Kevin Michael Slowey (born May 4, 1984) is an American former professional
baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each, taking turns batting and fielding. The game occurs over the course of several plays, with each play generally beginning when a player on the fielding tea ...
pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("pitches") the baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw ...
. Slowey was selected by the
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. The team is named after the Twin Cities area w ...
in the second round (73rd overall) of the
2005 Major League Baseball Draft. He also played for the
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The club's home ballpark is LoanDepot Park.
The franc ...
. After his playing career ended, Slowey joined the
Major League Baseball Players Association
The Major League Baseball Players Association (or MLBPA) is the union representing all current Major League Baseball players. All players, managers, coaches, and athletic trainers who hold or have held a signed contract with a Major League club ...
as an assistant.
College
Slowey drew little attention from Division I schools and ended up attending
Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a public university in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was founded in 1886 by David Bancroft Johnson, who served as the superintendent of Columbia, South Carolina, schools. He received a grant from Robert Charles Winthrop, ...
on an academic scholarship after scoring a 1420 on his
SAT
The SAT ( ) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and scoring have changed several times; originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, it was later called the Schol ...
. He went on to be named as a third-team
All-American by ''
Baseball America
''Baseball America'' is a sports enterprise that covers baseball at every level, including MLB, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in the MiLB, college, high school, and international leagues. It is currently published in the form o ...
'' in 2005 when he had 14–2 record with 126 strikeouts, only 13 walks issued, and a 2.16 ERA. In his three seasons at Winthrop, he set school records with 331 strikeouts and 29 wins.
Playing career
Minnesota Twins
2007 season
Slowey ascended rapidly through the Twins minor league system and after failing to make the team as a
dark horse candidate out of spring training, he began the 2007 season with the Triple-A
Rochester Red Wings
The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They are located in Rochester, New York, and play their home games at Innovative Field ...
. In nine starts, Slowey was 6–2 with a 1.54 ERA, 57 strikeouts, and five walks for the Red Wings. Due to his strong start, he was called up to the Twins and made his major league debut on June 1, 2007 as a replacement for struggling
Ramón Ortiz
Ramón Diógenes Ortiz (born May 23, 1973) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Anaheim Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, Los Angele ...
in the starting rotation.
In his first major league start against the
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics (often referred to as the A's) are an American professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. The te ...
, Slowey received a no decision in a Twins 3–2 win. He gave up one run, five hits, struck out three, and walked two in six complete innings. The lone run came off of a solo home run in the sixth inning by the A's
Eric Chavez
Eric Cesar Chavez (born December 7, 1977) is an American professional baseball coach and former third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics (1998–2010), New York Yankees (2011–2012), and Arizona Diamondb ...
. A highlight of the start occurred early in the game when in the first inning, Slowey showed excellent poise in working out of a bases loaded jam.
In his second start on June 6, 2007, Slowey earned the first win of his MLB career against the
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. Since 1966, the team ha ...
. He pitched five innings, giving up five runs, (four earned), striking out two, and walking none as the Twins won 8–5.
After an excellent start against the
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League East, East division. The Braves ...
on June 12, 2007, in which he gave up two earned runs in six innings, Slowey began to struggle through his remaining starts. On July 5, 2007, after giving up five earned runs in 3 innings against the
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Amer ...
, Slowey was optioned back to the Triple-A
Rochester Red Wings
The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They are located in Rochester, New York, and play their home games at Innovative Field ...
, exchanging his roster spot with
Carmen Cali.
2008 season
Slowey pitched 23 innings for the
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. The team is named after the Twin Cities area w ...
in spring training, posting a 3–2 record and 4.94 ERA, earning him a spot on the starting rotation.
On April 11, 2008, Slowey was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right biceps. On May 8, 2008, he was activated from the DL.
On May 29, 2008, Slowey pitched his first MLB
complete game. In that game against the
Kansas City Royals, he was one out away from a shutout as well; however, he up gave an RBI double to Alex Gordon. In his 101st pitch of the night, he retired the next batter and finished the night with a victory after nine innings of work.
