Justin Masterson
Encyclopedia
Justin Daniel Masterson (born March 22, 1985) is a right-handed starting pitcher
in Major League Baseball
for the Cleveland Indians
. Masterson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox
in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft
. Masterson was rated as the 64th-best prospect going into that year's draft by Baseball America
. Masterson stands 6'6", and weighs 250 pounds.
Masterson was the first Red Sox pitcher since 1912 to make his first four consecutive starts in Fenway Park
and not lose any of them.
, Jamaica
, where his father served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. A few years later, Masterson moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana
. He attended Beavercreek High School
at Beavercreek, Ohio
where he first played baseball as a catcher
, pitcher
, and first baseman
. His mother works as a teacher at Parkwood Elementary School in Beavercreek, Ohio, and his father is a pastor.
Masterson attended Bethel College
in Mishawaka, Indiana
, where he played as a starting pitcher
. While at Bethel, he hit 10 home runs during his sophomore year. He then attended San Diego State University
. As a relief pitcher, Masterson pitched out of the bullpen in the Cape Cod Baseball League
in 2005, saving 10 games for Wareham while posting a 1.15 ERA.
's delivery. His pitching arsenal includes a fastball
that reaches 97 mph, a sinker
, a slider
, and an occasional change-up. It has been claimed that his best pitch is his plus-sinker with a heavy drop.
Masterson throws a variety of fastballs that vary in speed and break, with the speeds reaching between from the upper 80s to the mid 90s. The speed of his slider is in the low 80s, and his change-up ranges from 77 to 81 mph. He can vary his sinker at speeds of 84 to 94 mph, sometimes catching batters off balance.
Masterson was signed to the minors by Dan Madsen, and has been a starter and reliever in his minor league career for the Lowell Spinners
. In 2007, his second season, Masterson was promoted from the Class A Lancaster JetHawks
to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs
. Masterson's twelve wins that season ranked second among all Red Sox minor leaguers.
After joining the Sea Dogs, Masterson said, "I've had the confidence to be a great pitcher all along. I went to a smaller school and really proved that I had the ability to pitch, and whatever route I took to get me where I am I'm not worried about it."
In 2006, Masterson was named to the Baseball America
short season
all-star
team. Masterson was converted to starting pitcher in early 2007, after a stint as a relief pitcher for Short Season Lowell in 2006.
The Red Sox invited Masterson to spring training during early 2008. On April 24, 2008, he made his Major League debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
in an emergency call-up start. He pitched six full innings and allowed one run. Masterson was immediately sent back to Portland following the game. On May 20, 2008, Masterson made his second appearance, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing three hits and one run with three walks and five strikeouts and picking up his first win in the Majors.
After five starts with the major-league club, it was announced that he would stay in the majors through Daisuke Matsuzaka
's return from the disabled list
due to Bartolo Colón
's back injury. On July 7, 2008 Masterson was sent back to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a move manager Terry Francona
stated was made to transition Masterson from a starter to a relief pitcher. Masterson was recalled on July 20 due to an injury to David Aardsma
In his first relief appearance, he was solid against the Seattle Mariners, shutting down the hitters and working 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. The game took place at Seattle's Safeco Field.
On July 31, 2009, Masterson was traded along with minor league prospects Nick Hagadone
and Bryan Price to the Cleveland Indians
for Victor Martinez.
against the Tampa Bay Rays
, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in the Red Sox' record-setting 8-7 victory.
He has begun to emerge as one of the Indians' premier starters and has accumulated a 5-0 record in the first month of the 2011 season.
During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox
, Masterson's entrance song was Skillet
's Rebirthing
.
Masterson is a born-again Christian and often speaks of the importance of God in his life. He even had the opportunity to speak at the Pentagon's weekly prayer breakfast in June 2009.
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
for the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. Masterson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft
2006 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 6 and 7. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams.-First Round Selections:...
. Masterson was rated as the 64th-best prospect going into that year's draft by Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
. Masterson stands 6'6", and weighs 250 pounds.
Masterson was the first Red Sox pitcher since 1912 to make his first four consecutive starts in Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
and not lose any of them.
Early life
Masterson was born in KingstonKingston, Jamaica
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisadoes, a long sand spit which connects the town of Port Royal and the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island...
, Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
, where his father served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. A few years later, Masterson moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. He attended Beavercreek High School
Beavercreek High School
Beavercreek High School is a public high school for grades 9-12 located in Beavercreek, Ohio. The principal is Marian West. It is a member of the Beavercreek City School District and is the only high school in the district. Beavercreek High School is located in a suburban setting...
at Beavercreek, Ohio
Beavercreek, Ohio
Beavercreek is the largest city in Greene County, Ohio, United States, and is the second largest suburb of Dayton behind Kettering. The population was 45,193 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area...
where he first played baseball as a catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
, pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
, and first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
. His mother works as a teacher at Parkwood Elementary School in Beavercreek, Ohio, and his father is a pastor.
Masterson attended Bethel College
Bethel College (Indiana)
Bethel College is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Mishawaka , Indiana, United States. It was established in 1947 by a Mennonite group which was one of the founding members of the Missionary Church...
in Mishawaka, Indiana
Mishawaka, Indiana
Mishawaka is a city on the St. Joseph River and a Twin city of South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 48,252 as of the 2010 Census...
