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Phil Coke
Phil Coke
Phil Coke
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Phillip Douglas Coke (born July 19, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Pitching primarily in relief, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Coke's MLB career spanned from 2008 to 2016. He won a World Series championship as a member of the Yankees in 2009.

Key Information

Amateur career

[edit]

Coke pitched and played outfield and first base at Sonora High School in California. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 49th round (1,450th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft.[1] He did not sign, choosing to attend San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton instead.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

New York Yankees

[edit]

Coke was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 26th round (786th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He signed with the Yankees for $80,000.[2]

He began his baseball career with the GCL Yankees in 2003. In 2004, he was promoted to the Short Season A Staten Island Yankees, but suffered an elbow injury after just three games.[4] Coke moved to Low-A with the Charleston RiverDogs in 2005, pitching to a 5.42 ERA in 24 games (18 starts). He was promoted to High-A with the Tampa Yankees, compiling a 3.60 ERA in 22 games (18 starts). He returned to Tampa in 2007 and missed time with another elbow injury,[4] compiling a 3.09 ERA in 99 innings as a starter.

In 2008, Coke made his Double-A debut with the Trenton Thunder, going 9–4 with a 2.54 ERA in 23 games (20 starts) and was an Eastern League All-Star.[5] He soon became a coveted prospect and was very nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a package for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady.[4] On August 1, he was promoted to Triple-A and moved to the bullpen.[6] He went 2–2 with a 4.67 ERA in 13 games with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

Coke made his major league debut on September 1, 2008, for the Yankees, against the Detroit Tigers, with a scoreless inning and strikeouts of Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera.[7] He allowed one run on eight hits and two walks while striking out 14 batters in 14.2 innings for the Yankees that year. For his performance in the minors that year, the Yankees named Coke the organization's Pitcher of the Year in 2008.[8]

Coke remained with the Yankees for the entire 2009 season, pitching to a 4.50 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 60 innings. He led the Yankees in appearances by pitching in 72 games that year.[9] Coke was included on the team's playoff roster[10] and won a World Series ring after the Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

Detroit Tigers

[edit]

On December 9, 2009, Coke and Austin Jackson were traded to the Detroit Tigers, and Ian Kennedy was sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks, as part of a three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.[11]

Coke's first season in Detroit proved to be successful, as he finished 2010 with a 3.76 ERA (his career best to date) with 17 holds and two saves in 21 hold/save situations. The Tigers decided that he would be a starter for the 2011 season.[12] He pitched to a 1–8 record with a 4.82 ERA through 14 starts. On June 30, Detroit announced that Coke would be moved back to the bullpen.[13] He would finish 2011 with a 3–9 record and a 4.47 ERA. After the season, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed that Coke would not return to the rotation the next year.[14]

On January 16, 2012, Coke signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Tigers to avoid arbitration. He was eligible to earn an additional $50,000 based on appearances in the 2012 season.[15] That year, Coke pitched to 4.00 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP in 66 games, yet was the Tigers' most reliable reliever in the 2012 playoffs. Pressed into duty as the team's closer after José Valverde surrendered seven runs in his previous two appearances, Coke pitched two shutout innings in Game 2 of the 2012 ALCS against the Yankees to earn a save.[16] He then saved Game 3 by striking out Raúl Ibañez on a 3–2 slider to preserve a 2–1 victory after allowing back-to-back two-out singles.[17] In Game 4, Coke pitched two perfect innings to finish off the Tigers' 8–1 win over his former team and send Detroit to the World Series for the first time in six years.[18]

In the 2012 World Series against the San Francisco Giants, Coke struck out a record-setting seven consecutive batters in 3+1⁄3 innings.[19] After striking out the side in the 9th inning of Game 4, he allowed the series-winning run in the 10th and took the loss.[20] Coke finished the 2012 Postseason allowing one run in 10+2⁄3 innings (0.84 ERA) and striking out 13 batters, setting a Tigers record.[19]