On June 29, 2008, Slowey pitched his first big league complete shutout game against the
Milwaukee Brewers. He finished the season 12–11 with a 3.99 ERA, 24 walks, and 123 strikeouts in 27 starts.
He achieved an 0–2 count on 32.7% of all batters he faced, the second-highest percentage in the majors.
2009 season
In 16 starts, Slowey posted a very impressive 10–3 record, but recorded a 4.86 ERA and a WHIP of 1.412.
Slowey's season was cut short when he was placed on the disabled list for a strained right wrist on July 4. Tests revealed that a pre-existing bone fragment was responsible for the aggravation. Slowey had season-ending surgery on his wrist in late July.
2010 season
Despite having wrist surgery, Slowey was able to start the season in the Twins rotation, winning in his first start of the year against the
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. Since 1966, the team ha ...
. On July 1, 2010, he left a game against the
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) Central division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was f ...
after he was hit in the ankle by a batted ball, but did not miss any time on the mound.
On August 9, 2010, Slowey missed a start against the
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central division. The team is owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, and p ...
due to elbow soreness. On August 15, 2010, he pitched seven no-hit innings against the
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics (often referred to as the A's) are an American professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. The te ...
before being removed in the top of the eighth for
Jon Rauch
Jon Erich Rauch (born September 27, 1978) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. At , he is tied with Sean Hjelle as the tallest player in Major League Baseball history. He is also an Olympic Gold Medalist in baseball.
Early year ...
. Rauch retired the first batter he faced before giving up a double to
Cliff Pennington. Addressing the questionable move, manager
Ron Gardenhire
Ronald Clyde Gardenhire (born October 24, 1957) is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He played as a shortstop for the New York Mets from 1981 through 1985. After another year playing in the minor leagues, he se ...
said, "It's the way it is. It's sad. I'd be booing too because I want to see a no-hitter, but I also know I'm responsible for this guy's arm", as he alluded to the elbow tendinitis that caused Slowey to miss his last start. Slowey had thrown 106 pitches through his seven innings. He ended the season going 13–6 with a 4.45 ERA in a career-high 30 games (28 starts).
2011 season
In Spring Training 2011, Slowey was given a chance to win a spot in the Twins starting rotation, but he was unsuccessful. He began the 2011 season in the bullpen.
Slowey had a rough season in 2011, losing all eight starts he pitched in and going 0–8 with a 6.67 ERA in 14 games (eight starts).
This season marked Slowey's last with the team.
Colorado Rockies
On December 6, 2011, Slowey was traded to the
Colorado Rockies in exchange for a player to be named later. He agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal to avoid arbitration on December 12.
Cleveland Indians
Slowey was traded to the
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central division. Since , they have played at Progressive F ...
on January 20, 2012 in exchange for
Zach Putnam. He was optioned to the Triple-A
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. They are located in Columbus, Ohio, and are named for speedy Merchant ship, mercha ...
and subsequently spent the entire season on the minor-league disabled list. Slowey was outrighted to Columbus and removed from the Indians' 40-man roster on October 31, 2012. He subsequently elected to become a free agent on November 7.
Miami Marlins
On January 25, 2013, Slowey signed a minor league deal with the
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The club's home ballpark is LoanDepot Park.
The franc ...
as a non-roster invitee with an invitation to spring training. Slowey had a strong spring training, pitching to a 2.41 ERA and a WHIP of 1.13 in six games (two starts). Due to his strong performance, Slowey made the team and was named their #3 starter to start the season.
2013 season
Slowey started the 2013 season with several quality starts, and was the Marlins' best statistical starting pitcher in April. Unfortunately, he lacked the run support to earn a victory until May 5, 2013, against the
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) National League East, East division. Since 2004, the team's home sta ...
. It was Slowey's first win at the major league level since September 2010, snapping a 15-start winless streak. On June 8, Slowey got the win in a 20 inning game against the
Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) East division. They are one of two major league ...
