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Richard Alexander Ankiel (/ˈæŋkiːl/; born July 19, 1979) is an American former professional baseball center fielder and pitcher. He spent most of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the St. Louis Cardinals, but also played for the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and New York Mets.

Key Information

Ankiel was a pitcher with the Cardinals from 1999 until 2001 when he found himself unable to throw strikes consistently. After trying to regain his pitching form in the minor leagues and briefly returning to the majors in 2004, he switched to the outfield in early 2005. For two and a half years, he honed his skills as a hitter and fielder in the Cardinals' minor-league system. He returned to the Cardinals on August 9, 2007. As a Cardinal until 2009, Ankiel hit 47 home runs as an outfielder and two as a pitcher. After the 2009 season, Ankiel became a free agent. Subsequently, he was signed by the Royals and later was traded to the Braves.

Ankiel became the first player after Babe Ruth to win at least 10 games as a pitcher and also hit at least 70 home runs. Ankiel is also the only player other than Ruth to both start a postseason game as a pitcher and hit a home run in the postseason as a position player. His change of position, and the fact that he played for six teams in a five-season span, suggest that Ankiel's playing history represents "one of the stranger careers in baseball history" in the words of journalist Barry Petchesky.[1]

Early life and amateur career

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Ankiel was one of three children born to Denise and Richard Ankiel Sr. His father worked various odd jobs, was arrested 14 times and convicted 6 times by the time Ankiel was an adult. He described his father as very tough on him, making him run wind sprints if he swung at bad pitches in Little League.[2]

Ankiel attended Port St. Lucie High School in Florida, where he went 11–1 with a 0.47 earned run average (ERA) during his senior season, striking out 162 batters in 74 innings pitched,[3] and was named the High School Player of the Year by USA Today in 1997.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Ankiel in the second round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft. He received a $2.5 million signing bonus.[5] In 1998, he was voted the best pitching prospect in both the Carolina and Midwest League, and was the Carolina League's All-Star starting pitcher, Baseball America's first-team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher, and the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year. That year, he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts with 222.[6]

In 1999, Ankiel was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today.[2] He was also Texas League All-Star pitcher, Double-A All-Star starting pitcher, Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year,[7] and Baseball America First Team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher.[8]

1999 and 2000 seasons

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Ankiel debuted in 1999 in Montreal, against the Expos. He pitched his first full season in 2000 at the age of 20 (second youngest player in the league), posting an 11–7 record, a 3.50 ERA (tenth in the league), and 194 strikeouts (seventh in the league) in 30 games started.[9] Ankiel threw a 94- to 97-mph fastball, a heavy sinker, and a fall-off-the-table curveball that was his main strikeout pitch. He struck out batters at a rate of 9.98 strikeouts per nine innings (second in the National League only to Randy Johnson), and allowed only 7.05 hits per nine innings (second only to Chan Ho Park). He came in second (to the Atlanta Braves' Rafael Furcal) in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.[9] He received The Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award.

2000 postseason

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The Cardinals won the National League Central Division championship in 2000. Injuries to other pitchers left Ankiel and Darryl Kile as the only fully healthy starters left on the roster. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa chose Ankiel to start game one of the National League Division Series against veteran pitcher Greg Maddux of the Braves. To shield Ankiel from media pressure, La Russa had Kile answer questions to the media as if to start game one, and afterwards informed the media that Ankiel was starting.[10]

In game one, Ankiel did not allow a run through the first two innings. His performance suddenly deteriorated in the third. He allowed four runs on two hits, four walks and throwing five wild pitches before being removed with two outs. Despite Ankiel facing eight batters and throwing 35 pitches, the Cardinals won the game.[11] Ankiel shrugged off the event, joking that he set a record for wild pitches. He was the first pitcher to throw five wild pitches in an inning since Bert Cunningham of the Players' League in 1890. Ankiel set the record for wild pitches in a postseason career and postseason inning.[12]

In his next start, game two of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Ankiel was removed in the first inning after throwing 33 pitches, five of which went past catcher Eli Marrero (only two were official wild pitches, as no runners were on base for the others), and the first of which sailed over the head of Mets' hitter Timo Perez. Ankiel appeared again in the seventh inning of game five facing four hitters, walking two and throwing two more wild pitches. The Cardinals lost the series four games to one to the Mets.[13]

The source of Ankiel's problems were unknown,[14] but speculated to be psychological. His father had been sent to federal prison, and his parents were divorced during the 2000 season.[2] His loss of control, often called the yips, has been compared to pitcher Steve Blass, who also became unable to consistently throw strikes for unknown reasons. A section of a book about Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, Three Nights in August, details Ankiel's rise to the big leagues and loss of control as a pitcher in 2000–2001. La Russa has stated that putting Ankiel into Game 1 of the 2000 NLDS was "a decision that perhaps haunts him more than any he has ever made."[15]

Control issues (2001–2004)

[edit]
Ankiel with the Swing of the Quad Cities in 2005

Ankiel returned to the majors in 2001 but again had issues controlling his pitches, walking 25 batters and throwing five wild pitches in 24 innings,[9] and was sent down to Triple-A. His problems in the minors became dramatic. In 4+1⁄3 innings, Ankiel walked 17 batters and threw 12 wild pitches, accumulating a 20.77 ERA.[9] He was demoted all the way down to the Rookie League Johnson City Cardinals, where he was successful as both a starting pitcher, with a 1.33 ERA in 14 starts, and a designated hitter, sporting a .638 slugging percentage with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs in 118 plate appearances.[6] He was voted Rookie Level Player of the Year, Appalachian League All-Star left-handed pitcher, Rookie League All-Star starting pitcher, Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year, and Appalachian League All-Star designated hitter.[16]

