Jered Weaver, born on April 10, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, is a lanky right-handed starting pitcher who is known for his deceptive, cross-body delivery and remarkable durability on the mound. Throughout his career, he has shown an exceptional ability to strike batters out and secure wins for his team, making him a standout player in Major League Baseball.
Weaver's passion for baseball began during his high school years at Simi Valley High School in California, where he honed his skills as a standout pitcher. After graduating, he continued his baseball journey at Long Beach State, where he played college baseball and showcased his talent on a competitive collegiate level.
During his time at Long Beach State, Weaver had a standout season in 2004, where he compiled an impressive 15-1 record with a remarkable 1.62 ERA. His performance that season was nothing short of dominant, as he recorded 567 strikeouts and only allowed 21 walks in 144 innings pitched. It was clear that Weaver had a promising future ahead of him in professional baseball.
In 2004, Weaver was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, where he would spend the majority of his career and achieve great success. He made his Major League debut in 2006 and quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the Angels. Weaver's unique pitching style, characterized by his cross-body delivery, often caught opposing batters off guard, leading to an impressive number of strikeouts.
Weaver's talent on the mound did not go unnoticed, as he led the American League in strikeouts in 2010 and reached the milestone of winning 20 games in a single season in 2012. These achievements solidified Weaver's reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league and earned him a place among baseball's elite.
Off the field, Weaver is a dedicated family man, having married Kristin Travis in 2011. The couple has two children, a son named Aden and a daughter named Josie. Weaver's family has been a source of support and inspiration throughout his career, and he credits them for his success both on and off the field.
Weaver comes from a family with a strong baseball background, as his brother Jeff Weaver also had a successful pitching career in the majors. Jeff Weaver played for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. The Weaver brothers' shared love for the game has been a driving force in their careers and has solidified their bond both on and off the field.
Throughout his career, Weaver faced challenges both on and off the field, one of which was a controversial negotiation with his agent Scott Boras. Boras advised Weaver to hold out for a larger signing bonus after signing with the Angels, pushing for a $10.5 million bonus. However, Weaver eventually settled for a $4 million bonus, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts. Despite the controversy, Weaver remained focused on his performance and continued to excel on the mound.
Overall, Jered Weaver's journey in baseball has been marked by perseverance, dedication, and a passion for the game. His unique pitching style and impressive statistics have solidified his legacy as one of the top pitchers in the game, earning him accolades and admiration from fans and critics alike. As Weaver continues to make his mark in the world of baseball, his legacy as a deceptive and durable pitcher will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players.