Pat Hentgen

Won the AL Cy Young Award in 1996, the first in Blue Jays franchise history.

Patrick George Hentgen (born November 13, 1968) is an American former professional baseball pitcher, and currently a special assistant with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and Baltimore Orioles from 1991 to 2004. In 1996, he won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 13 November 1968
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 3
Debut year: 1991
Debut team: Toronto Blue Jays

Lore & Background

Hentgen was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1968. He attended Fraser High School in Fraser, Michigan, and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft, aged 17. He signed with the Blue Jays in June 1986. After being drafted, he pitched in the minor leagues from 1986 to 1991, and later returned to the minors in 2002 while with the Baltimore Orioles. He made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on September 3, 1991. He was a key pitcher for the Blue Jays, winning the AL Cy Young Award in 1996, the first in Blue Jays franchise history. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals (2000) and Baltimore Orioles (2001–2003) before returning to the Blue Jays in 2004, where he retired in July. He finished his MLB career with a 131–112 record, a 4.32 ERA, and 1,290 strikeouts.

Reader's Guide

Hentgen's statistical peak came in 1996 when he led the league in innings pitched (265.2), complete games (10), and shutouts (3). He won the AL Cy Young Award that year, going 20–10 with a 3.22 ERA. He was a three-time All-Star (1993, 1994, 1997). He led the AL in innings pitched and complete games in 1997 as well. His best seasons were with the Blue Jays, but he also had a 15–12 season with the Cardinals in 2000.

Did You Know?

He recorded one of only two saves in his professional career in the minor leagues in 1986.
Hentgen missed the 1992 World Series due to injury but was awarded a ring.