Coke struggled throughout the 2013 season, failing as a setup man and lefty specialist. He suffered a groin injury in late April and was placed on the disabled list on May 1.[21] Tossing only 38+1⁄3 innings on the year, Coke's ERA ballooned to a career-high 5.40. On August 20, the Tigers demoted him to Triple-A and promoted left-handed pitcher José Álvarez to the major league roster.[22] He returned as a September call-up, but suffered an elbow injury on September 18.[23] Following a setback, he was unable to return for the regular season.[24] Coke was added to the Tigers roster for the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.[25] He was used exclusively against left-handed batters, allowing one run in an inning of work spread across four games.[26]

In 2014, his final season with the Tigers, Coke posted a 5–2 record with 41 strikeouts and a 3.88 ERA in 58 innings pitched.[27] He became a free agent following the season.

Chicago Cubs

[edit]

On March 7, 2015, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, receiving a non-roster invitation to spring training.[28] Coke earned a $2.25 million salary upon making the team.[29][30] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on March 30. Coke had a 6.30 ERA in 16 appearances, allowing left-handed batters to hit .304 (7-for-23) against him. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on May 18, and released by the club on May 26.[31][32]

Toronto Blue Jays

[edit]

On May 30, 2015, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.[33][34] On June 11, the Blue Jays purchased Coke's contract from Triple-A.[35] He took the mound for the first time with Toronto on June 14, pitching two scoreless innings in a 13–5 win over the Boston Red Sox.[36] He became a free agent again on June 22, after he declined his minor-league assignment by the Blue Jays.[37]

Oakland Athletics

[edit]

On June 27, 2015, Coke signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics.[38] He was initially assigned to High-A Stockton.[39] He later joined the Triple-A Nashville Sounds[40] but was released on August 18.[41]

Atlanta Braves

[edit]

On March 11, 2016, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[42] On March 26, 2016, he was released.[41]

Lancaster Barnstormers

[edit]

On April 10, 2016, Coke signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[43][44] He made 1 start throwing 4 innings giving up 6 hits 2 ER (4.50 ERA) 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.

New York Yankees (second stint)

[edit]

On April 25, 2016, the Yankees acquired Coke from the Atlantic League, and assigned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.[45] The Yankees promoted Coke to the major leagues on May 6.[46][47] After allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks in six innings, he was designated for assignment on May 17.[48] On May 20, he was outrighted from the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.[49]

Pittsburgh Pirates

[edit]

On September 22, 2016, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Coke from the Yankees for cash considerations.[50] He was designated for assignment on October 5. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on October 11.

Orix Buffaloes

[edit]

On December 13, 2016, Coke signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.[51][52]

On December 2, 2017, he became a free agent.[53]

Acereros de Monclova

[edit]

In an attempt to return to the big leagues, Coke started throwing a knuckleball.[54] When no teams were willing to sign him, Coke joined the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[55] He was released on May 4, 2018.[56] In 6 starts, he went 1-2 with a 6.49 ERA and 20 strikeouts.

In August 2018, Coke underwent Tommy John surgery.[57]

Career summary

[edit]

Coke pitched in 407 regular season MLB games from 2008 to 2016. In his career, he posted a 22-27 record with a 4.19 earned run average and eight saves.[58]

Pitch selection

[edit]

Coke threw mostly four-seam and two-seam fastballs. His four-seamer was thrown in the 93 to 95 miles per hour (150 to 153 km/h) range, occasionally reaching 97 miles per hour (156 km/h). The two-seamer was a shade slower, averaging 92 to 93 miles per hour (148 to 150 km/h). He mixed in a slider in the 78 to 83 miles per hour (126 to 134 km/h) range and an occasional changeup between 83 miles per hour (134 km/h) and 86 miles per hour (138 km/h).[59]

Personal life

[edit]

Coke married Bobbie Brough in 2011.[60] When he was still pitching in the minors, Coke worked as a chimney sweep in the offseason.[61][2]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Phil Coke

