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Brandon Webb
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Brandon Tyler Webb (born May 9, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Webb pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2003 through 2009, and, after multiple shoulder surgeries, signed with but did not play for the Texas Rangers in 2011. Webb attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college baseball for the Wildcats baseball team.

Key Information

During his MLB career, Webb won the 2006 National League Cy Young Award and was a three-time MLB All-Star. He was sidelined with injuries for much of 2009–2012 and, after several aborted comeback attempts, retired in 2013. He has the 18th highest Adjusted ERA+ of all major league players with 142.[1]

Amateur career

[edit]

Webb attended Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Kentucky, and graduated in 1997. Afterwards, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he played for the Kentucky Wildcats baseball team. During his tenure with Kentucky, Webb set the all-time single season record for strikeouts by a Wildcat (123). He was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

Arizona Diamondbacks

[edit]

Webb was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 8th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. He made his first major league appearance on April 22, 2003, against the Montreal Expos.[3] Webb finished the 2003 season with 28 starts and a 10–9 record. He was awarded Baseball America Rookie of the Year and placed third in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting in the National League.

Webb was made the #2 starter to Randy Johnson in 2004 following the team's offseason trade of Curt Schilling. He finished the season with a 7–16 record in a league high 35 starts, leading the league in losses, walks and wild pitches, and posting an ERA of 3.59.

In 2005, he posted a 14–12 record and an ERA of 3.54. He led the team in ERA, innings pitched (229) and wild pitches (14). After the season he signed a four-year contract extension worth a guaranteed $19.5 million (that included a team option for 2010).[4]

Through his first 13 starts of the 2006 season, Webb had a perfect 8–0 record, which included a 30 inning scoreless streak.[5][6] He suffered his first losing effort of the season on June 10, in a 5–0 loss to the New York Mets.[7] An early contender to win the National League Cy Young Award, Webb pitched in the 2006 MLB All-Star Game, recording one hitless inning.

Webb struggled in the second half of the season in part due to elbow soreness. He scored a win in an emotional outing versus the San Diego Padres on August 28, pitching seven effective innings. The win came a day after close friend and former UK teammate Jon Hooker and his new bride were among the victims of the doomed Comair Flight 5191 leaving Lexington.[8]

Webb went on to finish the 2006 season with a record of 16–8 and an earned run average of 3.10, and was recognized with the NL Cy Young Award. His 16 wins tied five other pitchers for the most victories in the National League. Webb's win total marked the lowest for a starting pitcher who won the Cy Young in a full season.[9] His 3.10 ERA was the fourth best in the majors.

Webb in 2008

In 2007 Webb logged a then-franchise record 42 scoreless innings streak as of the conclusion of his start on August 17, 2007, including three straight shutouts.[10] This is the fifteenth longest such streak in major league history.[10] His three consecutive shutouts during the streak was the longest streak since Roger Clemens accomplished the same with Toronto in 1998. This streak came to an end when the Milwaukee Brewers scored in the first inning of his start on August 22, 2007. The franchise record was broken by Zac Gallen in 2022.

Webb carried the D'backs rotation in 2007, leading the team as it won the National League West crown. Webb finished with a record of 18–10 with a 3.01 ERA. Webb pitched the first game of the 2007 playoffs against the Chicago Cubs. Webb pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball, striking out 9 en route to a win.[11]

The Diamondbacks went on to sweep the Cubs but fell to the Rockies in the NLCS, Webb falling in the first game. Webb allowed 4 runs in 6 innings, taking the loss.[12] The Diamondbacks were ultimately swept 4–0.

Webb began the 2008 season with nine straight wins, becoming the first Major League pitcher to do so since Andy Hawkins won his first ten in 1985.[13] Going into the All-Star break Webb was atop the Majors in wins, standing at 13–4 with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.13.[14] He made the All-Star team and threw a scoreless 14th inning with two strikeouts at Yankee Stadium.

Webb finished the 2008 season with a career high and NL leading 22 wins, against 7 losses. He finished second in the National League Cy Young voting to division rival Tim Lincecum. His 3.15 ground ball/fly ball ratio was the highest in the major leagues.[15]

In 2009, Webb was named #31 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 top current players in baseball.[16]

Webb pitched on opening day against the Colorado Rockies, but was limited to just four innings. On April 7, 2009, he was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis. On August 3, 2009, Dr. Keith Meister of the Rangers performed surgery on his right shoulder, ending his season. Despite the injury, after the 2009 season ended the Diamondbacks picked up Webb's $8.5 million option for 2010. The team would have had to pay a $2 million buyout had it declined.[17] Webb spent the year rehabbing his injury and did not appear at all in 2010.

