Explain Merrill Kelly in 500 words
Merrill Kelly is a professional baseball player who currently pitches for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 14, 1988, in Houston, Texas, Kelly has had an interesting journey in his baseball career, which has seen him play in both the MLB and in professional leagues in South Korea.
Kelly attended Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. However, it was his talent on the baseball field that caught the attention of scouts, leading to him being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Instead of signing with the Indians, Kelly decided to attend Arizona State University to further develop his skills.
During his time at Arizona State, Kelly continued to impress, and in 2010, he was named to the All-Pac-10 team. His success at the collegiate level led to him being drafted again, this time by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 8th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Kelly decided to sign with the Rays and began his professional career in their minor league system.
Kelly spent several years working his way up through the Rays' minor league affiliates, showcasing his talent and earning promotions along the way. However, despite his success, he was never able to make it to the major leagues with the Rays. Frustrated with his lack of opportunities, Kelly made the bold decision to sign with the SK Wyverns, a professional baseball team in South Korea's KBO League, in
In South Korea, Kelly found success and was able to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. He established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the SK Wyverns, consistently putting up strong numbers and earning recognition for his performances. In 2018, Kelly had a breakout season, recording a 50 ERA with 189 strikeouts in 190 innings pitched. His impressive performance caught the attention of MLB teams once again.
In 2018, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Kelly to a two-year contract, bringing him back to the United States and giving him another shot at the major leagues. Kelly made his MLB debut on April 1, 2019, against the San Diego Padres, and he quickly proved that he belonged. Throughout the season, he showcased his versatility by pitching both as a starter and a reliever, and he finished his rookie season with a respectable 42 ERA.
In 2020, Kelly solidified his place in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation. Despite the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had a strong campaign, recording a 59 ERA in 12 starts. His consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the team's top pitchers and a reliable asset on the mound.
Off the field, Kelly is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He is often praised by teammates and coaches for his professionalism and leadership qualities. Kelly's journey from the minor leagues to South Korea and back to the MLB is a testament to his perseverance and determination to succeed.
In conclusion, Merrill Kelly is a talented pitcher who has overcome obstacles and setbacks to establish himself as a reliable starter in the MLB. His success in South Korea's KBO League and subsequent return to the major leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks highlight his skill, work ethic, and resilience. As he continues his career, it will be exciting to see how Kelly further develops and contributes to his team's success.