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Jimmy Key
Jimmy Key
from Wikipedia

James Edward Key (born April 22, 1961) is an American former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Toronto Blue Jays (1984–1992), New York Yankees (1993–1996), and Baltimore Orioles (1997–1998). His best personal years were in 1987, when he posted a 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. With the Blue Jays, he won the 1992 World Series and with the Yankees, he won the 1996 World Series, both over the Atlanta Braves.

Key Information

Career

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Amateur career

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Key attended S. R. Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama.[1] For the school's baseball team, he compiled a 10–0 win–loss record with nine shutouts and a 0.30 earned run average (ERA) in his senior year. Key also batted .410 with 11 home runs and 35 runs batted in in his high school career.

Key attended Clemson University, where he played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers baseball team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). At Clemson, Key posted a 9–3 record and 2.79 ERA on the mound, and batted .300 with 21 doubles. Key is the only Clemson player to be a member of the first-team All-ACC in two positions (pitcher and DH) in 1982. He pitched the opening game of the 1980 College World Series.[2]

Toronto Blue Jays

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The Toronto Blue Jays selected Key in the third round of the 1982 MLB draft.[3] He worked his way up the Blue Jays' minor league system during 1982 and 1983, putting up respectable numbers with the Florence Blue Jays (South Atlantic League), the Medicine Hat Blue Jays (Pioneer League), the Knoxville Blue Jays (Southern League), and the Syracuse Chiefs (International League) before heading to Toronto.

Key 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.[4] He wore number 27 in his first season and 22 for the duration of his Blue Jays career.

Key moved into the starting rotation in 1985 and quickly became a cornerstone in the rotation, leading the Blue Jays to their first postseason appearance that year. In 1987, Key led the major leagues with a 2.76 earned run average and finished second behind Roger Clemens in voting for the American League Cy Young Award.

In Game 4 of the 1992 World Series, Key made his final start for the Blue Jays,[1] surrendering one run over 7+23 innings to earn a 2-1 win and put the Jays up 3 games to 1. He left the game to a tremendous ovation. Key would appear once more in the series, as a reliever in the 10th and 11th innings of the 6th and deciding game, earning another winning decision in the series.[5]

New York Yankees

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As a free agent, Key signed a four-year contract worth $17 million with the New York Yankees on December 10, 1992.[6] He posted a 49–23 record in 94 games over four seasons with the Yankees. He had his career high of 173 strikeouts in the first year with the Yankees in 1993, and he led the majors with 17 wins in the strike-shortened season of 1994.[3]

He spent time with the Gulf Coast Yankees (1–0 and 0.00 ERA) and Tampa (0–0 and 2.77 ERA) of the Florida State League during rehab assignments during his last season with New York in 1996. In his final start as a Yankee, he outdueled Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves in the deciding game of the 1996 World Series.[3]

Jimmy Key wore the number 22 while with the Yankees.

Baltimore Orioles

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Key signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles on December 10, 1996,[3] and posted a 22–13 record in 59 appearances over two seasons. A free agent in his final season, Key retired from the game after the 1998 season largely due to injuries. He made US$7.73 million with the Orioles over 2 seasons. He wore the number 21 with the Orioles (22 having been retired by Baltimore in honor of hall-of-famer Jim Palmer).[3] He was assigned to Fredrick of the Carolina League in 1998 (1–0 3.00 ERA) during his final rehab stint. Key was granted free agency for the last time on October 27, 1998, by Orioles GM Pat Gillick, the same GM who granted him the same conditions in Toronto in 1992.

Strengths and weaknesses

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Key was one of the premiere control pitchers in the game with a good strikeout-to-walk ratio over most of his career. His fastball was not particularly speedy, but was often effective as he could spot it on both corners of the plate—although when his pitch went high, opponents fared well. He also possessed a fine backdoor slider. He had a very good pickoff move to first base, which he notably demonstrated in Game 4 of the 1992 World Series by picking off Otis Nixon, one of the game's premiere base stealers at the time. (During his windup his right knee was bent so that his right foot did not cross the rubber and he could throw to first base without incurring a balk).

