Stephen Strasburg - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Early Life: Stephen Strasburg was born on July 20, 1988, in San Diego, California. He attended West Hills High School in Santee, California, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.
- 2. College Career: Strasburg attended San Diego State University, where he played college baseball for the Aztecs. In his sophomore year, he set a school record with 23 strikeouts in a single game. He was named the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
- 3. Drafted First Overall: In the 2009 MLB Draft, Strasburg was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals. He signed a record-breaking contract worth $15.1 million, the highest ever for a draft pick at the time.
- 4. MLB Debut: Strasburg made his MLB debut on June 8, 2010, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He struck out 14 batters in 7 innings, setting a franchise record for strikeouts in a debut game.
- 5. Tommy John Surgery: In August 2010, Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. He missed the rest of the 2010 season and most of the 2011 season recovering from the surgery.
- 6. 2019 World Series MVP: Strasburg played a key role in the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series championship run. He was named the World Series MVP after going 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA in the series against the Houston Astros.
- 7. All-Star Selections: Strasburg has been selected to the MLB All-Star Game five times in his career (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). He has been one of the top pitchers in the National League throughout his career.
- 8. Contract Extension: In December 2019, Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract extension with the Nationals, the largest ever for a pitcher at the time. The contract includes a full no-trade clause and an opt-out after the 2023 season.
- 9. Pitching Style: Strasburg is known for his electric fastball that can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. He also has a devastating curveball and changeup that keeps hitters off balance. His pinpoint control and ability to mix up his pitches make him one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
- 10. Personal Life: Strasburg is married to Rachel Lackey, whom he met while attending San Diego State University. They have two daughters together. Off the field, Strasburg is known for his philanthropy work, including his involvement with the Nationals' Youth Baseball Academy in Washington, D.C.