In 2002, Ankiel sat out the season due to a left elbow sprain, and was not cleared to throw until December. He returned to the minors in 2003, posting a 6.29 ERA in 10 starts[9] before undergoing season-ending ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) for his left elbow in July. In 54+1⁄3 innings, he walked 49 batters and threw 10 wild pitches.[9]

Ankiel returned to the majors in September 2004, posting a 5.40 ERA in five relief appearances. Ankiel's control problems appeared to be gone, as he walked just one while striking out nine in ten innings.[9] In the minors, he walked only two batters in 23+2⁄3 innings, while striking out 23. He pitched in the winter Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League, where he felt a "twinge" in his pitching elbow.[17]

Switch to the outfield and knee injury (2005–2006)

[edit]

On March 9, 2005, Ankiel announced that he was switching to the outfield, after a spring training scrimmage in which he threw only three strikes out of 23 pitches.[17][18] In the minors in 2005, he continued to be a powerful batter, slugging over .500 in both Single-A and Double-A, with a combined 21 home runs in 55 games. He had a strong arm in the outfield as well, with nine outfield assists.[6]

In 2006, Ankiel was invited to spring training by the Cardinals as an outfielder, with a slim chance to make the team as a reserve player. His fielding impressed scouts and managers, and he had shown flashes of power hitting in the minors. However, he injured his left knee in February and had season-ending surgery on May 26.[18][19]

2007 season

[edit]

Ankiel was invited to the Cardinals' 2007 spring training and began that season with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. On May 28, 2007, he hit two home runs in a game against the Round Rock Express. He also hit an RBI double and made an over-the-shoulder catch in deep center field that saved two runs.

Ankiel was named a starting outfielder for the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game. Through August 8, he had 32 home runs, 89 RBIs, and was hitting .267, including a three-home run performance on June 16 against the Iowa Cubs. He was the home run leader in the Pacific Coast League, and tied for second in RBIs. Defensively, Ankiel had seven errors in 95 games.

Ankiel batting for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007

Return to the majors

[edit]

On August 9, 2007, the Cardinals promoted Ankiel[20] from Memphis after a roster spot was vacated by Scott Spiezio's departure. In his first game, Ankiel batted second and played right field. In his first at bat, he received a prolonged standing ovation from the St. Louis crowd. During the seventh inning, he hit a three-run home run off Doug Brocail to right field to help the Cardinals defeat the San Diego Padres, 5–0. It was his first home run in the majors since April 2000 (as a pitcher), and made him the first player since Clint Hartung (1947) to hit his first major league home run as a pitcher and then hit a home run as a position player. The player before Hartung who accomplished this was Babe Ruth. After the game, Tony La Russa said that his only happier moment as a Cardinal was when they won the 2006 World Series.[21] Two days later, against the Dodgers on August 11, Ankiel drew three standing ovations. He had three hits, including two home runs and three RBIs and made a spectacular catch in right field.

Ankiel's comeback led syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer to write on August 17:[22]

His return after seven years—if only three days long—is the stuff of legend. Made even more perfect by the timing: Just two days after Barry Bonds sets a synthetic home run record in San Francisco, the Natural returns to St. Louis.

— Charles Krauthammer, Townhall

Ankiel hit his first grand slam in St. Louis against left-hander Eddie Guardado of the Cincinnati Reds on August 31 with the team trailing, 4–3, for an 8–5 win that broke a tie with Red Schoendienst for La Russa for most wins by a Cardinals manager. In a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 6, he recorded his second two–home run game of the season with a 3-for-4, 7-RBI effort, along with an over-the-shoulder catch in deep right field. On September 23, Ankiel had his first walk-off hit, a two-run triple to beat the Astros 4–3 on the last Sunday Night Baseball game of the season.

Ankiel finished the year with a .285 batting average, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, a .328 on-base percentage, .535 slugging percentage, and an .863 OPS in 47 games and 172 at-bats.[9] The Cardinals, coming off a 2006 World Series title and three consecutive division championships, finished 2007 with a 78–84 record and missed the playoffs.

Following the season, Ankiel admitted to using human growth hormone (HGH) but said he was following doctor's orders.[23] HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until 2005.[24] An MLB investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence that Ankiel violated the league's drug policy.[24][25]

2008 season

[edit]

Ankiel helped the Cardinals defeat the Colorado Rockies on May 6 by recording two outfield assists and a home run to propel St. Louis to a 6–5 victory. Ankiel, on both assists, threw the ball from deep center field to Troy Glaus at third on the fly. He finished 2008 with a .264 batting average, 25 home runs, and 71 runs batted in.[9]

2009 season

[edit]

Ankiel was the Cardinals' leading hitter in spring training but struggled at the plate when the season started. During a May 4 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ankiel collided with the outfield wall and was carried off the field. The injury was reported as whiplash, and Ankiel was placed on the disabled list on May 7.[26] He was re-activated on May 24.[27] Ankiel platooned with Colby Rasmus for much of the remainder of the year and finished the season with 11 home runs, 38 RBI, and a .231 batting average.[9]

2010 season

[edit]

Kansas City Royals

[edit]

On January 5, 2010, Ankiel signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Kansas City Royals.[28][29] He began the season as the Royals' starting center fielder but was placed on the disabled list on May 5 with a strained right quadriceps after playing sparingly beginning on April 24.[30][31] He was activated on July 23, and replaced an injured David DeJesus midway through the game in center field.[32]

Atlanta Braves

[edit]

On July 31, Ankiel and reliever Kyle Farnsworth were traded to the Atlanta Braves for Jesse Chavez, Gregor Blanco, and Tim Collins.[33]

