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Mike Leake, Former Cincinnati Reds Pitcher, Advanced Directly to the Major Leagues in 2010 — Meet Him

Joe Akins
By Joe Akins
Jun 14, 2020
05:30 P.M.

Mike Leake, 32, is an exciting personality who proved his worth during his time with the "Cincinnati Reds." He was, however, the first pitcher from the team that advanced straight into the major leagues.

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Leake is a San Diego, California native whose passion for baseball began as a teenager. During his high school days, he was a dominant figure in the school's team.

The young player captained all through his junior and senior years in Fallbrook and in four years, the captain led his school to three league titles.

Mike Leake throws during the game between the Yomiuri Giants and Seattle Mariners on March 17 | Photo: Getty Images

Mike Leake throws during the game between the Yomiuri Giants and Seattle Mariners on March 17 | Photo: Getty Images

While in high school he got more than two varsity letters at Fallbrook. Once he got to college, it didn't take long for the freshman to establish a prominent record in the school's team.

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The "Cincinnati Reds" player joined the team in 2010 and went on to win five consecutive games. Though the record holder was Santo Alcala, who played for the same team in 1976 and won six straight games, Leake surpassed Pat Zachry, another player who had four consecutive wins.

Mike Leake of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Los Angeles Angels on July 19, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Mike Leake of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Los Angeles Angels on July 19, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Leake also became the first Cincinnati Reds player to advance into the big leagues in franchise history. He earned another groundbreaking record as being the first starting pitcher to debut into the major leagues, joining Jim Abbott, the first and only player to set the record since 1989.

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About twenty players have achieved the incredible feat of bypassing the junior leagues for the major leagues making the Californian native the 21st player to achieve the feat.

The 32-year-old never rested on his oars when it boiled down to delivery on the pitch.

Mike Leake during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 31, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Mike Leake during the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 31, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

At age 28, he got signed to the Giants, where he remained for a year. He moved to "Cardinals" in 2016, and in 2017, he joined Mariners. The pitcher's current team is Diamondbacks.

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The Diamondback star has been doing incredibly well for his team, and although he has suffered severe injuries a couple of times this year, the 32-year-old never rested on his oars when it boiled down to delivery on the pitch.

Mike Leake pitches in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants on March 17, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Mike Leake pitches in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants on March 17, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Leake's father, Chris, also suffered a fracture, during one of his architectural projects. Unfortunately, his was excruciatingly bad, as it left him paralyzed.

While relating his experience with the complexities of being paralyzed, he told a news outlet: "It's what I fight constantly. I have a number of different types of physicians... I'm coping better and better all the time... it's day to day."

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While the younger Leake has been highly supportive of his dad, he admitted that he is proud and impressed with Chris's positive energy.

Chris was able to realize the potential in his son when he was only 9. Although he nurtured the "Diamondback" star in the quest for engaging in the sports, Chris also made his son interested in his architectural craft.

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