Mark Mulder pitched for the Bourne in 1997, compiling a 5-2 record in his only season with the team. He was drafted second overall in 1998 out of Michigan State University by the Oakland Athletics, and quickly made his way through the A's minor league system. He made his Major League debut in April of 2000, and went on to a 9-10 record in his rookie season. His second Major League season was his best, as he won a league-leading 21 games with a league leading 4 complete-game shutouts and 153 strikeouts, earning him second place in the Cy Young voting. For the next four years, Mulder teamed up with Tim Hudson and Barry Zito to make up one of the best young pitching trios in recent memory. Over that span, Mulder won at least 15 games each year. He also led the league in complete games twice and shutouts twice over that span. This led to all-star appearances in 2003 and 2004.
In December of 2004, the small-market Athletics, knowing they couldn't afford to resign Mulder when his contract expired, traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals for Dan Haren, Kiko Calero, and Daric Barton. Mulder had a very successful first season in St. Louis in 2005, going 16-8 with a 3.64 ERA in 32 starts. He got off to another good start in 2006 before his shoulder began to bother him. After attempting an unsuccessful comeback late in 2006, he opted for off-season shoulder surgery. However, he was never able to make a full recovery. He got his shoulder cleaned up again after the 2007 season and planned to attempt another comeback in 2008. He only made two appearances in 2008, one in relief. His final career start lasted 1/3 of an inning. He struck out Jimmy Rollins then threw 8 straight balls before leaving with a shoulder injury. The Cardinals released Mulder shortly after. He officially retired in 2010 at age 32, nearly 2 years after his last career start.
Mark Mulder was yet another bright young pitching star whose career was derailed by injuries. After such a promising start, you can't help but wonder what might have been if Mulder had remained healthy. Would he be right there with Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia as the best lefties in the league? He started his career better than both of those pitchers before getting injured. As a 33 year-old this year, it is distinctly possible that a healthy Mulder (with a few more years of experience) could have been the best left-handed pitcher in the majors. Sadly we will never know.
Career Notes:
2 time All-Star (2003, 2004)
Led AL in Complete Games (2003, 2004)
Led AL in Shutouts (2001, 2003)
103-60 career record
Hit .280 with 1 HR in 2006 (only career HR)
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