On October 8, in the second game of the 2010 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, Ankiel hit his first career postseason home run into McCovey Cove off Giants reliever Ramón Ramírez in the top of the 11th inning, leading the Braves to a 5–4 win. Ankiel joined Barry Bonds as the only players to hit a ball into the cove in the postseason.[34] In a television interview after the game, Ankiel called the home run "the pinnacle of anything I've ever done."[35] He finished the 2010 season with a .232 batting average, 6 home runs, and 24 RBI in 74 games.[9]

On November 2, the Braves declined Ankiel's club option, making him a free agent.[36]

Washington Nationals (2011–2012)

[edit]
Ankiel with the Washington Nationals in 2011 spring training

On December 20, 2010, the Washington Nationals signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Ankiel played in 122 games for the Nationals in 2011, hitting .239 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs while platooning in center field with Roger Bernadina. He had a .996 fielding percentage for the season, committing one error in 113 games in the outfield.[37]

The Nationals re-signed Ankiel to a one-year, $1.25 million minor league deal for 2012.[38] He began the season on the disabled list, rehabbing in the minors. Once promoted, his role was limited as a backup outfielder. In 68 games, he hit .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 158 at-bats. He started 37 games in center field and played 62 total games in center field. On July 19, as Nationals closer Drew Storen was added to the roster, and Ankiel was designated for assignment by the Nationals to make room.[39] On July 27, Ankiel was released by the Nationals.

2013 season

[edit]
Ankiel with the Mets in 2013

On January 17, 2013, the Houston Astros signed Ankiel with an invite to spring training as a non-roster invitee. On March 31, Ankiel homered in the Astros' regular season opener against the Texas Rangers in Houston. He was designated for assignment on May 6 and released on May 9.[40]

On May 13, the New York Mets signed Ankiel and immediately placed him into their starting lineup. He collected two hits, including a two-run homer, against the Cardinals in St. Louis on May 15.[41]

His offensive production regressed. Following an 0-for-4, three-strikeout performance against the Miami Marlins on June 8, giving him a combined 60 strikeouts in 128 at-bats for the season, Ankiel was designated for assignment by the Mets. He became a free agent on June 13.[42] In 45 games with the Astros and Mets, he batted .188 with 7 home runs, 18 RBI, and a .422 slugging percentage.[9]

Retirement

[edit]

Ankiel announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on March 5, 2014.[43]

On January 8, 2015, the Washington Nationals announced that they had hired Ankiel as a "Life Skills Coordinator." In this role, Ankiel mentored players both at the major league level as well as in the Nationals' farm system.[44][45]

In April 2017, Ankiel's memoir, The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life, was published.[46]

In August 2018, Ankiel stated that he was "toying with" the idea of possibly pitching in professional baseball again.[47] Later that month, Ankiel announced that he was planning a return to Major League Baseball for the 2019 season as a pitcher.[48] In October, he underwent "primary repair" surgery, an alternative to Tommy John surgery, in his pitching elbow.[49] Ankiel officially ended his comeback attempt on July 30, 2019.[50] He was eligible to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2019, but received no votes in his only year on the ballot.[51][52]

After retiring, Ankiel became a commentator and studio analyst for Bally Sports Midwest, frequently joining Dan McLaughlin to call Cardinals games.[53][54]

Personal life

[edit]

Ankiel's father was sentenced to six years in federal prison for drug smuggling in March 2000. His parents divorced the same year.[2]

Ankiel lives in Jupiter, Florida with wife, Lory.[55] They have two sons.[56]

[edit]

The 2016 film, The Phenom, starring Ethan Hawke, Johnny Simmons, and Paul Giamatti, is loosely based on Ankiel's personal life and professional struggles.[57][58]

See also

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References

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

Rick Ankiel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rick Ankiel (born July 19, 1979) is an American former player known for his remarkable career transition in (MLB) from a promising left-handed to a power-hitting after struggling with severe control issues, often referred to as the "." Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (72nd overall) of the 1997 MLB Draft out of high school in , Ankiel quickly rose through the as a top pitching prospect, debuting in the majors at age 19 in 1999 and finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2000 with an 11-7 record, 3.50 , and 194 strikeouts over 175 innings. His career took a dramatic turn during the 2000 postseason, starting with Game 1 of the NLDS, where he threw 5 wild pitches in one inning, ultimately walking 11 batters and throwing 9 wild pitches over 6⅔ innings in 3 appearances, marking the onset of his well-documented that derailed his pitching effectiveness. Unable to regain his command on the despite multiple comeback attempts, including time in the minors and independent leagues, Ankiel announced in March 2005 that he was retiring as a to pursue a position as an , signing a minor-league contract with the Cardinals to develop his hitting skills, which he had always shown promise in during his pitching days. After two seasons in the minors honing his play, he returned to the majors with the Cardinals in 2007, where he hit .248 with 9 home runs in 49 games. Over the next seven seasons, Ankiel established himself as a solid defensive outfielder with pop at the plate, playing for the and (2010), (2011–2012), and Houston Astros and (2013), accumulating 462 hits, 76 home runs, and a .240 across his 11-year MLB tenure while making at least 40 starts as a earlier in his career—joining only three other players in history to achieve both 40 pitching starts and 40 home runs. He briefly attempted a pitching comeback in 2019 with the San Diego Padres organization but retired shortly after, concluding his professional playing career.

