Brooks Kieschnick

Michael Brooks Kieschnick (born June 6, 1972 in Robstown, Texas) is a former professional baseball player. He was primarily a relief pitcher and left-handed pinch hitter. He was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round of the by|1993 amateur draft as a hitter, but after bouncing around the major and minor leagues for a decade, he revived his career by returning to pitching, at which he excelled in his years at the University of Texas at Austin. In by|2003 and by|2004, the Milwaukee Brewers took advantage of Kieschnick's versatility, using him as a pinch hitter, designated hitter, and left fielder in addition to his primary role in the bullpen. Before joining the Brewers, he played in the major leagues with the Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies. In a total of 306 career at-bats, his batting average was .248. In his two seasons of pitching at the major league level, his earned run average was 4.59.

On February 15, by|2006, Kieschnick announced his retirement.

Highlight

*During the 2003 season, Kieschnick became the first player in major league history to hit home runs as a pitcher, designated hitter, and pinch hitter in the same season.

Awards and accomplishments

*Dick Howser Trophy for National Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, 1992 and 1993 (only player as of 2008 to win this award twice)
*Inaugural member of College Baseball Hall of Fame
*His number 23 has been retired by the University of Texas

External links

*
* [http://www.brewcrewball.com/?op=search&offset=0&old_count=30&type=story&section=&string=kieschnick&search=Search&count=30 Kieschnick Watch! at BrewCrewBall.com]