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the terminology is debatable, but what happened after Ankiel is not exactly relevant here, especially as Ohtani is a full-time two-way player, unlike Ruth and Ankiel, who both changed their primary positions
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{{short description|American baseball player}}
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1979)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Rick Ankiel
|name = Rick Ankiel
|image = Rick Ankiel (2687725648) (cropped).jpg
|image = Rick Ankiel (2687725648) (cropped).jpg
|image_size = 250
|image_size =
|caption = Ankiel with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008
|caption = Ankiel with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008
|position = [[Center fielder]] / [[Pitcher]]
|position = [[Center fielder]] / [[Pitcher]]
|bats = Left
|bats = Left
|throws = Left
|throws = Left
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|7|19}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|7|19}}
|birth_place = [[Fort Pierce, Florida]]
|birth_place= [[Fort Pierce, Florida]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutleague= MLB
|debutdate = August 23
|debutdate = August 23
|debutyear = 1999
|debutyear = 1999
|debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals
|debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals
|finalleague = MLB
|finalleague= MLB
|finaldate = June 8
|finaldate = June 8
|finalyear = 2013
|finalyear = 2013
|finalteam = New York Mets
|finalteam = New York Mets
|statleague = MLB
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
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* [[Houston Astros]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[Houston Astros]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[New York Mets]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[New York Mets]] ({{mlby|2013}})
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport | Men's [[baseball]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[18U Baseball World Cup|World Junior Baseball Championship]]}}
{{MedalBronze| {{by|1996}} [[Sancti Spíritus]] | [[United States national under-18 baseball team|Team]]}}
}}
}}
'''Richard Alexander Ankiel''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|ŋ|k|iː|l}}; born July 19, 1979) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[center fielder]], [[right fielder]], and [[pitcher]]. Ankiel played in [[Major League Baseball]] from 1999 through 2013 for the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], [[Kansas City Royals]], [[Atlanta Braves]], [[Washington Nationals]], [[Houston Astros]], and [[New York Mets]].
'''Richard Alexander Ankiel''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|ŋ|k|iː|l}}; born July 19, 1979) is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[center fielder]] and [[pitcher]]. He spent most of his [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) career with the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], but also played for the [[Kansas City Royals]], [[Atlanta Braves]], [[Washington Nationals]], [[Houston Astros]], and [[New York Mets]].


Ankiel was a pitcher with the Cardinals from 1999 until 2001, when he found himself unable to throw strikes consistently. After trying to regain his pitching form in the minor leagues and briefly returning to the majors in 2004, he switched to the outfield in early 2005. For two and a half years, he honed his skills as a hitter and fielder in the Cardinals' minor-league system. He returned to the Cardinals on August 9, 2007. As a Cardinal until 2009, Ankiel hit 47 home runs as an outfielder and two as a pitcher. After the 2009 season, Ankiel became a free agent. Subsequently, he was signed by the Royals and later was traded to the Braves.
Ankiel was a pitcher with the Cardinals from 1999 until 2001 when he found himself unable to throw strikes consistently. After trying to regain his pitching form in the minor leagues and briefly returning to the majors in 2004, he switched to the outfield in early 2005. For two and a half years, he honed his skills as a hitter and fielder in the Cardinals' minor-league system. He returned to the Cardinals on August 9, 2007. As a Cardinal until 2009, Ankiel hit 47 home runs as an outfielder and two as a pitcher. After the 2009 season, Ankiel became a free agent. Subsequently, he was signed by the Royals and later was traded to the Braves.


Ankiel became the first player after [[Babe Ruth]] to win at least 10 games as a pitcher and also hit at least 70 home runs. Ankiel is also the only player other than Ruth to both start a postseason game as a pitcher and hit a home run in the postseason as a position player. His change of position, and the fact that he played for six teams in a five-season span, suggest that Ankiel's playing history represents "one of the stranger careers in baseball history" in the words of journalist Barry Petchesky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/the-mets-sign-rick-ankiel-504767974 |title=The Mets Sign Rick Ankiel |website=Deadspin.com |last=Petchesky |first=Barry |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>
Ankiel became the first player after [[Babe Ruth]] to win at least 10 games as a pitcher and also hit at least 70 home runs. Ankiel is also the only player other than Ruth to both start a postseason game as a pitcher and hit a home run in the postseason as a position player. His change of position, and the fact that he played for six teams in a five-season span, suggest that Ankiel's playing history represents "one of the stranger careers in baseball history" in the words of journalist Barry Petchesky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/the-mets-sign-rick-ankiel-504767974 |title=The Mets Sign Rick Ankiel |website=Deadspin.com |last=Petchesky |first=Barry |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>