Early years

Family background and upbringing

Rick Ankiel was born on July 19, 1979, in , to Richard Ankiel Sr. and Denise Ankiel. Ankiel was one of three children born to his parents. Ankiel's father, Richard Sr., had a background in , having taught his son the game from a young age, but he struggled with and criminal activity, including that later led to his imprisonment in . The family faced significant financial hardships due to the father's unstable employment and legal troubles, which contributed to a volatile home environment marked by frequent arguments and directed at Denise and, at times, the children. The Ankiels moved several times within during Rick's early years, often seeking stability amid these challenges, with periods spent in places like Port St. Lucie. From age four, became Ankiel's primary escape from the family's tensions, providing a structured outlet amid the chaos of verbal and from his father. His mother, Denise, played a crucial supportive role, holding the family together despite the and encouraging Rick's athletic interests to help him channel his energy positively and build resilience.

High school baseball career

Rick Ankiel attended Port St. Lucie High School in , from 1993 to 1997, where he developed into one of the nation's premier high school talents. Born in nearby Fort Pierce, Ankiel's family provided strong support for his athletic pursuits, enabling him to focus on honing his skills amid personal challenges. As a left-handed pitcher and , he showcased exceptional versatility early in his high school career, emerging as a capable of dominating games from the mound and contributing offensively in the field. By his junior year, Ankiel had solidified his reputation as a top prospect, contributing to a strong overall pitching record across his first three seasons. His rapid ascent drew national attention, highlighting his potential as both a with a lively and a with speed. Coaches and scouts noted his transition from solid performer to elite talent during this period, setting the stage for his senior year breakout. Ankiel's senior season in 1997 was marked by unparalleled dominance, as he compiled an 11–1 record with a 0.41 over 74 , striking out 162 batters while walking only 22 and allowing just 21 hits. He also excelled at the plate, batting .359 with seven and 27 RBIs, demonstrating his two-way prowess. Among his highlights were three no-hitters and four one-hitters, underscoring his command and ability on the . Leading the Port St. Lucie Jaguars, Ankiel guided the team to the South I regional final in the Class 5A state playoffs, where they fell 5–2 to ; in that contest, he allowed five runs, but added a solo . Ankiel's high school exploits garnered widespread recruitment interest from top college programs, including a signed in March 1997 to attend the . However, his performance positioned him as a prime candidate for the MLB Draft, ultimately leading him to forgo college for a professional career. His uniform number 24 was retired by Port St. Lucie High School in recognition of his contributions.

MLB draft and amateur honors

Ankiel's standout high school performance earned him significant national recognition, including being named the Florida High School Player of the Year and a member of the All-USA First Team in 1997. These honors highlighted his dominance as a left-handed , where he compiled a 30-4 record over three seasons at Port St. Lucie High School, including an 11-1 mark with a 0.41 as a senior. His amateur accolades extended to international play, as Ankiel represented on the 18U National Team in both 1996 and 1997, contributing as a in tournaments such as the World Junior Championship, where the 1997 squad won bronze and he was selected as the lone . In 1996, he posted a 1-0 record with a 1.29 while batting .417 for the team. In 1997, he posted a 1-0 record with a 0.71 and 20 strikeouts in 12⅔ innings. Pre-draft scouting reports positioned Ankiel as one of the top amateur prospects, praising his electric that reached 95-98 mph, sharp , and potential as a two-way star capable of excelling both on the mound and at the plate. The Cardinals selected him in the second round (72nd overall) of the 1997 MLB Draft out of Port St. Lucie High School, signing him to a $2.5 million bonus—the largest for any player that year—reflecting the high expectations for his professional potential.

Professional baseball career

Minor league debut and early pitching success (1998–1999)

Ankiel signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected in the second round of the 1997 MLB Draft and began his professional career the following year with the Single-A Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League. In seven starts for Peoria, he compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.06 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 35 innings, showcasing the high-velocity fastball and sharp curveball that marked him as a top prospect from the outset. His performance earned a midseason promotion to the High-A Prince William Cannons of the Carolina League, where he thrived in 21 starts, posting a 9-5 record, 2.79 ERA, and 169 strikeouts over 126 innings, helping lead the team to the league playoffs. Overall in 1998, Ankiel finished with a 12-6 record, 2.63 ERA, and a minor-league-leading 222 strikeouts across 161 innings, earning him the Cardinals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. Building on his rookie success, Ankiel opened the 1999 season at Double-A with the of the , where he dominated with a 9-2 record, 1.70 , and 96 strikeouts in 69.1 over 11 starts, including a stretch of 17 consecutive scoreless . Promoted to Triple-A of the in June, he adapted quickly, going 4-1 with a 3.25 and 98 strikeouts in 68.1 across 13 starts, once again demonstrating exceptional command and power pitching. His combined totals for the year stood at 13-3 with a 2.35 and 194 strikeouts in 137.2 , performances that again secured him the Cardinals' Pitcher of the Year honors and Baseball America's Player of the Year award. Ankiel's meteoric rise culminated in his major league debut on August 23, 1999, starting for the Cardinals against the at , where he pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out six. In five total starts down the stretch, he posted a 0-1 record with a 3.27 , 11 walks, and 39 strikeouts in 30.2 innings, providing glimpses of his potential as a frontline starter at just 20 years old. His rapid progression through the minors and solid big-league introduction led Baseball America to rank him as the No. 1 overall prospect entering the 2000 season, drawing comparisons to premier young left-handers for his mid-90s and wipeout .

