| Billy Buckner | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1983-08-27)August 27, 1983 (age 42) Decatur, Georgia, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 25, 2007, for the Kansas City Royals | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 24, 2014, for the San Diego Padres | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 7–12 |
| Earned run average | 6.02 |
| Strikeouts | 114 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
William Jennings Buckner (born August 27, 1983) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher, who played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theKansas City Royals,Arizona Diamondbacks,Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, andSan Diego Padres.
Buckner was originally drafted in the 9th round (248th overall) by theTampa Bay Devil Rays in the2003 Major League Baseball Draft out ofYoung Harris College, but chose not to sign and instead played college baseball at theUniversity of South Carolina. He was drafted again in 2004 by theKansas City Royals in the second round as the 55th overall pick.
In his fourth season in the Royals organization, Buckner was called up to the big league club on August 24, 2007.
On December 14, 2007, Buckner was traded to theArizona Diamondbacks forinfielderAlberto Callaspo.
On June 1, 2010, Buckner was traded to theDetroit Tigers in exchange forDontrelle Willis and cash considerations.[1] He was released by Detroit on July 25.
On December 20, 2010, Buckner was signed by theColorado Rockies to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Buckner had hoped to compete for a spot on the roster, but spent the entire season in Triple-A with theColorado Springs Sky Sox where he was 4–8 with a 6.03 ERA in 23 appearances. He was traded for a player to be named later however the Rockies never bothered to claim the other player.[citation needed]
On March 2, 2012, Buckner signed a minor league deal with theBoston Red Sox with an invitation to their minor league camp. He was expected to compete for a starting pitching role in their system.[2] Buckner began the season with the Double-APortland Sea Dogs. He was called up to the Triple-APawtucket Red Sox but never reached the major league club. He elected free agency at the end of the season, in which he had a 3.65 ERA in 27 starts.
On November 14, 2012, Buckner signed a minor league contract with theLos Angeles Angels organization.[3] Buckner was called up to the Angels on May 16, 2013, and made his first start since 2010 on May 25. He wasdesignated for assignment the next day, followingKevin Jepsen's activation from the disabled list.[4] Buckner cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-ASalt Lake Bees on May 28.[5] On June 21, the Angels selected Buckner's contract, adding him back to their active roster. In seven total appearances for Los Angeles, he posted a 1-0 record and 4.67 ERA with seven strikeouts across17+1⁄3 innings pitched. Buckner was designated for assignment following the acquisition ofJ. C. Gutiérrez on July 25.[6] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to July 28. Buckner was added back to the team's active roster on August 21, but was designated for assignment a third time without making an appearance two days later. He cleared waivers and was once again sent outright to Salt Lake on August 25.[7]
On April 21, 2014, theSan Diego Padres signed Buckner to a minor league contract.[8] On May 24, the Padres selected his contract from the Triple-AEl Paso Chihuahuas to make a start against theChicago Cubs that night. He was designated for assignment the next day, and sent outright back to El Paso on May 27.[9] Buckner was released by the Padres organization on August 3.[10]
Buckner signed a minor league contract with theMilwaukee Brewers on August 16, 2014.[11] He made four appearances (two starts) for the Triple-ANashville Sounds, logging a 1-1 record and 6.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 12 innings of work.
On May 19, 2015, Buckner signed with theLong Island Ducks of theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball. He made 18 appearances (11 starts) for Long Island, compiling an 8-3 record and 4.00 ERA with 73 strikeouts and one save across69+2⁄3 innings pitched. Buckner became a free agent after the season.
On May 9, 2016, Buckner signed a minor league contract with theArizona Diamondbacks organization. He made 20 appearances (15 starts) split between the Double–AMobile BayBears and Triple–AReno Aces, posting an aggregate 5–8 record and 4.00 ERA with 87 strikeouts across96+2⁄3 innings pitched. Buckner elected free agency following the season on November 7.[12]
