Jimmy Key
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James Edward "Jimmy" Key (born April 22, 1961 in Huntsville, Alabama) was a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. He won 12 of more games 12 times in his 15 year career.
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Early career
Jimmy was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 3rd round of the 1982 amateur draft. He made his Major League debut on April 6, 1984 and was utilized in relief situations through his inaugural year, notching 10 saves and a 4.65 ERA.
Best years
Jimmy moved into the starting rotation in 1985 and quickly became a cornerstone in the rotation, leading the Blue Jays to their first ever postseason appearance that year. More postseason appearances would follow, culminating in a World Series championship in 1992.
Jimmy was one of the most popular Blue Jays until his departure in 1993 to play for the rival New York Yankees.
His best personal years were in 1987, when he posted an 17-8 record with a league-leading 2.76 ERA, and in 1993, when he went 18-6 with a 3.00 ERA and 173 strikeouts.
Accomplishments
- All-star (1985, 1991, 1993, 1994)
- Finished 6th in American League MVP voting (1994)
- Finished 2nd in American League Cy Young voting (1987, 1994)
- Finished 4th in American League Cy Young voting (1993)
- Won American League ERA title (1987, 2.76 ERA)
Teams
- Toronto Blue Jays (1984-1992)
- New York Yankees (1993-1996)
- Baltimore Orioles (1997-1998)