2000 season and postseason collapse

In 2000, Rick Ankiel established himself as a promising young starter for the Cardinals during his first full major league season, compiling an 11–7 record with a 3.50 over 30 starts and 182⅓ innings pitched, while recording 194 s. His performance showcased the high-velocity and sharp that had marked his rapid ascent from the , where he had demonstrated elite ability in 1998 and 1999. Ankiel's campaign earned him second place in National League Rookie of the Year voting, highlighting his potential as a cornerstone of the Cardinals' rotation. Ankiel's postseason debut came in Game 1 of the 2000 against the on October 3 at , where he started with two scoreless innings before unraveling dramatically in the third. In that inning alone, the 21-year-old Ankiel threw five wild pitches—a major league record for a single inning—while issuing six walks overall and allowing four runs on four hits in just 2⅔ innings, though the Cardinals held on for a 7–5 . The erratic pitches, many sailing to the backstop, stemmed from a sudden loss of command on his , exacerbated by the pressure of facing Hall of Famer and the absence of veteran catcher due to injury. The Cardinals advanced by sweeping the Braves 3–0, but Ankiel's struggles persisted into the against the , where he made two brief appearances, including a start in Game 2 on October 12. In that outing, he failed to record an out, throwing two wild pitches, three walks, and only 11 strikes in 34 pitches before being removed, contributing to a 6–5 Mets win. Across his three postseason outings, Ankiel threw nine wild pitches and walked 11 batters in 4 innings, with just 46 of 100 pitches finding the . In the immediate aftermath, Cardinals manager removed Ankiel from the starting rotation, citing a need to address his command issues, which were initially attributed to mechanical flaws in his delivery but quickly drew speculation about psychological factors under intense media scrutiny. Teammate noted that while some aspects were mechanical, "the biggest thing is, you start thinking about it," reflecting the mounting pressure on the young pitcher following the high-profile collapse. La Russa later took responsibility, calling Ankiel "too special" to have been placed in such a demanding spot so early in his career.

Pitching control struggles and Tommy John surgery (2001–2004)

Following the high-profile control issues that emerged during the 2000 postseason, Ankiel's pitching mechanics deteriorated further in 2001, manifesting as persistent "" that affected his ability to locate pitches consistently. Demoted to Triple-A Memphis after struggling in the majors, he compiled a 1-2 record with a 7.13 over 24 innings in six starts for the Cardinals, issuing 25 walks—more than one per inning—while striking out 27 batters, highlighting erratic command rather than a lack of stuff. In the minors, the problems intensified; in three starts at Memphis, Ankiel walked 17 batters in just 4.1 innings, posting a 20.77 and throwing 12 wild pitches, prompting further evaluations of his mechanics and mental approach. The 2002 season offered no relief, as an elbow strain diagnosed in sidelined Ankiel entirely, preventing any appearances at any level and marking the first full year lost to injury amid ongoing control woes. Returning to Double-A in 2003, Ankiel showed flashes of improvement with a 2-6 record and 6.29 ERA across 10 starts (48.1 innings), but the persisted alongside emerging elbow pain that compounded his delivery inconsistencies. On July 16, 2003, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn , ending his season and initiating a lengthy rehabilitation process that raised serious doubts about his viability as a major league pitcher. Rehabbing in 2004, Ankiel split time between the minors and a brief major league recall, where he made five relief outings for the Cardinals, going 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 innings and issuing only one walk, suggesting some stabilization in control post-surgery. However, minor league stints at Double-A Tennessee revealed lingering yips, with four walks in 8.1 innings across three appearances, fueling internal discussions about potentially releasing him as his future remained uncertain. Ankiel closed the year on a positive note in the Puerto Rican Winter League, posting a 3.57 ERA over 30.1 innings in five starts with 29 strikeouts against nine walks, providing cautious optimism amid the career turbulence.

Transition to outfield and initial setbacks (2005–2006)

In early 2005, following persistent arm troubles stemming from his 2002 Tommy John surgery, Rick Ankiel and the Cardinals opted to transition him from pitching to the , marking a significant career pivot. On March 9, 2005, during in , Ankiel formally announced the decision, ending his attempts to return as a after a poor outing where he struggled with control. To adapt to his new role, he received instruction from Cardinals hitting coach on batting mechanics and third base coach Dave McKay on fundamentals, focusing on leveraging his athleticism in the field. Ankiel spent the 2005 season honing his skills in the Cardinals' minor league system, primarily as a center fielder. Assigned initially to Double-A Springfield after the switch, he also played time at Single-A Quad Cities to build reps, appearing in 85 games across the two levels. He batted .259 overall, with 21 home runs demonstrating emerging power potential, though he struck out frequently at 104 times in 338 plate appearances. This performance highlighted his raw tools but also the challenges of adjusting to everyday hitting after years focused on pitching. The transition faced a major interruption in 2006 when, during a spring training intrasquad scrimmage on February 27 in , Ankiel ruptured the in his left knee while running the bases. An MRI confirmed the strain, and after conservative treatment failed, he underwent on May 26 in to repair the tendon. The injury forced him onto the 60-day disabled list for the entire season, preventing any gameplay and delaying his outfield development further. Reflecting on this period in his 2017 memoir The Phenomenon: Pressure, the , and the Pitch that Changed My Life, Ankiel described grappling with intense fear of failure amid the uncertainty of reinventing himself, feeling a mix of liberation from pitching pressures and anxiety over proving viable as a . He noted waking one morning with a sense of rest after deciding on the switch, yet the knee setback amplified doubts about his future.