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Phillip Douglas Coke is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in (MLB) for nine seasons from 2008 to 2016, primarily as a left-handed for the New York Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and . Born on July 19, 1982, in , Coke attended before being selected by the Yankees in the 26th round of the 2002 MLB Draft, 786th overall. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2008, with the Yankees, where he appeared in 12 games that year and posted an impressive 0.61 . Over his career, Coke appeared in 407 games—making just 15 starts—compiling a 22–27 win–loss record, a 4.19 , and 323 strikeouts across 421 . Coke's most notable achievements came in the postseason; he was a member of the Yankees' championship team, appearing in two games during their victory over the Phillies. He later joined the Tigers in via trade, where he spent the bulk of his career through 2015, including a standout 2012 postseason run in which he recorded a 0.84 ERA over 10.2 innings with two saves as Detroit reached the . In , his first full season with the Tigers, Coke won seven games in 74 appearances, solidifying his role as a reliable lefty specialist. After brief stints with the Cubs and Blue Jays in 2015, he returned to the Yankees and in 2016 before becoming a and retiring from MLB.

Early life and amateur career

Early life and high school

Phillip Douglas Coke was born on July 19, 1982, in . He grew up in the small, tight-knit community of , located about three hours east of , as the middle child among three brothers. His father, Doug Coke, a former Marine and prison guard, and his mother, Pamela, supported his early interests. From a young age, Coke displayed a strong passion for , declaring at age three that he would one day play in , prompting his father to buy him his first glove and encourage hard work. This ambition was further fueled at age seven during the , when he watched San Francisco Giants star and experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake while viewing the games on television. Raised in a rural setting, Coke enjoyed outdoor activities typical of small-town life, which complemented his developing athletic pursuits. Coke attended Sonora High School, where he graduated in 2001 and excelled in as a left-handed , also participating in wrestling. His performance on the mound, including a reaching 93 mph, caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Marlins in the 49th round of the 2001 MLB Draft. However, Coke chose not to sign with the Marlins, opting instead to pursue higher education and further develop his skills.

College and draft

Following his selection by the Florida Marlins in the 49th round (1,450th overall) of the 2001 MLB Draft out of high school, Coke opted not to sign and instead enrolled at , a in , to further develop his skills. At , Coke pitched for the Mustangs baseball team in the 2002 season, gaining experience as a left-handed pitcher that positioned him for a higher draft selection. In the 2002 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees selected Coke in the 26th round (786th overall) out of . As a draft-and-follow, he signed with the organization on May 26, 2003, for an $80,000 bonus. Following the signing, Coke made his professional debut in 2003 with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees, where he appeared in several games as a reliever.

Professional career

New York Yankees (2008–2009)

Phil Coke signed with the New York Yankees as a 26th-round draft pick (786th overall) in the out of , beginning his professional career in the Yankees' system. His early progression was gradual, starting at the rookie level in 2003 with the Yankees Gulf Coast League team, where he appeared in 10 outings over 12 , posting a 3.75 and 5 strikeouts. In 2004, he split time between the rookie-level Yankees and short-season A-ball , combining for 10 games (2 starts) and 19.1 with a 4.66 and 20 strikeouts, showing promise as a left-handed reliever despite control issues evidenced by a 1.77 . Coke's development accelerated in 2005 at Single-A Charleston RiverDogs, where he transitioned to a starting role in 24 appearances (18 starts), logging 103 innings with a 5.42 ERA and 68 strikeouts, though his command remained a challenge with 1.5 walks per nine innings. Promoted to High-A Tampa Yankees in 2006 after a dominant short stint at Charleston (0.53 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 17 innings), he adapted well to the higher level, making 18 starts over 110 innings with a 3.60 ERA and 88 strikeouts, earning recognition as one of the Yankees' top minor league pitching prospects that year. In 2007, Coke stayed with Tampa, improving further in 17 starts (99 innings) to a 3.09 ERA and 76 strikeouts, solidifying his readiness for advanced levels with better strikeout rates (6.9 per nine innings) and a 1.31 WHIP. Coke made his MLB debut on September 1, 2008, against the Detroit Tigers at , entering in relief and pitching a scoreless with 1 hit allowed, 2 strikeouts, and no walks. He appeared in 12 games that September, allowing 1 earned run over 14.2 for a 0.61 . In 2009, Coke secured a role with the Yankees, appearing in 72 relief outings over 60 with a 4-3 record, 4.50 , and 49 strikeouts, primarily serving as a left-on-left matchup specialist while occasionally facing right-handers effectively. The Yankees reached the in 2009, and Coke contributed in the postseason en route to the championship. In the ALDS against the , he pitched 0.2 scoreless innings across 2 appearances with 1 ; in the ALCS versus the , he threw another 0.2 scoreless innings in 2 games with 1 and 1 walk. In the against the Philadelphia Phillies, which the Yankees won 4-2, Coke appeared in Games 4 and 5, logging 1.1 innings with 3 hits, 2 earned runs (including two home runs), and 1 for a 13.50 ERA, though his efforts were part of the team's overall success in clinching the title on November 4. Following the championship, Coke was traded to the Tigers on December 9, 2009, as part of a three-team trade in which the Yankees acquired from the Tigers, sending Coke and outfield prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit, while the Diamondbacks received pitchers Edwin Jackson and along with other considerations.