Texas Rangers

[edit]

Webb became a free agent at the conclusion of the season and on December 26, 2010, agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers.[18] Webb made his first appearance in a game in more than two years on May 30, 2011, pitching for Double-A Frisco. Over 3+1⁄3 innings, he allowed five runs on eight hits, struck out two, walked two and hit a batter.

On July 24, the Rangers announced Webb would undergo a second right rotator cuff surgery on August 1, 2011, that would sideline him until the start of the 2012 season.[19]

Retirement

[edit]

Webb officially retired from Major League Baseball on February 4, 2013.[20][21] In May 2013, he filed a workers' compensation claim against the Texas Rangers for shoulder, neck, back, arm, and musculo-skeletal system injuries.[22]

Pitches

[edit]

Webb was mainly known for his sinker, regarded on a par with Roy Halladay and Chien-Ming Wang's as among the game's best sinkerballers.[23] He threw it in the 87–91 mph range, a curveball (72–75), changeup (77–80), and occasionally a cutter against left-handed hitters.[24]

Webb's sinker made him an effective at groundball pitcher, with one of the best ground ball/fly ball ratios in the game, at more than 3.5:1.[25] His changeup could be useful for getting swinging strikes, yielding a 55% whiff rate in the 2008 season.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

Webb and his wife, Alicia, make their home in Ashland, Kentucky. He decided to stick close to home for college, attending the University of Kentucky in Lexington.[citation needed]

In December 2007, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet renamed a section of U.S. Route 60 the "Brandon Webb Highway" in honor of Webb.[26]

In 2005 Webb established Brandon Webb's K Foundation, a charity that aims to "improve the lives of critically and chronically ill children throughout Arizona by providing daily support and life changing experiences."[27]

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brandon Webb

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Brandon Tyler Webb (born May 9, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2003 to 2009. A three-time , Webb won the 2006 National League after leading the league in wins. Webb attended the , playing for the Wildcats baseball team, and was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the 2000 MLB Draft. In his MLB career, he compiled an 87–62 win–loss record, a 3.27 (ERA), and 1,065 strikeouts in 1,4652⁄3 . Shoulder injuries sidelined him after 2009, and he officially retired on February 4, 2013, following an unsuccessful comeback attempt with the Texas Rangers. After retiring, Webb became a , serving as a pre- and postgame analyst for Bally Sports covering Diamondbacks games. In 2005, he established the Brandon Webb's K Foundation, a charity supporting critically and chronically ill children in .

Early Life and Amateur Career

Upbringing and High School

Brandon Webb was born on May 9, 1979, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Philip Webb and his wife, in a small industrial city along the Ohio River with deep local roots in the region. Ashland, situated in northeastern Kentucky near the borders of Ohio and West Virginia, provided a modest, working-class environment far from traditional baseball powerhouses, fostering Webb's early connection to the sport through community leagues and school activities. Growing up in this small-town setting, Webb developed a passion for from a young age, participating in local youth programs that emphasized fundamental skills and team play in a non-elite landscape. His father, , a former athlete himself, supported his son's interests, contributing to Webb's grounded approach to the game. By his high school years, Webb had emerged as a promising , honing his abilities in the competitive yet regional context of high school . Webb attended Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, where he excelled as a and graduated in 1997. During his time there, he demonstrated notable potential on the , earning attention for his arm strength and control in key games against regional opponents. His high school performance drew initial recruitment interest from colleges, culminating in a offer from the , where he continued his baseball development following graduation.

College Career

Brandon Webb enrolled at the in 1998, where he played for the as a right-handed from 1998 to 2000. During his freshman year in 1998, he appeared in 19 games with 14 starts, posting a 4-5 record and an 8.23 over 70 , while striking out 47 batters. As a in 1999, Webb solidified his role as a starter, making all 15 of his appearances as starts and recording a 3-7 mark with a 5.69 in 91.2 innings, fanning 88 opponents. In his junior season of , Webb showed significant development, emerging as one of the team's top starters with a 7-3 record, 4.55 , and three complete games across 18 appearances (16 starts), logging 112.2 and allowing 123 . That year, he set the University of Kentucky single-season record with 123, surpassing the previous mark held by Rod Bolton. Overall, across his three college seasons, Webb made 52 appearances (45 starts), compiling a 14-15 record with a 5.89 , 259 strikeouts, and 274.1 , establishing himself as a durable workhorse in the . Following the 2000 season, Webb was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the MLB June Amateur Draft, 249th overall, out of the . In recognition of his collegiate achievements, including ranking among the program's leaders in career strikeouts (259) and games started (46), he was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Professional Career