Key tended to give up more than his share of home runs even while holding his opponents' on-base percentage to a low level. He was injury-prone with significant down time in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1998. Contrary to some reports, Key never underwent Tommy John surgery. Instead, noted surgeon James Andrews removed bone chips, costing Key several months in the middle of the 1988 season.[7]

Post-career

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Following his retirement from baseball, Key became an amateur golfer. Now living in Palm Beach Gardens, he has become prominent in the local golfing community.[8]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
James Edward "Jimmy" Key (born April 22, 1961) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in (MLB) for 15 seasons from 1984 to 1998, primarily as a left-handed . Known for his pinpoint control and durability, Key compiled a career record of 186 wins and 117 losses with a 3.51 (ERA) over 2,591⅔ , striking out 1,538 batters while walking 668. He earned five selections (1985, 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997) and was named Pitcher of the Year twice (1987 and 1994). Born in Huntsville, Alabama, to Carol Key, a longtime NASA secretary, and Ray Key, a U.S. Army engineer, Jimmy developed his pitching skills under his father's rigorous coaching from a young age, emphasizing control over velocity. After graduating from S.R. Butler High School in Huntsville, he attended Clemson University, where he majored in recreation and park administration, posted a 20-14 record as a pitcher, and earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 1982 while also serving as a designated hitter; he was drafted multiple times before signing with the Toronto Blue Jays in the third round (56th overall) of the 1982 MLB Draft. Selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the third round (56th overall) of the 1982 MLB Draft, Key made his big-league debut on April 6, 1984, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the rotation. Key spent his first nine seasons with the Blue Jays (1984–1992), where he amassed 116 victories—the most by any left-handed pitcher in franchise history—and a 3.42 ERA, tying teammate for the team record among starters with at least 500 innings. Despite undergoing surgery for a bone chip in his elbow in 1988, he rebounded to win a career-high 17 games in and earned the win in relief in the clinching Game 6 of the against the , securing Toronto's first championship. Traded to the New York Yankees in November 1992, Key adapted to the rivalry and, after rotator cuff surgery in 1995 limited him to just 4 starts, returned strong in 1996 to post a 12-8 record with a 3.45 ERA; he earned the win in the decisive of the , helping the Yankees defeat the for their first title in 18 years. His final two years came with the (1997–1998), where he went 22-13 before announcing his retirement at age 37 due to lingering shoulder issues. Post-career, Key was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024, and he has pursued amateur golf while residing in .

Early life and amateur career

Family background and upbringing

James Edward Key was born on April 22, 1961, in , to parents Carol and Ray Key. Carol worked as a secretary at for 30 years, while Ray served as a U.S. Army engineer for 35 years, providing a stable, professional household environment in the growing hub of Huntsville. The family included two brothers, Richard and Mark, and one sister, Linda, though specific details on sibling dynamics are limited. Key's early childhood in Huntsville revolved around family life in a community shaped by NASA's presence, which influenced his mother's career and the local economy. Before organized sports, his initial activities centered on everyday family routines, but quickly emerged as a focal point through paternal guidance. Ray Key, recognizing his son's potential, began coaching him on pitching fundamentals at around age 10, stressing precision and control over raw power. He enforced strict discipline, prohibiting casual throwing and requiring all pitches to be directed to a , as Key later recalled: "My father always told me if I wasn't going to throw to a catcher, then I was wasting my time." This early emphasis on location and efficiency, encapsulated in Ray's advice that "no pitch should be wasted; you should precisely locate the pitch every time," laid the groundwork for Key's future style. By age 12, Key's passion for was evident during a local game he watched with his mother, where he boldly predicted his own major league future, marking a natural progression from these childhood interests toward high school involvement.

High school career

Jimmy Key attended S. R. Butler High School in , where he honed his skills as a on the school's team. Under the strict coaching of his father, Ray Key, who emphasized pitch location and control over raw , Key developed exceptional command on the early in his high school tenure. This foundational training transformed him from a promising amateur pitcher into a dominant force, with scouts noting his poise and precision as hallmarks that set him apart from peers. By his later years, Key had evolved into the unquestioned leader of Butler's pitching staff, blending pinpoint accuracy with growing competitiveness to showcase professional-level potential. Key's senior season in 1979 epitomized his high school dominance, as he compiled a perfect 10–0 record with a 0.30 over the year, including nine shutouts that underscored his ability to stifle opposing lineups. In one standout performance during the state quarterfinals, he struck out 19 batters across 11 , demonstrating the stamina and prowess that complemented his control-oriented approach. Offensively, he contributed as a , batting .410 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs, further highlighting his versatility during Butler's successful campaigns, which included multiple city titles. Following his senior season, Key was selected by the in the 10th round of the 1979 MLB June Amateur Draft but did not sign, opting instead to attend . Scouting evaluations from this period praised his mature mound presence and ability to induce weak contact, positioning him as a polished prospect ready for advanced competition.