Detroit Tigers (2010–2014)

On , 2009, the Tigers acquired left-handed Phil Coke from the New York Yankees as part of a three-team trade that also involved outfield prospect Austin Jackson heading to , while the Yankees received and the Diamondbacks obtained starters Edwin Jackson and , along with other pieces. Coke's first season with the Tigers in marked a successful transition to a primary relief role, where he established himself as a under manager , appearing in a career-high 74 games with just one start. He posted a career-best 3.76 over 64.2 innings, finishing 7-5 with 17 holds and two saves, contributing significantly to the Tigers' bullpen stability. Coke's tenure with Detroit peaked during the 2012 postseason, where he emerged as a key reliever amid injuries to , compiling an impressive 0.84 across 10.2 innings in 10 appearances during the ALDS, ALCS, and . In the ALCS against the New York Yankees, he made four outings, including two saves—one in Game 3 to secure a 2-0 victory—and struck out critical hitters like Raul Ibáñez to help the Tigers advance. He also pitched three scoreless innings in the against the Giants, though the Tigers were swept in four games. Over his five seasons with the Tigers from 2010 to 2014, Coke appeared in 299 games, primarily out of the with 15 starts, posting an overall record of 17-24 with a 4.31 and six saves in 323.2 . His role evolved into that of a reliable lefty specialist, often facing left-handed batters in high-leverage situations, though he occasionally struggled against right-handers throughout his time in . By 2014, Coke's performance showed signs of decline, as he went 5-2 with a 3.88 in 62 appearances but allowed a high rate of 10.7 per nine , reflecting ongoing challenges with command and consistency in the . Following the season, the Tigers non-tendered his contract on October 30, 2014, making him a after he had signed a one-year, $1.9 million deal the previous offseason to avoid .

Chicago Cubs (2015)

On March 7, 2015, Phil Coke signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs as a , receiving an invitation to . He performed strongly during the exhibition season, posting a 0.00 over 7.1 in 10 appearances while striking out five batters and limiting opponents to a .194 . On March 14, the Cubs assigned Coke to their Triple-A affiliate, the , but quickly selected his contract to the major league roster on March 30, adding him to the 40-man roster ahead of the regular season opener. Coke made his first appearance for the Cubs on April 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals, entering in relief. Over the next six weeks, he appeared in 16 games exclusively out of the , totaling 10 with a 6.30 , nine strikeouts, three walks, and 14 hits allowed, including one . His struggles were evident in high-leverage situations, where he surrendered seven earned runs, contributing to the Cubs' decision to seek reinforcements amid a competitive season. On May 18, 2015, the Cubs designated Coke for assignment to make room on the roster. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to , but was released outright by the organization on May 26 due to ongoing performance issues. This brief stint marked a downturn from Coke's more effective relief role with the Detroit Tigers, where he had posted a 4.31 over five seasons.