Arizona Diamondbacks Tenure

Brandon Webb made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 22, 2003, initially appearing in relief before transitioning to a starting role in the rotation, where he made 28 starts that season and posted a 10-9 record with a 2.84 over 180.2 . In 2004, he recorded a 7-16 mark with a 3.59 in 35 starts, contributing to 208 despite the team's struggles. By 2005, Webb solidified his place in the rotation with a 14-12 record and 3.54 across 229 , helping anchor the Diamondbacks' pitching staff during his early career years. Webb's performance elevated in 2006, where he achieved a 16-8 record with a 3.10 ERA in 33 starts and 235 innings, earning him the National League Cy Young Award. The following year, in 2007, he went 18-10 with a 3.01 ERA over 236.1 innings, playing a key role in the Diamondbacks' National League West division title while setting a franchise record with a 42-inning scoreless streak from July 20 to August 17. His sinker-heavy pitching style aided this success by inducing a high volume of ground balls. In 2008, Webb led the NL with 22 wins against 7 losses, compiling a 3.30 ERA in 34 starts and 226.2 innings; over his entire tenure with Arizona from 2003 to 2009, he amassed an 87-62 record, 3.27 ERA, and 1,065 strikeouts in 1,319.2 innings. Webb's 2009 season was derailed by a that surfaced during , leading him to exit his start after four innings on April 6 with and . He made no further appearances that year, and on August 3, underwent surgery on his right to address the issue, effectively ending his time with the Diamondbacks.

Texas Rangers and Final Attempts

Following his departure from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Brandon Webb agreed to a one-year contract worth $3 million with the Texas Rangers on December 26, 2010, pending a physical, with the deal featuring performance incentives that could increase the total value to $4 million based on and roster days. The agreement was officially signed on January 3, 2011. Webb's progress was hampered by lingering effects from his 2009 shoulder injury, limiting him to rehabilitation assignments throughout the season. In May, he was placed on the 60-day disabled list while recovering from prior right shoulder surgery. He made four starts for the Rangers' Double-A affiliate, the , pitching 12 innings with a 9.75 and a 0-2 record, allowing 18 hits and 13 earned runs amid ongoing recovery challenges. Later, on June 30, Webb was sent on a rehab assignment to Triple-A but was scratched from a scheduled start on July 1 due to shoulder discomfort, marking another setback. Further complications arose in early July 2011 when an MRI revealed changes in his right shoulder, leading to the decision for additional surgery. On July 23, the Rangers announced that Webb would undergo a second arthroscopic procedure on his rotator cuff, performed by Dr. Keith Meister on August 1, which effectively ended his 2011 season and any immediate hopes of a major league return. Webb did not pitch in 2011 for the Rangers and was removed from the 40-man roster, electing free agency on October 30, 2011, as his contract expired without him appearing in a major league game. Entering 2012 as an unsigned free agent, he pursued comeback opportunities, including informal workouts and throwing sessions, but experienced persistent shoulder issues that prevented him from securing a minor or major league contract with any team.

Retirement

Brandon Webb officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on February 4, 2013, at the age of 33, ending a career that had been derailed by persistent shoulder injuries. In a statement released through his agents, Webb cited the inability to recover fully from repeated shoulder failures as a primary factor, noting that despite multiple surgeries and comeback efforts, no viable path remained to return to the mound. The decision was also influenced by a desire to prioritize family time after years of physical and emotional strain from injury rehabilitation. Over seven seasons, primarily with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Webb compiled an 87–62 record with a 3.27 , recording 1,065 strikeouts across 1,319.2 . His dominance from 2006 to 2008, including a National League in 2006, established him as one of the era's premier pitchers, but the shoulder issues that began in 2009 abruptly halted his trajectory. The injury's impact extended beyond the field, as it cost Webb a potential long-term extension with the Diamondbacks; reports indicated the team had agreed in principle to a three-year, $54 million deal prior to his 2009 shoulder strain, but the injury prevented finalization due to insurance concerns and health uncertainties. This lost opportunity underscored the fragility of his career, with the culminating factor being a second performed while with the Texas Rangers in 2011, after which further recovery attempts proved unsuccessful.