Return to majors as (2007)

Following his recovery from a injury sustained in 2006, Rick Ankiel received an invitation to the Cardinals' 2007 camp as a non-roster , where he showcased his power potential with multiple extra-base hits during exhibition games. Despite a promising showing, including a two-run single in one early matchup, Ankiel did not secure a spot on the roster and was assigned to the Triple-A to continue refining his position-player skills. Ankiel thrived in Memphis, adapting to everyday duties while displaying the slugging ability that had marked his early pitching days; he batted .267 with 21 home runs and 75 RBIs over 85 games, earning recognition for his consistent production and helping the Redbirds contend in the standings. His performance culminated in a midseason surge, highlighted by a two-home-run game on May 28 that underscored his growing confidence at the plate. The Cardinals recalled Ankiel to the majors on August 9, 2007, marking his return to big-league action nearly seven years after his last appearance as a and his first as a . In 47 games with down the stretch, primarily patrolling center and right field, he posted a .285 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs, providing a spark to the lineup with his left-handed power and contributing to several key victories, including a three-run homer in his debut game against the Padres. Defensively, Ankiel's background as a hard-throwing left-handed translated to a cannon arm in , allowing him to make accurate throws that deterred aggressive baserunners; he recorded 3 assists in 44 outfield appearances, with his range and arm strength earning praise from coaches for stabilizing the Cardinals' center field coverage during the late-season push. Throughout the year, Ankiel navigated the ongoing challenges of his positional transition by embracing repetitions to build plate discipline and fielding mechanics, avoiding prolonged slumps through focused adjustments in Memphis that propelled his eventual promotion.

Peak performance with Cardinals (2008–2009)

In 2008, Rick Ankiel enjoyed his most productive season as an for the Cardinals, establishing himself as a reliable power threat in the lineup. Batting primarily from center field, he appeared in 120 games and posted a .264 average with 25 home runs—his career high—and 71 RBI, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. This performance highlighted his successful transition from pitching, as Ankiel became only the second player in history, after , to record at least 25 home runs in a season following at least 25 starts as a pitcher earlier in his career. Ankiel's 2008 success built on his 2007 return to the majors, where he had shown promise with 9 home runs in limited action, but it represented a clear escalation in consistency and impact. His of .506 underscored his extra-base potential, though he also struck out 100 times, reflecting occasional swing-and-miss tendencies. The 2009 season proved more challenging for Ankiel, as injuries disrupted his momentum and limited his overall effectiveness. On , he suffered a after crashing headfirst into the outfield wall while chasing a fly ball, leading to a stint on the disabled list until May 24; he experienced lingering effects, including headaches and balance issues, that affected his early-season play. Despite these setbacks, Ankiel appeared in 122 games, batting .231 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI, often platooning with in the outfield. In December 2007, amid reports linking him to human growth hormone (HGH) shipments received in 2004 for post-surgery recovery, Ankiel acknowledged the use but emphasized it was prescribed by a doctor and occurred before MLB's 2005 ban on the substance; the league investigated and cleared him of any violations. This episode drew scrutiny but did not result in discipline, allowing Ankiel to continue his career without further repercussions from MLB.

2010 season across multiple teams

Following his two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he established himself as a reliable outfielder, Rick Ankiel signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Kansas City Royals on January 25, 2010, aiming to provide power and defensive stability in center field. In 27 games with the Royals, Ankiel batted .261 with four home runs and 15 RBIs, while posting a .784 OPS, though his 29 strikeouts in 92 at-bats highlighted ongoing contact issues. Defensively, he contributed positively in center field with a .972 fielding percentage, helping to shore up the Royals' outfield amid their rebuilding efforts. On July 31, 2010, at the trade deadline, the Royals dealt Ankiel along with reliever and cash considerations to the in exchange for prospects Gregor Blanco, , and Tim Collins, as the Braves sought to bolster their outfield depth during a competitive race. With Atlanta, Ankiel appeared in 47 games, hitting .210 with two home runs and nine RBIs, achieving a .651 that reflected batting inconsistencies, including 42 strikeouts in 119 at-bats. Despite the modest offensive output, his defensive skills in center field remained valuable, with a .984 fielding , providing solid coverage during the Braves' push for the NL Wild Card spot, which they secured with 88 wins. Ankiel's most notable contribution came in the postseason, during the against the Giants. In Game 2 on October 8, , he hit a tiebreaking solo in the 11th off reliever Ramon Ramirez, launching the ball into beyond the right-field wall at AT&T Park, securing a 5-4 victory that evened the series at 1-1; this marked his only postseason home run and one of just two hits in the series. Over the four-game NLDS loss to the Giants, Ankiel batted .167 with a .702 in 12 at-bats, underscoring his role as a late-inning contributor rather than a regular starter. Overall in across both teams, Ankiel's .232 and six home runs were offset by his defensive reliability in center field, where he logged a combined 1.5 , offering stability amid offensive struggles.

Final MLB seasons (2011–2013)

In 2011, Ankiel signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the , where he primarily served in a role in center field alongside Roger Bernadina and .. He appeared in 122 games, batting .239 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs over 380 at-bats. Despite solid defensive contributions in the outfield, his offensive output was inconsistent, reflecting a transition to more of a utility role as the Nationals' outfield depth evolved. Ankiel re-signed with the Nationals on a minor league deal with an invitation to ahead of the season, but his playing time diminished amid struggles at the plate. He played in 68 games, posting a .228 with 5 home runs and 15 RBIs in 158 at-bats, often used as a late-inning defensive replacement or . On , the Nationals designated him for assignment, and he was unconditionally released eight days later after clearing waivers, ending his tenure with the team. Entering 2013 as a , Ankiel signed a minor league contract with the Astros in January and was added to the major league roster in late March. He appeared in 25 games for , hitting .194 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs in 62 at-bats, primarily as a , before being on May 6 and released three days later. Shortly after, on May 13, he joined the on a minor league deal and was called up, playing 20 games with a .182 average, 2 home runs, and 7 RBIs in 66 at-bats across center and right field. The Mets on June 9, after which he elected free agency. These final seasons highlighted Ankiel's ongoing team transitions and limited opportunities, culminating in a career postseason of .133 across 15 at-bats in four series (2000 NLDS and NLCS, 2009 NLDS, and 2010 NLDS).