College career

Jimmy Key enrolled at in 1980 on a full scholarship offered by head coach Bill Wilhelm, where he majored in recreation and park administration. Over three seasons from 1980 to 1982, Key compiled an overall pitching record of 20-14 while also contributing as a hitter and . His year in 1980 featured a 7-5 record with a 2.99 over 111.1 innings in 15 starts, including a and participation in the , where Clemson advanced to the finals. Under Wilhelm's guidance, Key developed his pitching mechanics, emphasizing control and precision that built on early lessons from his father about hitting spots on the rather than overpowering batters. This focus helped refine his sinker and , contributing to his growth as a complete . In his junior year of 1982, Key had a standout season with a 9-3 record and 2.79 in 16 starts, including seven complete games and 116 , while striking out 94 batters against just 28 walks. He also excelled offensively, batting .359 with a school-record 21 doubles, earning first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as both a and —the first Clemson player to achieve that distinction in the same season. Key's college career concluded with his selection by the Toronto Blue Jays in the third round (56th overall) of the 1982 MLB Draft, transitioning him from amateur to .

Professional career

Toronto Blue Jays (1984–1992)

Jimmy Key joined the Toronto Blue Jays after being selected in the third round of the 1982 MLB Draft out of . Following two seasons in the minors with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays and Syracuse Chiefs, he earned a spot on the major league roster in 1984. Key made his MLB debut on April 6, 1984, entering in relief against the California Angels at ; he retired all 10 batters faced, helping secure an 11-5 victory. Primarily used as a reliever that year, he appeared in 63 games, recording 10 saves and a 4.65 ERA while posting a 4-5 record. Key transitioned into the starting rotation in 1985, where he remained a mainstay for the Blue Jays through 1992, consistently delivering double-digit wins each season. His overall performance during this period included a 116-81 record, underscoring his reliability as a left-handed starter on teams that reached the playoffs in 1985, , 1989, and 1991. A pinnacle came in , when Key led the with a 2.76 over 261 , finishing 17-8 and earning All-Star honors while anchoring a rotation that propelled to 96 wins. The 1988 season brought a setback for Key, who was placed on the disabled list in early May after experiencing discomfort; he underwent arthroscopic to remove chips from his left , sidelining him for approximately 10 weeks. Upon returning in late July, Key adapted effectively, making 21 starts and achieving a 12-5 record with a 3.28 , demonstrating resilience that bolstered the Blue Jays' 87-75 finish. Key's tenure culminated in the 1992 postseason, where he contributed decisively to Toronto's first title. In the ALCS against the , he started two games, going 1-0 with a 2.31 over 11 2/3 innings. In the versus the , Key started Game 4 on October 21 at SkyDome, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing just one run on five hits to earn the win in a 2-1 victory that gave the Blue Jays a 3-1 series lead; ' solo home run provided the other run. clinched the championship two days later in , with Key's steady performance in the Fall Classic helping secure the 4-2 series triumph.

New York Yankees (1993–1996)

Following his successful tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he had established himself as a reliable left-handed starter, Jimmy Key entered free agency after the 1992 season and signed a four-year, $17 million with the New York Yankees on December 10, 1992. The deal, pursued aggressively by owner , brought a veteran presence to a Yankees rotation seeking stability after several losing seasons, and Key integrated seamlessly, leveraging his precise control to anchor the staff. In his 1993 debut campaign, Key delivered a breakout performance with an 18-6 record, a 3.00 ERA, four complete games, and two shutouts across 34 starts, earning his third selection and a fourth-place finish in Cy Young Award voting. Key's momentum carried into 1994, a strike-shortened season, where he led the with 17 wins alongside a 3.27 ERA in 25 starts, solidifying his status as the Yankees' ace. His dominance earned him the starting assignment for the at , where he pitched one inning despite the 's 8-7 loss in 10 innings. Additionally, Key captured American League Pitcher of the Year award and finished second in voting, highlighting his pivotal role in the Yankees' 89-53 first-place finish before the strike halted play. The 1995 season proved challenging for Key, as rotator cuff tendinitis sidelined him in May after only five starts, where he recorded a 1-2 mark with a 5.64 ERA. He underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in July, limiting his contribution as the Yankees reached the playoffs without his services. Despite the injury setback, Key returned in 1996 with renewed vigor, posting a 12-11 record and 4.68 ERA in 30 starts after overcoming an early slump marked by a 2-6 record and 7.06 ERA through June. In the postseason, he played a key role across all rounds, going 2-1 with a 3.33 ERA in four starts and 24.1 innings. In Game 3 of the ALDS against , he allowed two runs over five innings for the win; in Game 3 of the ALCS versus , he yielded a two-run homer early but permitted just one hit over the next eight innings to secure a 1-0 victory. His most memorable outing came in Game 6 of the against , where he pitched 5⅓ innings of one-run ball—featuring 10 hits but no walks and a crucial bases-loaded —earning the win in the Yankees' 3-2 clincher for their first title in 18 years.