==Early career==
==Early life and amateur career==
Ankiel was one of three children born to Denise and Richard Ankiel, Sr. His father worked various odd jobs, was arrested 14 times and convicted 6 times by the time Ankiel was an adult. He described his father as very tough on him, making him run wind sprints if he swung at bad pitches in [[Little League]].<ref name="troubles">{{cite news |last1=Jordan |first1=Pat |title=A Mound of Troubles |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home/20010211mag-ankiel.html |access-date=31 March 2023 |work=[[New York Times Magazine]] |date=February 11, 2001}}</ref>

Ankiel attended [[Port St. Lucie High School]] in [[Florida]], where he went 11–1 with a 0.47 [[earned run average]] (ERA) during his senior season, striking out 162 batters in 74 innings pitched,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-02-07/2001-02-07-cover.htm | title=The playing fields offered an escape | publisher=USA Today | date=February 8, 2001 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Nightengale, Bob}}</ref> and was named the [[USA Today High School Baseball Player of the Year|High School Player of the Year]] by ''USA Today'' in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=All-USA High School Baseball Team by USA Today|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/All-USA_Today_High_School_Baseball_Team_Award.shtml|publisher=Baseball Almanac|access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>
Ankiel attended [[Port St. Lucie High School]] in [[Florida]], where he went 11–1 with a 0.47 [[earned run average]] (ERA) during his senior season, striking out 162 batters in 74 innings pitched,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-02-07/2001-02-07-cover.htm | title=The playing fields offered an escape | publisher=USA Today | date=February 8, 2001 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Nightengale, Bob}}</ref> and was named the [[USA Today High School Baseball Player of the Year|High School Player of the Year]] by ''USA Today'' in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=All-USA High School Baseball Team by USA Today|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/All-USA_Today_High_School_Baseball_Team_Award.shtml|publisher=Baseball Almanac|access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>


==Professional career==
The [[St. Louis Cardinals]] selected Ankiel in the second round of the [[1997 Major League Baseball Draft]]. He received a $2.5 million [[signing bonus]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/baseball_signing_bonus.shtml |title=Baseball Signing Bonus |publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref> In 1998, he was voted the best pitching prospect in both the [[Carolina League|Carolina]] and [[Midwest League]], and was the [[Carolina League]]'s All-Star starting pitcher, ''[[Baseball America]]''{{'}}s first-team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher, and the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year. That year, he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts with 222.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rick Ankiel Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ankiel001ric |publisher=Baseball-Reference |access-date=2014-03-06}}</ref>
The [[St. Louis Cardinals]] selected Ankiel in the second round of the [[1997 Major League Baseball Draft]]. He received a $2.5 million [[signing bonus]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/baseball_signing_bonus.shtml |title=Baseball Signing Bonus |publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref> In 1998, he was voted the best pitching prospect in both the [[Carolina League|Carolina]] and [[Midwest League]], and was the [[Carolina League]]'s All-Star starting pitcher, ''[[Baseball America]]''{{'}}s first-team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher, and the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year. That year, he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts with 222.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rick Ankiel Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ankiel001ric |publisher=Baseball-Reference |access-date=2014-03-06}}</ref>


In 1999, Ankiel was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both [[Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award|''Baseball America'']] and [[USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award|''USA Today'']].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://partners.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home/20010211mag-ankiel.html | title=A Mound Of Troubles | work=New York Times | date=February 11, 2001 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Jordan, Pat}}</ref> He was also [[Texas League]] All-Star pitcher, Double-A All-Star starting pitcher, Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Ankiel Timeline|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3009197|work=ESPN.com|access-date=March 6, 2014|date=September 7, 2007}}</ref> and ''Baseball America'' First Team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wmctv.com/story/6798013/rick-ankiel-lights-up-triple-a-in-memphislooks-for-return-to-majors |title=Rick Ankiel Lights Up Triple-A- in Memphis/Looks for Return to Majors |last=Greer |first=Jarvis |website=wmctv.com |access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>
In 1999, Ankiel was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both [[Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award|''Baseball America'']] and [[USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award|''USA Today'']].<ref name="troubles" /> He was also [[Texas League]] All-Star pitcher, Double-A All-Star starting pitcher, Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Ankiel Timeline|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3009197|work=ESPN.com|access-date=March 6, 2014|date=September 7, 2007}}</ref> and ''Baseball America'' First Team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wmctv.com/story/6798013/rick-ankiel-lights-up-triple-a-in-memphislooks-for-return-to-majors |title=Rick Ankiel Lights Up Triple-A- in Memphis/Looks for Return to Majors |last=Greer |first=Jarvis |website=wmctv.com |access-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307224427/http://www.wmctv.com/story/6798013/rick-ankiel-lights-up-triple-a-in-memphislooks-for-return-to-majors |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Major league career==