, where he played as a starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
. While at Bethel, he hit 10 home runs during his sophomore year. He then attended San Diego State University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
. As a relief pitcher, Masterson pitched out of the bullpen in the Cape Cod Baseball League
Cape Cod Baseball League
The Cape Cod Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league located on Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, in which many college baseball stars play during the summer. Many future Major League Baseball players have started there during their college years; MLB has provided...
in 2005, saving 10 games for Wareham while posting a 1.15 ERA.
Pitching
Masterson pitches at a low three-quarter arm delivery with a sliding motion, which some compare to Dennis EckersleyDennis Eckersley
Dennis Lee Eckersley , nicknamed "Eck", is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher. Eckersley had success as a starter, but gained his greatest fame as a closer, becoming the first of only two pitchers in Major League history to have both a 20-win season and a 50-save season in a career .He...
's delivery. His pitching arsenal includes a fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
that reaches 97 mph, a sinker
Sinker (baseball)
In baseball, a sinker , is a type of fastball pitch which has significant downward and horizontal movement. The sinker is known for inducing a lot of ground balls...
, a slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
, and an occasional change-up. It has been claimed that his best pitch is his plus-sinker with a heavy drop.
Masterson throws a variety of fastballs that vary in speed and break, with the speeds reaching between from the upper 80s to the mid 90s. The speed of his slider is in the low 80s, and his change-up ranges from 77 to 81 mph. He can vary his sinker at speeds of 84 to 94 mph, sometimes catching batters off balance.
Career
Lowell Spinners
The Lowell Spinners are a Short-Season A minor league baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.-History:Founded in 1996 after Clyde Smoll moved the Elmira Pioneers to Lowell, Massachusetts, the Spinners play in the New York - Penn League, which has a Short-Season A classification with 76 games a...
. In 2007, his second season, Masterson was promoted from the Class A Lancaster JetHawks
Lancaster JetHawks
The Lancaster JetHawks are a minor league baseball team of the California League located in Lancaster, California. The team is named for the city's association with the aerospace industry and plays its home games at Clear Channel Stadium...
to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Sea Dogs
The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
. Masterson's twelve wins that season ranked second among all Red Sox minor leaguers.
After joining the Sea Dogs, Masterson said, "I've had the confidence to be a great pitcher all along. I went to a smaller school and really proved that I had the ability to pitch, and whatever route I took to get me where I am I'm not worried about it."
In 2006, Masterson was named to the Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
short season
Short season
Short season refers to a form of class A minor league baseball in which only about 75 games are played each season, as opposed to the typical 140 games for an affiliated minor league team at a higher level...
all-star
All-star
All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
team. Masterson was converted to starting pitcher in early 2007, after a stint as a relief pitcher for Short Season Lowell in 2006.
The Red Sox invited Masterson to spring training during early 2008. On April 24, 2008, he made his Major League debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
in an emergency call-up start. He pitched six full innings and allowed one run. Masterson was immediately sent back to Portland following the game. On May 20, 2008, Masterson made his second appearance, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing three hits and one run with three walks and five strikeouts and picking up his first win in the Majors.
After five starts with the major-league club, it was announced that he would stay in the majors through Daisuke Matsuzaka
Daisuke Matsuzaka
is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
's return from the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
due to Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He played in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2009 and again in 2011...
's back injury. On July 7, 2008 Masterson was sent back to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a move manager Terry Francona
Terry Francona
Terry Jon Francona , nicknamed "Tito," is a former Major League Baseball manager and a former player. He was a first baseman and outfielder in the majors from 1981 to 1990. After retiring as a player, he managed several minor league teams in the 1990s before managing the Philadelphia Phillies for...
stated was made to transition Masterson from a starter to a relief pitcher. Masterson was recalled on July 20 due to an injury to David Aardsma
David Aardsma
David Allan Aardsma is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. He is the first player alphabetically in the list of all-time Major League Baseball players, having displaced Hank Aaron upon his MLB debut....
In his first relief appearance, he was solid against the Seattle Mariners, shutting down the hitters and working 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. The game took place at Seattle's Safeco Field.
On July 31, 2009, Masterson was traded along with minor league prospects Nick Hagadone
Nick Hagadone
Nicholas Michael Hagadone is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball....
and Bryan Price to the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
for Victor Martinez.
2008 playoffs
Masterson picked up the first postseason win of his career in Game 5 of the 2008 American League Championship Series2008 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
against the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in the Red Sox' record-setting 8-7 victory.
2009-Present: Cleveland Indians
Masterson pitched his first professional complete game shutout on June 9, 2010 against the Red Sox, his former team, pitching a two-hitter.He has begun to emerge as one of the Indians' premier starters and has accumulated a 5-0 record in the first month of the 2011 season.
Personal life
Masterson was married on November 3, 2007 to Meryl Ham.During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, Masterson's entrance song was Skillet
Skillet (band)
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
's Rebirthing
Rebirthing (song)
"Rebirthing" is a song by the Christian rock band Skillet, and it is the first single off their seventh album Comatose. The song has achieved a large amount of popularity in both the mainstream and Christian radio. The song was #1 on ChristianRock.Net's Weekly Top 30 for sixteen straight weeks , #3...
.
Masterson is a born-again Christian and often speaks of the importance of God in his life. He even had the opportunity to speak at the Pentagon's weekly prayer breakfast in June 2009.
External links
- Justin Masterson
- Justin Masterson Q&A
- Baseball America statistics
- Portland Sea Dogs About Justin Masterson