Baltimore Orioles (1997–1998)

Following his successful tenure with the New York Yankees, where he contributed to two titles, Jimmy Key signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Orioles as a on December 10, 1996. In 1997, Key rebounded strongly in his first season with , posting a 16-10 record with a 3.43 over 34 starts and 212.1 , helping anchor the Orioles' rotation as they reached the . He appeared in three postseason games against the Cleveland Indians, going 0-1 with a 3.09 in 11.2 . Key's workload diminished significantly in 1998 due to ongoing shoulder issues, including an inflamed left that sidelined him for much of the year; he made only 11 starts in 25 appearances, finishing 6-3 with a 4.20 over 79.1 . His final major league appearance came on September 20, 1998, against the New York Yankees at , where he pitched one inning in relief. The cumulative toll of injuries, particularly to his , eroded Key's effectiveness in his late career, leading him to retire at age 37 on January 29, 1999, after 15 major league seasons.

Playing style and statistics

Strengths and weaknesses

Jimmy Key was renowned for his exceptional control, a skill developed from an early age under his father's rigorous training that emphasized precise pitch location within the . This command allowed him to maintain a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio throughout his career, minimizing free passes and keeping runners off base. His effective fastball-slider combination, complemented by a and , enabled him to set up hitters with varying speeds and movement, often inducing weak contact rather than overpowering batters. Additionally, Key possessed a notable pickoff move that disrupted baserunners, particularly evident in high-stakes postseason play. Despite these assets, Key's pitching arsenal had limitations, including a that lacked elite velocity, typically in the high 80s, making him vulnerable to home runs from power hitters who could capitalize on his non-intimidating stuff. He was also injury-prone, suffering from recurring arm issues such as bone chips requiring in 1988 and a in 1995 that sidelined him for significant time, though he never underwent surgery. These traits collectively defined Key's reputation as a "crafty lefty," a who relied on , location, and over raw power to achieve success, earning praise for his artistry on the mound even if it sometimes left him susceptible to big innings. In , his control particularly shone in maintaining low opponent on-base percentages, contributing to team stability during rotations.

Career statistics and records

Over his 15-season career from to 1998, Jimmy Key compiled a record of 186 wins and 117 losses with a 3.51 (), striking out 1,538 batters while walking 566 for a of 1.23 over 2,591.2 . He appeared in 470 games, making 389 starts, and recorded 34 complete games along with 12 shutouts. Key led the in ERA during the 1987 season with a mark of 2.76 while pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays. In 1994, shortened by a players' strike, he topped the AL in wins with 17 victories for the New York Yankees, finishing with a 17-4 record and a 3.27 . In postseason play, Key went 6-3 with a 3.17 across 14 appearances (13 starts), logging 68.1 innings for his teams, including strong performances in the where he earned two wins for the champion Blue Jays. His career innings total ranked him among the top left-handed pitchers of his era, and he pitched at least 200 innings in eight seasons, contributing significantly to the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation during their title.

Awards and honors

Individual achievements

In 1987, Jimmy Key earned the American League earned run average (ERA) title with a 2.76 mark over 261 innings pitched in 36 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the lowest ERA in the majors that season during a year noted for elevated offensive production. This performance, which included a 17-8 win-loss record and 161 strikeouts, also led to his selection as the Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year and second-place finish in Cy Young Award voting behind Roger Clemens. Additionally, Key was honored as the Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher of the Year, recognizing his pivotal role in the team's rotation. Key was selected to the five times during his career (1985, 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997). His standout 1994 season with the New York Yankees further solidified his individual accolades, as he led the in wins with a 17-8 record across 27 starts, achieving a 3.27 despite the players' strike shortening the campaign. For these efforts, he received his second American League Pitcher of the Year Award and finished fifth in voting. That year, Key was selected to the team and started the midsummer classic at in , where he pitched two , allowing one run, in the National League's 8-7 victory in 10 .