===1999 and 2000 seasons===
===1999 and 2000 seasons===
Ankiel debuted in 1999 in [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Montreal]], against the [[1999 Montreal Expos season|Expos]]. He pitched his first full season in 2000 at the age of 20 (second youngest player in the league), posting an 11–7 record, a 3.50 [[Earned run average|ERA]] (tenth in the league), and 194 [[strikeout]]s (seventh in the league) in 30 games started.<ref name=data>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ankieri01.shtml Batting and Pitching Splits, Matchups, and Daily Logs] at [https://www.baseball-reference.com Baseball-Reference.com]</ref> Ankiel threw a 94- to 97-mph [[fastball]], a heavy [[Sinker (baseball)|sinker]], and a fall-off-the-table [[curveball]] that was his main strikeout pitch. He struck out batters at a rate of 9.98 strikeouts per nine innings (second in the [[National League]] only to [[Randy Johnson]]), and allowed only 7.05 [[hit (baseball)|hits]] per nine innings (second only to [[Chan Ho Park]]). He came in second (to the [[2000 Atlanta Braves season|Atlanta Braves]]' [[Rafael Furcal]]) in the NL [[Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award#National League winners (1949–present)|Rookie of the Year]] voting.<ref name=data/> He received [[The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award]].
Ankiel debuted in 1999 in [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Montreal]], against the [[1999 Montreal Expos season|Expos]]. He pitched his first full season in 2000 at the age of 20 (second youngest player in the league), posting an 11–7 record, a 3.50 [[Earned run average|ERA]] (tenth in the league), and 194 [[strikeout]]s (seventh in the league) in 30 games started.<ref name=data>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ankieri01.shtml Batting and Pitching Splits, Matchups, and Daily Logs] at [https://www.baseball-reference.com Baseball-Reference.com]</ref> Ankiel threw a 94- to 97-mph [[fastball]], a heavy [[Sinker (baseball)|sinker]], and a fall-off-the-table [[curveball]] that was his main strikeout pitch. He struck out batters at a rate of 9.98 strikeouts per nine innings (second in the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] only to [[Randy Johnson]]), and allowed only 7.05 [[hit (baseball)|hits]] per nine innings (second only to [[Chan Ho Park]]). He came in second (to the [[2000 Atlanta Braves season|Atlanta Braves]]' [[Rafael Furcal]]) in the NL [[Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award#National League winners (1949–present)|Rookie of the Year]] voting.<ref name=data/> He received [[The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award]].


===2000 postseason===
===2000 postseason===
The [[2000 St. Louis Cardinals season|Cardinals]] won the [[National League Central]] Division championship in 2000. Injuries to other pitchers left Ankiel and [[Darryl Kile]] as the only fully healthy starters left on the roster. Cardinals manager [[Tony La Russa]] chose Ankiel to start Game One of the [[2000 National League Division Series|National League Division Series]] against veteran pitcher [[Greg Maddux]] of the Braves. To shield Ankiel from media pressure, La Russa had Kile answer questions to the media as if to start Game One, and afterwards informed the media that Ankiel was starting.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nypost.com/2000/10/11/kile-might-get-chance-to-be-three-mendous/ | title=Kile Might Get Chance to be Three-mendous | publisher=New York Post | date=October 11, 2000 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Lewis, Brian}}</ref>
The [[2000 St. Louis Cardinals season|Cardinals]] won the [[National League Central]] Division championship in 2000. Injuries to other pitchers left Ankiel and [[Darryl Kile]] as the only fully healthy starters left on the roster. Cardinals manager [[Tony La Russa]] chose Ankiel to start game one of the [[2000 National League Division Series|National League Division Series]] against veteran pitcher [[Greg Maddux]] of the Braves. To shield Ankiel from media pressure, La Russa had Kile answer questions to the media as if to start game one, and afterwards informed the media that Ankiel was starting.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nypost.com/2000/10/11/kile-might-get-chance-to-be-three-mendous/ | title=Kile Might Get Chance to be Three-mendous | publisher=New York Post | date=October 11, 2000 | access-date=March 6, 2014 | author=Lewis, Brian}}</ref>


