Kyle Kendrick

Kyle Rodney Kendrick (born August 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). Kendrick was born in Houston, Texas but attended high school in Mount Vernon, Washington. While growing up, he was greatly influenced by his father, from whom he developed his composure when pitching. Upon graduation, Kendrick turned down a scholarship to play college football, instead signing a contract to begin his pro baseball career with the Phillies. After a slow ascent through Minor League Baseball (MiLB), he made his MLB debut in 2007, and was a member of the starting rotation of the 2008 World Series Championship team. Subsequently, Kendrick was demoted to the minors to develop secondary pitches. From 2010 to 2012, his role on the big-league squad frequently fluctuated; however, he was considered by many writers to be an underrated pitcher. Nevertheless, Kendrick drew the ire of Phillies fans who were tired of his inconsistency. After a successful 2012 campaign, he firmly implanted himself in the Phillies' starting rotation before the 2013 season. He predominantly threw a sinker, mixed in with some secondary pitches.