Retirement announcement

Following a challenging 2013 season in which he signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros in January and was released by the team in May after hitting .194 with five home runs, Ankiel then joined the on a major league contract in mid-May but was and elected free agency in June amid continued struggles at the plate. He did not appear in another major league game after that point. On March 5, 2014, during a Cardinals spring training broadcast, longtime team broadcaster announced that Ankiel, then 34, had retired from professional baseball and was seeking a front office position with the Cardinals organization. The news marked the end of Ankiel's initial playing career, which had spanned 11 major league seasons across six teams. Over his MLB tenure, Ankiel posted a 13–10 record with a 3.90 and 269 strikeouts in 51 pitching appearances, primarily with the Cardinals early in his career. As a , he transitioned to the outfield and batted .240 with 76 home runs, 251 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 551 games. Ankiel's retirement reflections emphasized the personal victories of surmounting the "yips"—a loss of fine motor control that sabotaged his pitching in 2000—and reinventing himself as a successful outfielder, a narrative widely regarded as one of baseball's most inspiring tales of resilience.

2019 pitching comeback attempt

In 2019, at age 39, Ankiel attempted a return to as a , signing a minor-league contract with the Padres organization on February 13 following surgery in October 2018. He began rehabbing in the and advanced to extended , but after experiencing setbacks and playing catch for the first time post-surgery in February, Ankiel decided to end the comeback on July 30, 2019, without appearing in any official games. This marked the definitive conclusion of his professional playing career.

Post-playing career

Coaching and player development roles

Following his retirement from professional baseball, Rick Ankiel transitioned into roles focused on mentoring young players, leveraging his unique experiences to guide prospects through the mental and life challenges of the sport. In January 2015, the Washington Nationals hired him as their Minor League Life Skills Coordinator, a newly created position aimed at supporting minor league players' personal development. In this capacity, Ankiel conducted workshops and sessions across the Nationals' farm system, emphasizing life management skills such as financial literacy, career planning, and coping with performance pressures. He particularly drew on his own battle with the yips—a sudden loss of control in pitching that derailed his early career—to address mental health topics, helping players build resilience against anxiety and setbacks. Ankiel held this role through 2017, during which he traveled to minor league affiliates to deliver tailored sessions that integrated practical advice with psychological insights. Ankiel continued his player development efforts in a national context with . In July 2024, he was appointed as a Manager for the organization's 18U National Team , where he helped lead instructional teams for top high school prospects. He returned to the same role in summer 2025, his second straight year as Team Manager. This role capitalized on his status as a two-time alumnus of the program from the , having participated in the 18U teams in 1996 and 1997 as a standout and hitter before his professional draft. During the camps, Ankiel contributed to drills and discussions on skill development and mental preparation, fostering the next generation of talent ahead of international competitions.

Broadcasting and media work

Following his post-playing career role in player development with the , Rick Ankiel entered broadcasting as a studio analyst for Bally Sports Midwest (formerly Fox Sports Midwest) in 2017, focusing on pre- and postgame coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games and offering expert analysis on pitching mechanics and hitting strategies drawn from his experiences as both a and . In 2021, he expanded his role by debuting as a in the broadcast booth, calling a rotation of 13 Cardinals telecasts that season and providing in-game insights on player performance and strategy. Ankiel has made several guest appearances on , including on the program Pregame Spread in 2022, where he discussed the Cardinals' contention in the , the impact of veterans like and , and the mental and physical demands on two-way players akin to his own career path. He has also contributed to radio discussions on platforms like 101 ESPN's The Fast Lane, addressing topics such as mental resilience in sports and the challenges of transitioning positions, often tying back to his personal journey with performance anxiety. In 2019, Ankiel shared career anecdotes through guest spots on media outlets, including The Players' Tribune's video series Truth Be Told: Rick Ankiel, which explored his rise, struggles with the , and successful reinvention as a hitter. These appearances highlighted his perspective on overcoming adversity, resonating with athletes facing similar mental hurdles. In July 2024, Ankiel announced that his life story is being adapted into a . As of 2025, Ankiel maintains a part-time broadcasting schedule with the Cardinals on Bally Sports Midwest, participating in select game telecasts and studio segments while prioritizing time with his family.

Publications and public speaking

In 2017, Rick Ankiel co-authored the The Phenomenon: Pressure, the , and the Pitch that Changed My Life with sports journalist Tim Brown, published by PublicAffairs. The book debuted at number 7 on the New York Times bestseller list for and fitness books. It chronicles Ankiel's sudden loss of control on the during the 2000 postseason, attributed to performance anxiety known as the , as well as the psychological toll of his abusive upbringing by his father and his subsequent reinvention as an . The memoir has been lauded for its candid exploration of challenges in elite athletics, highlighting how unchecked pressure and trauma can derail careers while emphasizing recovery through and . Reviewers noted its role in destigmatizing anxiety disorders among athletes, drawing parallels to broader human experiences of failure and resilience. No additional publications by Ankiel have been noted as of 2025. Ankiel has established himself as a , delivering keynotes on overcoming adversity, , and the of at conferences, corporate events, and programs. His talks often draw from his personal journey with the and career pivot, inspiring audiences in sports, business, and youth development. For instance, in 2018, he keynoted St. Charles Community College's Drug and Alcohol Week, addressing the intersection of substance use and in high-pressure environments. In 2016, he spoke at State University's Grand Slam Banquet, focusing on perseverance in . Ankiel's engagements extend to sports psychology forums, where he shares insights on managing anxiety and building resilience. By 2025, Ankiel expanded his speaking schedule with tours centered on resilience, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his 2000 postseason struggles, where he reflected on the event's lasting lessons in interviews and events.

