In 2000, 20-year-old Rick Ankiel pitched a full season in the majors and posted an 11–7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 194 strikeouts across his 30 starts.
Then, the playoffs came and like that, within an inning, it was gone. The yips had arrived.
Following that outing in Game One of the National League Division Series against the Braves, Ankiel was never really able to regain control on the mound and eventually became an outfielder.
He wasn’t great in the field, but Ankiel was good enough to play in the majors as a position player from 2007-2013 which is pretty amazing considering his meltdown as a pitcher came in 2000.
Now, 18 years after the NLDS, Ankiel is “toying with” a return to the mound, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.
Brown writes: “Perhaps, he said, if his body allows and a team is willing to take a chance, he will give it one more run, next spring, as a relief pitcher.”
Ankiel got the notion about possibly pitching again after striking out the only batter he faced in an exhibition game in Louisville earlier this week.
Former @Cardinals Rick Ankiel strikes out the only batter he faced tonight. Cool to see him back on the mound. 🔥
Also went 2-for-4 at the plate with 4 RBI’s. pic.twitter.com/b09gUK4Glb
— Jevin Redman (@Jevin_13) August 2, 2018
Best of luck.
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