World Series championships

Jimmy Key played a pivotal role in the Blue Jays' victory over the , capping a regular season in which he recorded 13 wins with a 3.53 over 216.2 . In Game 4 at SkyDome, Key started and delivered 7⅔ of one-run ball, allowing five hits while striking out five, to earn the win in a 2-1 decision that gave a commanding 3-1 series lead. He returned in as a reliever, pitching 1⅓ scoreless to secure the win in the 11-inning, 4-3 clincher, finishing the series 2-0 with a 1.00 over 9 . Four years later, Key contributed to the New York Yankees' 1996 World Series triumph, also against the Braves, following a regular season hampered by injury where he went 12-11 with a 4.68 ERA in 169⅓ innings. In Game 5 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, he started but lasted only 3 innings, surrendering 4 runs on 6 hits in a 4-2 loss that forced a Game 6. Key then started the decisive Game 6 at Yankee Stadium, battling through 5⅓ innings while allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and a walk, outdueling Greg Maddux to earn the win in the 3-2 victory that sealed the championship. His World Series performance that year was 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA over 11⅓ innings. Key's championship experiences highlighted his postseason resilience, as he faced the same opponent in both series and delivered critical starts despite uneven regular seasons—dominating as a starter in 1992's pivotal games and providing veteran stability for the Yankees' young rotation in 1996. Both titles marked franchise firsts, with Key's efforts underscoring his value in high-stakes matchups against Atlanta's potent lineup.

Hall of Fame recognition

In 2024, Jimmy Key was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, recognizing his pivotal role in the Toronto Blue Jays' success during his nine seasons with the team from 1984 to 1992. The induction was announced on February 6, 2024, and the ceremony took place on June 15, 2024, at the Hall of Fame grounds in , where former Blue Jays catcher accepted the honor on Key's behalf due to his absence. Key's selection highlighted his status as one of the franchise's most accomplished left-handed pitchers, including leading the Blue Jays in (3.42) and (1.20) for his career with the team, amassing 116 wins, and serving as the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the . Key received further recognition in 2009 with his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his roots in the state and his professional achievements. The induction ceremony occurred on May 30, 2009, in , celebrating his 15-year MLB career that included five selections, two titles, and a 186-117 record with a 3.51 . Specific accolades noted during the event encompassed his record-setting rookie season with the Blue Jays in 1984, where he tied a franchise mark with 10 saves, and his 1987 of the Year award after posting a 17-8 record with a 2.76 . Key's Hall of Fame honors underscore his enduring impact on Canadian , particularly through his contributions to the Blue Jays' emergence as a competitive force in , which helped elevate the sport's popularity and infrastructure in during the late 20th century. His consistent performance and role in the victory, the first for a Canadian team, symbolized a milestone in the nation's baseball legacy, inspiring subsequent generations of players and fans north of the border.

Later life

Retirement and residence

Jimmy Key announced his retirement from on January 29, 1999, after completing the 1998 season with the Baltimore Orioles at age 37. His decision followed a career plagued by injuries, particularly in his final year when arm and calf issues limited him to just 25 appearances and 79.1 . Upon retiring, Key relocated to , where he established his residence in Palm Beach Gardens. This move allowed him to embrace a quieter post-baseball in a region known for its appeal to retirees. In the initial years after leaving the majors, Key focused on personal adjustment and family matters, with no formal or advisory roles in . Key has a daughter, , from his first marriage to Cindy. He later married his second wife, Karin, around , and they raised two children, Jenna and James, in .

Post-baseball activities

Following his retirement from , Jimmy Key immersed himself in amateur golf, competing actively in local tournaments throughout for over 15 years. He joined the Palm Beach Golf Association and participated in events such as the PB County Amateur Championship in Palm Beach in 2014, where his experience from high-stakes games helped manage competitive nerves. Key achieved notable success in the sport, including a victory in the 2010 Palm Beach County Mid-Senior Four-Ball Championship alongside partner Pete Williams, where they shot a tournament-record 129 over two rounds at to win by seven strokes. In recognition of his consistent performance and contributions to amateur golf, he was named the Palm Beach Golf Association's Hall of Honor Player of the Year in the senior division in 2012. Based in , Key became a prominent figure in the local golfing community, engaging in club activities at at Mirasol. While Key has occasionally appeared at baseball-related events, such as his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, his primary post-baseball pursuits remain centered on and family life. As of November 2025, there have been no reports of major new activities beyond this honor.

References

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