a foundational environment for development.

During his time with the Shockers, Pelfrey garnered significant national recognition. Notably, he led the entire nation with an astounding 0.66 earned run average (ERA) in 2004, a testament to his dominance on the mound. He was also honored as the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and earned consensus All-American status in 2005. His exceptional collegiate performance made him one of the most coveted prospects in the country, setting the stage for his professional career.

A Major League Baseball Career: From Draft Pick to Veteran Pitcher

Michael Pelfrey's outstanding collegiate tenure culminated in him being selected by the New York Mets as the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft. This high selection underscored the immense potential scouts saw in his powerful arm and command.

New York Mets (2006-2012)

Pelfrey made his MLB debut with the New York Mets on July 1, 2006, quickly becoming a fixture in their starting rotation. He was known for his sinking fastball, which effectively induced ground balls. His most successful season came in 2010, when he posted an impressive 15-9 win-loss record with a 3.66 ERA over 204 innings pitched, solidifying his role as a key component of the Mets' pitching staff. Unfortunately, his time with the Mets was impacted by injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2012, which sidelined him for a significant period.

Minnesota Twins (2013-2014)

Following his recovery and departure from the Mets, Pelfrey signed with the Minnesota Twins. He spent two seasons in Minneapolis, working to regain his form and contribute to their pitching staff after undergoing major reconstructive surgery.

Detroit Tigers (2015-2016)

In 2015, Pelfrey joined the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to compete in the American League Central division. He pitched for the Tigers for two seasons, contributing as both a starter and a reliever, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.

Chicago White Sox (2017)

Pelfrey's MLB playing career concluded with a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox in 2017, marking the end of a professional journey that spanned over a decade, during which he faced many of baseball's top hitters.

Transition to Coaching: Returning to Wichita State

After retiring as a player, Michael Pelfrey seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive professional and collegiate experience back to the game. In July 2017, he accepted the role of pitching coach at his alma mater, Wichita State University. This return allowed him to share invaluable insights on technique, strategy, and mental fortitude with the next generation of Shocker pitchers, helping them develop both on and off the field. His firsthand experience as an elite college pitcher and a seasoned MLB professional provides a unique and credible perspective that greatly benefits the Wichita State baseball program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Pelfrey

What is Michael Pelfrey's current role in baseball?

Michael Pelfrey is currently the pitching coach at Wichita State University, a position he has held since July 2017.

Which MLB teams did Michael Pelfrey play for?

Michael Pelfrey played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets (2006-2012), Minnesota Twins (2013-2014), Detroit Tigers (2015-2016), and Chicago White Sox (2017).

What was Michael Pelfrey's most notable achievement in college baseball?

In 2004, Michael Pelfrey led all of NCAA Division I baseball with an impressive 0.66 ERA while playing for Wichita State University. He was also a consensus All-American in 2005.

When was Michael Pelfrey drafted into Major League Baseball?

Michael Pelfrey was drafted by the New York Mets as the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft.

Who was Michael Pelfrey's college coach at Wichita State University?

Michael Pelfrey played college baseball under the guidance of legendary head coach Gene Stephenson at Wichita State University.