Pitching Style and Statistics

Repertoire and Mechanics

Brandon Webb's pitching arsenal was dominated by his signature sinker, a thrown at 87–91 mph that exhibited pronounced downward and arm-side movement due to its heavy sinking action. This pitch, which he used approximately 46% of the time throughout his , was instrumental in generating elite groundball rates, with Webb achieving a career GB% of 64.3%—among the highest for qualified starting pitchers—and peaking at 66.3% in 2006. The sinker's effectiveness stemmed from Webb's low arm slot, positioned between sidearm and three-quarters, which enhanced its gravitational drop and deceptive trajectory, making it difficult for hitters to elevate. Complementing the sinker were Webb's secondary offerings, including a delivered at 72–75 mph with sharp downward break and a at 77–80 mph that featured surprising cut and dive, both used around 12–15% of the time. He occasionally mixed in a cutter, though it was less prominent in his repertoire compared to his core pitches. Webb's overall delivery was characterized by a , deceptive motion that hid the ball effectively and emphasized arm-side run and sink, allowing him to maintain command while inducing weak contact. Webb refined his sinker after being drafted out of the in 2000, where it had shown natural movement but erratic control; by adjusting his mechanics to better locate the pitch to both sides of the plate, he transformed it into a reliable weapon for MLB success. This evolution contributed to his career groundball ratio of approximately 3.5:1, ranking him among the league's premier groundball pitchers during his peak years with the Diamondbacks, where it frequently induced double plays.

Key Performance Metrics

Brandon Webb's career adjusted ERA+ of 142 ranks 18th all-time among qualified pitchers with at least 1,000 since 1920. This metric underscores his exceptional run prevention relative to league and conditions over his seven MLB seasons. His overall ERA of 3.27 further highlights his efficiency, supported by a career FIP of 3.50. Webb's peak performance came in 2006, when he posted a 3.18 FIP and 1.13 across 235 , earning the National League . In 2008, he led the league with 22 wins and a 3.30 in 226 2/3 , finishing second in voting. His pitching efficiency was driven by elite groundball tendencies, with a career 64.3% GB% that placed him among the highest historically for qualified starters. Complementing this, Webb averaged 7.26 strikeouts per nine , a solid rate that contributed to his dominance without relying on overpowering . Prior to his 2009 shoulder injury, Webb demonstrated remarkable durability, surpassing 200 innings pitched in each of 2006 (235), 2007 (236 1/3), and 2008 (226 2/3). This workload, combined with his groundball profile, positioned him as one of the era's premier workhorse starters, comparable to historical groundball specialists like in inducing weak contact.

Awards and Honors

Military Awards

Brandon Webb received several distinguished awards during his U.S. service, recognizing his excellence in and diving. These include the Presidential Unit Citation, personally presented to him by President for his platoon's service with SEAL Team 3 Echo. He was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor, honoring acts of heroism in . Additionally, Webb earned the "Top Frog" award at SEAL Team 3, the team's recognition for the best diver. These honors reflect his and contributions during deployments to the and from 1998 to 2006.

Post-Military Recognitions

Beyond his military career, Webb's expertise has been acknowledged through invitations to speak on and resilience via platforms like the Macmillan Speakers Bureau. His books, including New York Times bestsellers like The Red Circle (2012), have further highlighted his influence in military and publishing circles, though no formal awards for these are documented as of 2025.

Post-Retirement Activities

Broadcasting Role

Following his retirement from in 2013, Brandon Webb transitioned into a career as a pre- and postgame analyst for FOX Sports , covering Arizona Diamondbacks games starting in the 2014 season. In this role, which has continued under the Bally Sports banner, Webb provides analysis on game action, pitching strategies, and team dynamics during television broadcasts. His appearances include regular segments breaking down performances by current pitchers, such as evaluating Zac Gallen's scoreless innings streaks and Madison Bumgarner's challenges. Webb's broadcasting work extends to radio shows and special programming, where he draws on his Major League experience to discuss tactical elements like pitch selection and defensive alignments. He frequently highlights the nuances of sinkerball pitching in the modern game, offering insights into how ground-ball inducing fastballs remain effective against contemporary hitting approaches, informed by his own career dominance with the pitch. Additionally, Webb engages fans through his account (@brandontwebb17), where he shares analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives as a sports analyst, maintaining a following of 1,075 as of November 2025. As a Diamondbacks alumnus, Webb participates in team events, including charity golf classics and ceremonial first pitches, fostering connections between past and present players. His contributions have sparked discussions about his potential induction into the Diamondbacks Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing both his on-field legacy and ongoing media impact.