In Game One, Ankiel did not allow a run through the first two innings. His performance suddenly deteriorated in the third. He allowed four runs on two hits, four walks and throwing five [[wild pitch]]es before being removed with two outs. Despite Ankiel facing eight batters and throwing 35 pitches, the Cardinals won the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN200010030.shtml|title=St. Louis Cardinals 7, Atlanta Braves 5|publisher=[[Retrosheet]]|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> Ankiel shrugged off the event, joking that he was the first pitcher to throw five wild pitches in an inning since [[Bert Cunningham]] of the [[Players' League]] in 1890.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/now-in-outfield-ankiel-returns-to-cards/20070809130209990001|title=Now in Outfield, Ankiel Returns to Cards|author=Jim Salter|publisher=AOL Sports|agency=AP|date=August 9, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=July 2012}}</ref>
In game one, Ankiel did not allow a run through the first two innings. His performance suddenly deteriorated in the third. He allowed four runs on two hits, four walks and throwing five [[wild pitch]]es before being removed with two outs. Despite Ankiel facing eight batters and throwing 35 pitches, the Cardinals won the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN200010030.shtml|title=St. Louis Cardinals 7, Atlanta Braves 5|publisher=[[Retrosheet]]|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> Ankiel shrugged off the event, joking that he was the first pitcher to throw five wild pitches in an inning since [[Bert Cunningham]] of the [[Players' League]] in 1890.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/now-in-outfield-ankiel-returns-to-cards/20070809130209990001|title=Now in Outfield, Ankiel Returns to Cards|author=Jim Salter|publisher=AOL Sports|agency=AP|date=August 9, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=July 2012}}</ref>


In his next start, Game Two of the [[2000 National League Championship Series|National League Championship Series]] against the [[2000 New York Mets season|New York Mets]], Ankiel was removed in the first inning after throwing 20 pitches, five of which went past catcher [[Eli Marrero]] (only two were official wild pitches, as no runners were on base for the others), and the first of which sailed over the head of Mets' hitter [[Timo Perez]]. Ankiel appeared again in the seventh inning of Game Five facing four hitters, walking two and throwing two more wild pitches. The Cardinals lost the series four games to one to the Mets.
In his next start, game two of the [[2000 National League Championship Series|National League Championship Series]] against the [[2000 New York Mets season|New York Mets]], Ankiel was removed in the first inning after throwing 20 pitches, five of which went past catcher [[Eli Marrero]] (only two were official wild pitches, as no runners were on base for the others), and the first of which sailed over the head of Mets' hitter [[Timo Perez]]. Ankiel appeared again in the seventh inning of game five facing four hitters, walking two and throwing two more wild pitches. The Cardinals lost the series four games to one to the Mets.


The source of Ankiel's problems were unknown,<ref>{{cite book|last=Difabbio|first=Ronald|title=The Baseball Gods|date=July 1, 2006|publisher=iUniverse}}</ref> and his loss of control, often called "the [[yips]]" in sports, has been compared to that of [[Steve Blass]], who also became unable to consistently throw strikes for unknown reasons. A section of a book about Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, ''Three Nights in August,'' details Ankiel's rise to the big leagues and loss of control as a pitcher in 2000–2001. LaRussa has stated that putting Ankiel into Game One of the 2000 NLDS was "a decision that perhaps haunts him more than any he has ever made."<ref>''Three Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak and Joy Inside the Mind of a Manager'', by Buzz Bissinger, Houghton Mifflin Company; First Mariner Books edition (2006, {{ISBN|978-0-618-71053-9}})</ref>
The source of Ankiel's problems were unknown,<ref>{{cite book|last=Difabbio|first=Ronald|title=The Baseball Gods|date=July 1, 2006|publisher=iUniverse}}</ref> but speculated to be psychological; his father had been sent to federal prison and his parents were divorced during the 2000 season.<ref name="troubles" /> His loss of control, often called "the [[yips]]" in sports, has been compared to that of [[Steve Blass]], who also became unable to consistently throw strikes for unknown reasons. A section of a book about Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, ''Three Nights in August,'' details Ankiel's rise to the big leagues and loss of control as a pitcher in 2000–2001. LaRussa has stated that putting Ankiel into game one of the 2000 NLDS was "a decision that perhaps haunts him more than any he has ever made."<ref>''Three Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak and Joy Inside the Mind of a Manager'', by Buzz Bissinger, Houghton Mifflin Company; First Mariner Books edition (2006, {{ISBN|978-0-618-71053-9}})</ref>