, pitching seven scoreless innings. After his start against
Milwaukee
Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...
on June 12, he was demoted to the bullpen and was replaced in the rotation by
Nathan Eovaldi
Nathan Edward Eovaldi ( ; born February 13, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Ra ...
. After
Tom Koehler
Thomas R. Koehler (born June 29, 1986) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Koehler played college baseball at Stony Brook University for the Stony Brook Seawolves and was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 18th round of the 200 ...
was optioned and
Ricky Nolasco
Carlos Enrique Nolasco (born December 13, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida/Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Angels. He is of ...
was traded, Slowey got the start on July 8 against the
Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League East, East division. The Braves ...
, pitching five scoreless innings. After the break, Koehler was recalled and Slowey returned to the bullpen. On July 28, Slowey was placed on the disabled list and missed the rest of the season due to a right flexor strain. In 20 games for the Marlins (14 starts), he went 3–6 with a 4.11 ERA, striking out 76 in 92 innings.
2014 season
On January 8, 2014, Slowey re-signed with the Marlins on a minor league contract. He was designated for assignment on June 16, 2014. At the time, he was 1–1 with a 5.30 ERA in 17 games (two starts).
On June 24, the Marlins officially released Slowey.
Philadelphia Phillies and retirement
On December 22, 2014, Slowey signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training with the
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) National League East, East division. Since 2004, the team's home sta ...
. He competed with several other pitchers for a spot in the back of the Phillies' starting rotation. He was released on March 31, 2015. On June 2, 2015, Slowey announced his retirement from baseball. He has taken a position in the Major League Baseball Player's Association as a special assistant to
Tony Clark
Anthony Christopher Clark (born June 15, 1972) is an American professional baseball player and executive. He played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman from 1995 to 2009 and is the sixth executive director of the Major League Baseball P ...
, the executive director.
Pitches
Slowey was considered to be a
control pitcher
In baseball, a control pitcher, also known as a finesse pitcher, is a pitcher who succeeds mostly by using accurate pitches, as opposed to a power pitcher who relies on velocity. By issuing a below average number of bases on balls he exhibits go ...
and his repertoire included a low 90s
fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch thrown by pitchers in baseball and softball. " Power pitchers," such as former American major leaguers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, rely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit, and have thr ...
considered to be his best pitch, a good
changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball and fastpitch softball.
The changeup is a staple off-speed pitch often used in a pitcher's arsenal, usually thrown to look like a fastball but arriving much more slowly to the plate. Its reduced speed ...
, a good slow
curveball, and a tight slider. He was known for his exceptional control and command of the strike zone and was often compared to former Minnesota Twins pitcher
Brad Radke
Brad William Radke (born October 27, 1972) is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played his entire 12 season career with the Minnesota Twins. Radke won 148 career games and was one of the most consistent pitchers in ...
, due to his excellent control. Slowey's delivery was much simpler than Radke's, however, mainly due to the absence of Radke's high leg kick.
Family
Slowey's cousin, Rob Madore, is a professional ice hockey goaltender who has played in the
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary Minor league#Ice hockey, developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). Since the 2010–11 AHL se ...
.
He last played with the
South Carolina Stingrays
The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Co ...
of the
ECHL
The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams scattered across the United States and Canada. It is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL).
The E ...
.
References
*Kelsie Smith (2007-5-27
Kevin Slowey, control freak. St. Paul Pioneer Press.
External links
* http://kevinslowey.mlblogs.com/
{{DEFAULTSORT:Slowey, Kevin
1984 births
Living people
People from Conroe, Texas
Major League Baseball pitchers
Baseball players from Texas
Minnesota Twins players
Miami Marlins players
Winthrop Eagles baseball players
Elizabethton Twins players
Beloit Snappers players
Fort Myers Miracle players
New Britain Rock Cats players
Rochester Red Wings players
Columbus Clippers players