Philanthropy and Community Work

In 2005, Brandon Webb founded the , a dedicated to improving the lives of critically and chronically ill children in through daily support, funding, and life-changing experiences. The foundation has conducted hospital visits, provided financial assistance for medical needs, and distributed resources to young patients, including the establishment of "Brandon's Lockers" in three Arizona hospitals, which supply games, notebook computers, books, videos, and comfort items to thousands of children. For example, in 2009, Webb hosted the second annual K Foundation Celebrity Fishing Tournament in Los Cabos, , raising $100,000 to support these initiatives, with participants including fellow MLB players and basketball star . Webb's philanthropic efforts extend to community recognitions, particularly in his hometown of . In 2007, the passed Senate Joint Resolution 93, renaming a portion of U.S. Route 60 from the Ashland city limits to Beech Street as the "Brandon Webb Highway" to honor his achievements as a local role model and the first Kentuckian to win a Major League Baseball . This designation underscores his ongoing ties to the Ashland community post-retirement. Following his retirement from in 2013, Webb has maintained involvement in youth development programs, serving as an advisory board member for the U.S. Baseball Academy, where he contributes to instructional initiatives aimed at young athletes. His work through the has continued to focus on supporting ill children in , though specific recent events remain low-profile.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/webbbr01.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/news/former-d-backs-pitcher-brandon-webb-2006-nl-cy-young-award-winner-retires/c-41387790
  3. https://baseballhall.org/discover/brandon-webb-visits-cooperstown
  4. https://usbaseballacademy.com/staff-3/brandon-webb/
  5. https://www.nydailynews.com/2003/04/28/mets-get-caught-in-rookies-webb/
  6. https://www.mlb.com/news/brandon-webb-best-mlb-pitcher-when-healthy
  7. https://www.congress.gov/109/crec/2006/12/08/CREC-2006-12-08-pt2-PgS11733.pdf
  8. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/7414/
  9. https://ukathletics.com/news/2000/06/07/55ae9520e4b0b398a220b7a7-131468151363016824/
  10. https://ukathletics.com/news/2009/07/07/general-uk-adds-seven-in-2009-hall-of-fame-class/
  11. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=webbbr01
  12. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ARI/2007.shtml
  13. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Brandon_Webb
  14. https://www.mlb.com/news/longest-scoreless-inning-streaks-in-history
  15. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/08/brandon-webb-to-undergo-surgery.html
  16. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2009/08/03/Brandon-Webb-to-have-shoulder-surgery/57711249273745/
  17. https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2010/12/26/1897626/brandon-webb-rangers-contract-sign
  18. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/130/brandon-webb
  19. https://www.mlb.com/player/brandon-webb-425630
  20. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=webb--001bra
  21. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2011/07/02/baseball-notes-rangers-webb-scratched/6689416007/
  22. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8914430/ex-cy-young-winner-brandon-webb-formerly-arizona-diamondbacks-retires
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1974802/2020/08/05/what-if-brandon-webb-had-stayed-healthy/
  24. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/brandon-webb-to-have-rotator-cuff-surgery-again
  25. https://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=425630
  26. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/brandon-webb/1692/stats?position=P
  27. http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/command_post/
  28. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/552497-top-10-starters-national-league-vs-american-league
  29. https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/06/12/onepitch-wonder
  30. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/earned_run_avg_plus_career.shtml
  31. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-brandon-webbs-of-the-near-future/
  32. https://www.macmillanspeakers.com/speaker/brandon-webb/
  33. https://brandontylerwebb.com/biography/
  34. https://us.macmillan.com/author/brandonwebb
  35. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/fox-sports-arizona-to-televise-150-d-backs-regular-season-games
  36. https://sportspyder.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/episodes/1101475
  37. https://www.instagram.com/brandontwebb17/?hl=en
  38. https://burncitysports.com/2024/01/17/diamondbacks-tee-up-for-13th-annual-celebrity-golf-classic-in-support-of-veterans/
  39. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2024/7/26/24207123/who-will-get-the-diamondbacks-hall-call-in-2025
  40. https://issuu.com/easternkentuckyu/docs/eku_200904/17
  41. https://www.looktothestars.org/news/1964-brandon-webb-reels-in-100000-for-charity
  42. https://ukathletics.com/news/2007/04/10/55aeaf5de4b05936b8463f7c-131468070119063403/
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