Personal life

Family and residence

Rick Ankiel married Lory Bailey on December 31, 2006. The couple has two sons, Declan (born 2011) and Ryker (born 2012). Ankiel and his family have resided in , since around 2000, a location convenient to the Cardinals' facilities in the area. This coastal community has provided a stable base for the family following his MLB retirement. Ankiel's family has played a key role in his post-playing endeavors, offering support during the promotion of his 2017 memoir The Phenomenon: Pressure, the , and the Pitch that Changed My Life. This involvement underscores the close-knit dynamic that has defined their life together. Post-retirement, Ankiel has emphasized the stability of his home life in as a welcome contrast to the turbulent marked by his father's influence. Richard Ankiel Sr. was involved in a smuggling operation during the , using his charter fishing boat to import cocaine and marijuana from to . His half-brother was also imprisoned multiple times for drug-related offenses and other serious crimes. He was arrested in September 1999 and pleaded guilty the following year to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, facing a potential maximum of 80 years in prison and $4 million in fines. In March 2000, Ankiel Sr. was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison followed by six years of probation. His incarceration began earlier than scheduled in May 2000 after an additional arrest on a felony weapons charge for allegedly throwing a loaded handgun from his car while a convicted felon. This prison term overlapped with his son Rick Ankiel's debut postseason appearance for the St. Louis Cardinals later that year. The events imposed a significant emotional burden on the young Rick Ankiel, who at age 20 maintained a stoic demeanor, requesting no time off from and continuing to perform without visible distress. He visited his in once and spoke with him by telephone approximately weekly in the early months of the incarceration, drawing on the ordeal as a source of personal motivation to persevere through career challenges. Later, however, the relationship became strained, with Rick ultimately severing contact following his father's imprisonment.

Depictions of career challenges

Rick Ankiel's struggle with the "yips"—a sudden loss of fine motor control that derailed his pitching career in the 2000 playoffs—has been extensively portrayed in non-fiction media as a of performance anxiety under pressure. The 2019 FS1 documentary Truth Be Told: Rick Ankiel chronicles his psychological battles, highlighting how the high-stakes environment of exacerbated his condition, leading to five wild pitches in a single inning during the NLDS against the . This film emphasizes the emotional toll, drawing on interviews with Ankiel and contemporaries to illustrate the not as a mere mechanical flaw but as a manifestation of deep-seated anxiety. Similarly, a 2017 segment on HBO's features Ankiel recounting the overwhelming sensations during his breakdowns, underscoring the mental paralysis that forced his transition from pitcher to . Ankiel's case has become a seminal example in sports literature and analyses, often cited to explore the interplay between and neuromuscular performance. A 2023 study published by Nova Southeastern University's Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography examined movement-specific reinvestment in players with the , using Ankiel's 2000 playoff meltdown as a primary to demonstrate how conscious overcontrol of throws can trigger a vicious cycle of anxiety and inaccuracy. Articles in from the 2010s, such as a 2017 excerpt from Ankiel's and a feature on athletes overcoming the , portray his experience as emblematic of how elite prospects can crumble under scrutiny, with experts attributing it to a combination of and performance pressure rather than physical injury alone. These depictions frame Ankiel's story as a broader lesson in resilience, influencing discussions on training in . His 2017 , The Phenomenon: Pressure, the Yips, and the Pitch That Changed My Life, provides a firsthand account of his struggles and recovery, further shaping understanding of the condition. In 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of his infamous outing, retrospective pieces revisited Ankiel's challenges with renewed focus on long-term recovery narratives. A October 3, 2025, article in Redbird Rants reflected on the event as a defining moment in Cardinals history, analyzing how the yips exposed vulnerabilities in prospect development and the need for psychological support systems in MLB. Similarly, a July 2025 Psychology Today piece on handling the yips in sports cited Ankiel's successful reinvention from pitcher to outfielder as evidence that such setbacks need not end a career, while discussing approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Training for managing the condition. These analyses reinforce Ankiel's portrayal as a symbol of overcoming mental barriers in high-pressure athletics.

Media appearances and tributes

Ankiel made a notable appearance in through his feature in the MLB The Show series, where he is portrayed as an unlockable legend card, highlighting his unique career transition from to . In MLB The Show 25, for instance, he is included as a 99 overall rated player in the X mode, allowing gamers to experience his power-hitting prowess from his Cardinals days. In recognition of his perseverance and contributions to baseball, Ankiel was honored by the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2017, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at during a game that celebrated the release of his , The Phenomenon. This event underscored the team's enduring appreciation for his resilience amid challenges. He was subsequently inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, joining other notable figures for his remarkable reinvention as one of only two players in MLB history—alongside —to record a winning season (9 wins) as a and hit at least 25 home runs in another. Further tributes came in with his induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his roots in Port St. Lucie High School, where his jersey number was retired as a nod to his status as one of the nation's top high school pitching prospects. Ankiel has also contributed to discussions on two-way players, drawing parallels to his own experiences in a 2018 MLB.com feature where he expressed admiration for Shohei Ohtani's dual-role success, noting how such versatility inspires modern prospects to pursue multifaceted careers without fear of positional limitations. This perspective gained renewed attention amid the era's virtual formats, reinforcing his influence on emerging talents navigating similar paths.

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  97. https://theshow.com/news/mlb-the-show-25-welcomes-17-new-legends-in-celebration-of-home-run-derby-x/
  98. https://flasportshof.org/fshofmember/rick-ankiel/
  99. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/02/15/tcn-retiretcn-retired-jersey-d-jersey/4752896002/
  100. https://www.mlb.com/news/rick-ankiel-shohei-ohtani-share-commond-bond-c278104830
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