Toronto Blue Jays (2015)

Following his release from the Chicago Cubs on May 26, 2015, amid ongoing struggles that included a 6.75 in 16 appearances, Phil Coke signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 31 and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the , on June 2. In three relief outings with Buffalo, Coke pitched four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out three, showcasing early signs of recovery in the minors. The Blue Jays selected Coke's contract from Buffalo on , adding the veteran left-hander to their major league for depth during a competitive AL East race. He made his first appearance with on June 14 at against the Boston Red Sox, delivering two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and two walks. Coke's next outing came on June 21 at versus the Baltimore Orioles, where he recorded two outs but surrendered a solo , his only earned run of the stint. Over his two major league appearances with the Blue Jays, Coke logged 2.2 with a 3.38 , allowing one hit, one , two walks, and three strikeouts, but the limited sample and the earned run proved insufficient to secure a longer role in a crowded . On June 22, Toronto optioned him back to Buffalo, after which Coke elected free agency, ending his brief tenure with the organization after just 11 days on the active roster.

Oakland Athletics (2015)

On June 27, 2015, following his release from the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Phil Coke signed a minor league contract with the , continuing a pattern of short-term deals amid his phase that year. He was initially assigned to the Stockton Ports for rehabilitation and conditioning, where he made seven relief appearances, posting a 5.19 over 8⅔ while allowing 11 hits and striking out five batters without issuing any walks. Coke was promoted to the Triple-A on July 12, focusing on regaining form in the , but he struggled in ten outings, going 0–3 with a 9.82 in 14⅔ , during which he surrendered 24 hits and seven walks while recording 14 strikeouts. Despite these efforts, he received no recall to the major league roster and was released by on August 18, 2015.

Atlanta Braves (2016)

Following a 2015 season in which he appeared for multiple organizations without securing a major league roster spot, Phil Coke signed a minor league contract with the on March 11, 2016, receiving an invitation to . The deal aimed to provide the veteran left-handed reliever an opportunity to compete for a position in the organization. Coke was assigned to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves, on March 14, 2016, and participated in spring training camp. However, his performance during the brief camp period did not earn him a continued role, as the Gwinnett Braves released him on March 26, 2016, just weeks after his arrival. Coke did not record any major league appearances or significant innings during this stint, marking another unsuccessful bid for an MLB return early in the year.

Lancaster Barnstormers and New York Yankees (2016)

On April 11, 2016, Coke signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League, an independent professional baseball league. In his only appearance for the team, he made a start on April 23 against the , pitching four innings and allowing two earned runs for a 4.50 , along with six hits, one , one walk, and three strikeouts. The New York Yankees, the organization where Coke had found success as a key reliever during their 2009 World Series-winning season, acquired his contract from Lancaster on April 25 in exchange for cash considerations and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Coke spent time with the RailRiders, where he made 20 appearances (11 starts) and recorded a 5–3 record with a 2.96 over 70 innings before and after his brief major league call-up. On May 6, the Yankees selected Coke's contract from Triple-A, adding the 33-year-old left-hander to their major league active roster for the first time since 2009. In three relief outings over the next 10 days, including an appearance on May 16 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Coke pitched 6 innings, surrendering 7 hits, 4 earned runs (including 1 ), 4 walks, and just 1 , resulting in a 6.00 . The Yankees designated Coke for assignment on May 17 to clear a roster spot. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 20, concluding his short second stint with the major league club without a long-term role.

Pittsburgh Pirates (2016)

On September 22, 2016, the acquired left-handed reliever Phil Coke from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. Coke, who had spent much of the 2016 season in the minors, was initially assigned to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, the , but his contract was selected the following day to join the major league roster. Coke made three relief appearances for the Pirates during the final week of the regular season, all scoreless outings totaling 4 innings pitched. He debuted on September 23 against the , retiring the side in order in the seventh inning of an 11-inning victory. On September 25, also versus the Nationals, Coke pitched 1.2 innings in a loss, allowing one hit and two walks while recording one . His final MLB outing came on September 26 against the Chicago Cubs, where he threw 1.1 innings, surrendering one hit, one walk, and fanning two in a lopsided defeat. Overall, in these games, Coke permitted three hits and three walks with three and no earned runs. Following the season, the Pirates designated Coke for assignment on October 5 to clear a roster spot for a trade acquisition. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on October 11, marking the end of his 10-year MLB career. This brief Pirates tenure concluded a peripatetic 2016 in which Coke suited up for several organizations.

