| Kyle Sleeth | |
|---|---|
| Starting pitcher | |
| Born: (1981-12-20)December 20, 1981 (age 44) Thornton, Colorado, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
Kyle A. Sleeth (born December 20, 1981) is an American formerstarting pitcher in theDetroit Tigers organization. Once touted as one ofMajor League Baseball's top prospects, his career in the Tigers' minor league organization was marred by injuries and he progressed no higher thanDouble-A; nonetheless, he showed enough promise to be placed on the Tigers'40-man roster.
Sleeth was drafted by theBaltimore Orioles in the 18th round (534th overall) in the2000 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign and instead attendedWake Forest. As a freshman in2001, he went 10–3 with a 5.08ERA and 56strikeouts in 78.2 innings pitched to lead the nationally ranked Demon Deacons inwins. After the 2001 season, he playedcollegiate summer baseball for theCotuit Kettleers of theCape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.[1][2][3] In2002, Sleeth went undefeated with a 14–0 record with a 2.97 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 118.1 innings pitched. He led theAtlantic Coast Conference in wins, was second in the conference in strikeouts, and third in ERA.Baseball America named Sleeth the top pitching prospect in college baseball that year.
In2003, Sleeth returned for another year, going 7–3 with a 2.81 ERA and 102 strikeouts. He earned a spot on the All-Conference first team. On March 28, 2003, Sleeth tied the NCAA record for consecutive victories againstDuke with his 26th straight win. He lost the bid to break the record losing againstFlorida State University on April 4, 2003. The 26 consecutive wins left him tied with formerBrigham Young UniversitypitcherScott Nielsen, who established the mark in the1978 and1982-1983 seasons.USA Baseball named Sleeth a finalist for theGolden Spikes Award, given to the top amateur baseball player in the country. In 2019 Sleeth was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a Demon Deacon.
Sleeth would become the 3rd overall pick in the 1st round in the2003 Major League Baseball draft for the Detroit Tigers. He did not sign his professional contract until August, delaying his professional debut until the following year.
He missed the2005 and part of the2006 season when he underwentTommy John surgery on June 9. He announced his retirement March 28,2008.[4]
