Introduction
Derek Lilliquist is an American baseball coach and former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who has made a name for himself in the world of baseball. He played for five different MLB teams and also played in Japan before retiring to become a pitching coach. In his coaching career, Lilliquist has worked with several teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, and most recently, the St. Louis Cardinals. In this post, we’ll delve into the rise of Derek Lilliquist, from his early days as a player to his current success as a coach.
From Player to Coach
Lilliquist was born on February 20, 1966, in Winter Park, Florida. He played college baseball at the University of Georgia before being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 1989 and played for the Braves, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds before retiring in 1996.
After retiring as a player, Lilliquist began his coaching career as a pitching coach in the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system in 2000. He eventually worked his way up to the MLB level and became the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians in 2002. In 2005, he returned to the Mariners as their pitching coach, a position he held until 2012.
In 2013, Lilliquist joined the St. Louis Cardinals as their pitching coach, a position he held until 2018. During his time with the Cardinals, he helped them reach the National League Championship Series (NLCS) in 2014 and the playoffs in 2015 and 2016.
The Success of Derek Lilliquist
As a player, Lilliquist had a record of 25 wins and 34 losses, with a 4.25 earned run average (ERA). However, his success as a coach speaks for itself. During his time with the Mariners, he helped Felix Hernandez become the Cy Young Award winner in 2010. As the pitching coach for the Cardinals, he helped develop young pitchers like Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, and Trevor Rosenthal.
During the 2015 season, the Cardinals’ pitching staff had the best ERA in the MLB, with a total ERA of 2.94. In addition, Lilliquist played a key role in the Cardinals signing pitcher Seung-hwan Oh, who went on to have a successful career in the MLB.
Challenges and Achievements
Like any great coach, Lilliquist has faced his fair share of challenges throughout his career. In 2018, he was fired from his position as the Cardinals’ pitching coach after the team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, this setback did not deter him. Later that year, he was hired as the pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals.
During his first year with the Royals in 2019, Lilliquist helped the team’s pitching staff achieve the seventh-best ERA in the American League. He also mentored young pitchers like Brad Keller and Jake Junis, who showed significant improvement under his guidance.
7 FAQs About Derek Lilliquist: From MLB Pitcher to Cardinals’ Pitching Coach
Q1. How long did Derek Lilliquist play in the MLB?
A: Lilliquist played in the MLB for eight years, from 1989 to 1996.
Q2. What teams did Derek Lilliquist play for in the MLB?
A: Lilliquist played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds.
Q3. What was Derek Lilliquist’s ERA as a pitcher in the MLB?
A: Lilliquist’s ERA as a pitcher in the MLB was 4.25.
Q4. Where did Derek Lilliquist begin his coaching career?
A: Lilliquist began his coaching career as a pitching coach in the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system in 2000.
Q5. Which pitchers did Derek Lilliquist help develop in his time with the Cardinals?
A: Lilliquist helped develop Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, and Trevor Rosenthal during his time with the Cardinals.
Q6. Why was Derek Lilliquist fired from his position as the Cardinals’ pitching coach in 2018?
A: Lilliquist was fired from his position as the Cardinals’ pitching coach in 2018 after the team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Q7. What is Derek Lilliquist doing now?
A: Lilliquist is currently the pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals.
The Legacy of Derek Lilliquist
Although Lilliquist had a solid career as a player, it is his success as a coach that has truly left a mark on the world of baseball. His ability to develop young pitchers and mentor them to reach their full potential is unparalleled. His legacy will be remembered by the players he has coached and the fans who have witnessed his impact on the sport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Derek Lilliquist’s rise from a MLB pitcher to a successful coach is an inspiration to all who aim to achieve greatness. He faced challenges and setbacks, but he persevered and never gave up on his dream of becoming a great coach. His impact on the sport of baseball will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy will inspire future generations of coaches and players. To all aspiring athletes out there, take a leaf out of Lilliquist’s book, never give up, and keep pushing forward.