Orix Buffaloes (2017)

Following his release from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of the 2016 MLB season, Phil Coke signed a contract with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball on December 13, 2016, marking his transition to play in Japan for the 2017 campaign. In 2017, Coke appeared in six games for the Buffaloes in the Pacific League, primarily serving as a starting pitcher—a departure from his established role as a reliever during his MLB tenure—where he recorded a 2–3 win–loss record and a 4.56 ERA over 23+2⁄3 innings pitched, allowing 30 hits, 2 home runs, 10 walks, and striking out 16 batters. He also pitched in four games for the team's Western League affiliate, going 0–1 with a 4.91 ERA in 11 innings. One notable outing came in his NPB debut on April 1, 2017, starting against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Kyocera Dome Osaka, where he surrendered five runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks in just 2+2⁄3 innings, contributing to a 7–1 loss. Coke's limited appearances reflected the challenges of adapting to the unique demands of Japanese baseball, including smaller ballparks and a greater emphasis on contact hitting, though specific details on his personal adjustments remain sparse in available reports. His final appearance came on May 13, 2017. After completing the season, Coke became a free agent, concluding his stint with the Buffaloes.

Acereros del Norte (2018)

In early 2018, following his stint with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, Phil Coke signed with the Acereros del Norte of the Mexican League, based in Monclova, and was assigned to the team on March 29. Attempting a career revival, Coke had been working on developing a knuckleball during spring training, a pitch he first learned at age 11, in hopes of transitioning to a specialized role that could extend his playing days. This effort built on his prior international experience but marked his entry into the Mexican League as a starting pitcher. Coke made six starts for the Acereros del Norte, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.49 over 26.1 , during which he allowed 30 hits, 19 earned runs, four home runs, and five walks while striking out 20 batters. His performance struggled to find consistency, reflecting ongoing challenges with command and effectiveness in the . On May 4, 2018, the team released him, concluding his brief tenure in . Later that year, in August 2018, Coke underwent surgery to repair his left elbow, an injury that sidelined him indefinitely and effectively ended his career. The procedure, common among pitchers facing arm strain, prevented any further attempts at a comeback in organized .

Playing style

Pitch repertoire

Phil Coke's pitching arsenal as a left-handed reliever primarily featured a fastball-slider combination, which he employed to exploit advantages against opposing hitters. His four-seam and two-seam fastballs, thrown at velocities between 92 and 94 mph on average during his major league tenure, served as his core pitches for establishing location and tunneling with his . The slider was Coke's signature , delivered in the 80 to 82 mph range with lateral and downward movement, making it particularly effective in his role as a lefty specialist facing same-handed batters. He supplemented this mix with an occasional , gripped to mimic his fastball arm action and thrown at 85 to 88 mph, primarily to disrupt right-handed hitters' timing. During a 2018 attempt to mount a major league comeback after playing in , Coke experimented with a he had first learned at age 11, though it did not lead to a contract. In the 2012 postseason, Coke's proved decisive in high-stakes moments, such as striking out Raul Ibáñez to secure a victory.

Performance analysis

Phil Coke's professional career began as a in the , where he logged approximately 360 across various levels with the New York Yankees organization, demonstrating competence against both left- and right-handed batters. Upon his MLB debut in , he transitioned primarily to a role, leveraging his left-handed delivery to become a situational specialist, particularly after a brief and unsuccessful stint as a starter with the Detroit Tigers in 2011, where he posted a 4.82 in 14 starts. This shift allowed him to focus on short, high-leverage appearances, aligning with his strengths in inducing weak contact rather than sustaining outings over multiple innings. As a reliever, Coke's primary strength lay in his ability to neutralize left-handed hitters, holding them to a .243 across his career and limiting their to around .600 in several seasons, which made him a reliable option for managers. His sinker-heavy approach contributed to a career ground-ball rate of 44.2%, above the league average, enabling him to generate double plays and minimize extra-base damage in critical situations, such as holding inherited runners to a low scoring rate in high-pressure innings. This ground-ball induction was particularly effective in late-game scenarios, where his deceptive movement helped maintain leads against same-handed opponents. However, Coke exhibited notable weaknesses when facing right-handed batters, against whom he allowed a higher exceeding .800 in multiple seasons, often due to elevated hard contact rates. He was particularly susceptible to home runs, surrendering 34 over his despite a below-average HR/FB rate of 7.3%, as his fly-ball tendencies on sinker pitches exposed him to power hitters in the wrong matchups. Additionally, his velocity, which averaged 93-95 mph through , showed a gradual decline to 93.6 mph by 2016, reducing his margin for error and contributing to diminished command in later years. In postseason play, Coke adapted by increasing his usage from a career norm of about 17% to a more prominent role, as evidenced in the ALCS where he threw key sliders to secure outs, including a of to close Game 3. This adjustment helped mitigate his velocity limitations and enhanced his effectiveness in high-stakes relief, allowing him to contribute to the Tigers' pennant run despite regular-season inconsistencies.

