Kent Mercker

Kent Franklin Mercker (born February 1, 1968) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who has played for nine teams over his seventeen-year career. He currently pitches for the Cincinnati Reds of the National League.

Related Topics:
February 1 - 1968 - Major League Baseball - Cincinnati Reds - National League

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Mercker, a native of Dublin, Ohio, was taken in the first round (5th pick overall) of the 1986 amateur draft by the Atlanta Braves. He made his Major League debut with the Braves on September 22, 1989 and appeared in two games that season.

Related Topics:
Dublin, Ohio - 1986 - Atlanta Braves - September 22 - 1989

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During his years with the Braves Mercker split time between the bullpen and the starting rotation. After serving as a reliever for the vast part of his first five seasons, he joined the Braves' rotation full time for the 1994 and 1995 seasons.

Related Topics:
1994 - 1995

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After the 1995 season the Braves traded Mercker to the Baltimore Orioles. Mercker has been a journeyman ever since, spending time with Baltimore (1996), Cleveland (1996), Cincinnati (1997), St. Louis (1997-1999), Boston (1999), Anaheim (2000), Colorado (2002), Cincinnati a second time (2003), Atlanta a second time (2003), and the Chicago Cubs (2004). Mercker signed with Cincinnati for the third time in his career on December 20, 2004.

Related Topics:
Baltimore Orioles - 1996 - Cleveland - 1997 - St. Louis - 1999 - Boston - Anaheim - 2000 - Colorado - 2002 - 2003 - Chicago Cubs - 2004 - December 20

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Mercker has taken part in two no-hit games during his career, both with the Braves. The first, on September 11, 1991 against the San Diego Padres, was a combined effort between Mercker, the starter, who pitched seven innings; Mark Wohlers, who pitched the eighth inning; and Alejandro Pena, who pitched the ninth. The Braves won that game by a score of 1-0. The second no-hitter was a solo effort by Mercker, as he no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1994 in a 6-0 victory.

Related Topics:
No-hit games - September 11 - 1991 - San Diego Padres - Mark Wohlers - Alejandro Pena - Los Angeles Dodgers - April 8 - 1994

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There is also a subculture of Cubs fans who are furious at Mercker's departure from the Cubs. These loyal, devoted fans created a message board for their hero, which can be seen at the following address.

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http://www.phpbbforfree.com/forums/southpawlounge.html

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