Career statistics and legacy

Regular season and postseason stats

Phil Coke appeared in 407 (MLB) games as a from 2008 to 2016, compiling a career record of 22 wins and 27 losses with a 4.19 (ERA), 323 strikeouts over 421.0 , and 8 saves. His role primarily as a reliever evolved briefly into starting assignments in 2011, where he logged a career-high 108.2 innings, though his overall performance reflected a groundball-oriented style that occasionally influenced his effectiveness against left-handed batters. In the postseason, Coke made notable contributions during the New York Yankees' run, appearing in 6 games with a 6.75 over 2.2 innings. With the Detroit Tigers in 2012, he excelled in the (ALCS), posting a 0.00 across 4 appearances and 5.2 innings with 2 saves, before adding 3.1 innings in the at a 2.70 . Across his total postseason career of 26 appearances and 19.0 innings, he recorded a 4.26 and 3 saves. Beyond MLB, Coke pitched in Japan's (NPB) for the in 2017, where he posted a 4.56 over 23.2 in 15 appearances (including 5 starts) in the , alongside minor league outings in the Western League at 4.91 . In 2018, he appeared in the Mexican League with the Acereros del Norte, recording a 6.49 in 6 starts and 26.1 .

MLB Regular Season Pitching Statistics (2008–2016)

YearTeamWLERAGGSSVIPSOWHIP
2008NYY100.61120014.2140.682
2009NYY434.50720260.0491.067
2010DET753.76741264.2531.438
2011DET394.4748141108.2691.454
2012DET234.00660154.0511.648
2013DET055.40490138.1301.670
2014DET523.88620158.0411.534
2015CHC/TOR005.68180012.2121.579
2016NYY/PIT003.6060010.041.700
Career-22274.19407158421.03231.435
*Source: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cokeph01.shtml*[](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cokeph01.shtml)

Postseason Pitching Statistics

SeriesYearTeamGGSSVIPERASO
ALDS2009NYY2001.09.001
ALCS2009NYY2000.20.000
WS2009NYY2001.113.501
ALDS2011DET3002.04.503
ALCS2011DET2012.10.003
ALDS2012DET3001.20.002
ALCS2012DET4025.20.004
WS2012DET3003.12.707
ALDS2013DET4001.09.001
ALDS2014DET1000.127.000
Career--260319.04.2619
*Note: 2012 combined postseason ERA was 0.84 over 10.2 innings; totals exclude regular-season context. Source: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cokeph01.shtml*[](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cokeph01.shtml)

Achievements and records

Phil Coke achieved significant recognition in , most notably as a member of the New York Yankees' championship team, where he appeared in 72 regular-season games and contributed to the club's postseason success. During that against the Phillies, Coke made two relief appearances, though his performance included allowing two home runs in limited action. Coke's standout postseason moment came in 2012 with the Detroit Tigers, where he emerged as a key reliever across three series, posting an impressive 0.84 ERA over 10.2 innings in 10 appearances, with two saves and 13 strikeouts. He recorded his first career postseason save in Game 4 of the against the New York Yankees, pitching two scoreless innings to secure a 2-1 victory and help the Tigers advance. In the against the Giants, Coke set a Detroit Tigers franchise record by striking out seven consecutive batters across 3.1 innings, becoming the first pitcher in Major League history to achieve seven straight strikeouts in a single . Throughout his Tigers tenure from 2010 to 2014, Coke ranked among the franchise's most active relievers, becoming the 10th player in team history to make 70 or more appearances in a single season during 2010, when he tied for third in the with 74 games pitched. His versatility as a contributed to the Tigers' consistent contention in the , though he did not earn individual awards like selections. In his later career, Coke extended his professional playing abroad and in independent leagues, signing with Japan's in 2017, where he made 15 appearances with a 2-3 record and 4.56 ERA, marking his only season in . The following year, he pitched for Acereros del Norte in the Mexican League, logging six starts with a 1-2 record and 6.49 ERA before undergoing surgery in August 2018, which effectively ended his playing career. Earlier, in 2016, Coke began the season with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League, where he made one start before his contract was purchased by the Yankees organization, making him the third Barnstormers player in franchise history to reach the majors mid-season from an opening-day roster spot. Coke's 10-year MLB career across five teams—Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, Blue Jays, and —solidified his legacy as a reliable reliever, amassing 22 wins, 8 saves, and 323 strikeouts in 407 appearances with a 4.19 . During his years, particularly in the offseason, he supplemented his income by working as a in his hometown of , a job that honed his resilience and fearlessness at heights, traits that translated to his presence.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Phil Coke was born and raised in , where he grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged his early interest in . Coke married Bobbie Brough on November 22, 2011, in a ceremony registered in Standard, California. The couple's union provided stability amid the demands of his career, with Bobbie often accompanying him during seasons and managing logistics. Their first child, daughter Mickenzie Lou Ann, was born on July 21, 2012, marking a significant family milestone during Coke's playing years. The family resided in Twain Harte, , during offseasons, allowing Coke to balance his nomadic career schedule with home life in his native region. Coke has credited his father's influence from his California upbringing as a key factor in fostering his resilience and dedication to , which carried into his role as a family man.

Post-retirement activities

Following his release from the Acereros del Norte in 2018 and subsequent surgery in August of that year, Phil Coke effectively retired from professional baseball after a failed attempt at a comeback. The surgery sidelined him for an extended recovery period, marking the end of his playing career that had spanned MLB, , and independent leagues. In 2019, Coke actively sought a return to organized , attending MLB Winter Meetings and expressing readiness to pitch in or as a starter with a velocity of 88-91 mph. However, no team signed him, confirming the unsuccessful nature of his rehabilitation efforts and solidifying his transition away from competitive play. Since retiring, Coke has pursued self-employment through entrepreneurial ventures, notably founding PineGear, a brand specializing in durable outdoor gear and apparel such as backpacks, t-shirts, and accessories designed for everyday adventures and athletic lifestyles. Launched in the post-2018 period and formalized around 2022, PineGear draws from Coke's personal emphasis on resilience and focus, aiming to provide practical products that support active pursuits in nature. This business represents his shift toward building sustainable income streams outside baseball, leveraging his MLB background to promote a line of easy-to-maintain items for outdoor enthusiasts. Coke has also engaged in freelance , drawing on his experiences as a World Series champion and veteran reliever to deliver motivational talks on perseverance, , and personal growth. Available through booking agencies, these appearances allow him to share insights from his nine-year MLB tenure while focusing on life beyond the diamond. No longer involved in , Coke has centered his pursuits on family life and outdoor interests, embodying a "mountain boy" ethos through his brand's alignment with lumberjack-inspired, rugged activities in natural settings.

References

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  52. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/phil-coke-the-real-mvp-of-the-alcs/
  53. https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2012/10/heros_and_zeros_detroit_tigers.html
  54. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/42974/
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  56. https://registry.theknot.com/bobbie-brough-phil-coke-november-2011-ca/951484
  57. https://www.playerwives.com/mlb/detroit-tigers/phil-cokes-wife-bobbie-coke/
  58. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/12/10/six-months-after-being-shut-down-tigers-prospect-franklin-perez-still-not-throwing/4384301002/
  59. https://pinegear.store/about-us/
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  61. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/phil-coke
  62. https://www.nopactalent.com/speaker/phil-coke.php
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