===Control issues (2001–2005)===
===Aftermath===
[[File:Rick Ankiel.jpg|250px|thumb|Ankiel with the [[Swing of the Quad Cities]] in 2005]]
[[File:Rick Ankiel.jpg|250px|thumb|Ankiel with the [[Swing of the Quad Cities]] in 2005]]
Ankiel returned to the majors in 2001 but again had issues controlling his pitches, walking 25 batters and throwing five wild pitches in 24 innings,<ref name=data/> and was sent down to Triple-A. His problems in the minors became dramatic. In {{frac|4|1|3}} innings, Ankiel walked 17 batters and threw 12 wild pitches, accumulating a 20.77 ERA.<ref name=data/> He was demoted all the way down to the Rookie League [[Johnson City Cardinals]], where he was successful as both a starting pitcher and a part-time [[designated hitter]] (sporting a .638 slugging percentage with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs in 105 at-bats).<ref name=data/> He was voted Rookie Level Player of the Year, [[Appalachian League]] All-Star left-handed pitcher, Rookie League All-Star starting pitcher, Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year, and Appalachian League All-Star designated hitter.
Ankiel returned to the majors in 2001 but again had issues controlling his pitches, walking 25 batters and throwing five wild pitches in 24 innings,<ref name=data/> and was sent down to Triple-A. His problems in the minors became dramatic. In {{frac|4|1|3}} innings, Ankiel walked 17 batters and threw 12 wild pitches, accumulating a 20.77 ERA.<ref name=data/> He was demoted all the way down to the Rookie League [[Johnson City Cardinals]], where he was successful as both a starting pitcher and a part-time [[designated hitter]] (sporting a .638 slugging percentage with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs in 105 at-bats).<ref name=data/> He was voted Rookie Level Player of the Year, [[Appalachian League]] All-Star left-handed pitcher, Rookie League All-Star starting pitcher, Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year, and Appalachian League All-Star designated hitter.
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===2006 season===
===2006 season===
In 2006, Ankiel was invited to spring training by the Cardinals as an outfielder, with a slim chance to make the team as a reserve player. His fielding impressed scouts and managers, and he had shown flashes of power hitting in the minor leagues. However, he injured his left knee before the season started, and had season-ending surgery on May 26.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/14/AR2006061402441.html | title=Another Setback in Ankiel's Comeback | work=Washington Post | date=June 15, 2006 | access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>
In 2006, Ankiel was invited to spring training by the Cardinals as an outfielder, with a slim chance to make the team as a reserve player. His fielding impressed scouts and managers, and he had shown flashes of power hitting in the minor leagues. However, he injured his left knee before the season started, and had season-ending surgery on May 26.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/14/AR2006061402441.html | title=Another Setback in Ankiel's Comeback | newspaper=Washington Post | date=June 15, 2006 | access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>


===2007 season===
===2007 season===
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Ankiel was named a starting outfielder for the 2007 [[Triple-A All-Star Game]]. Through August 8, he had 32 home runs, 89 RBIs, and was hitting .267, including a three-home run performance on June 16 against the [[Iowa Cubs]]. He was the home run leader in the [[Pacific Coast League]], and tied for second in RBIs. Defensively, Ankiel had seven errors in 95 games.
Ankiel was named a starting outfielder for the 2007 [[Triple-A All-Star Game]]. Through August 8, he had 32 home runs, 89 RBIs, and was hitting .267, including a three-home run performance on June 16 against the [[Iowa Cubs]]. He was the home run leader in the [[Pacific Coast League]], and tied for second in RBIs. Defensively, Ankiel had seven errors in 95 games.


[[File:Rick Ankiel (1098749633).jpg|280px|thumb|left|Ankiel batting for the [[2007 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals in 2007]]]]
[[File:Rick Ankiel (1098749633).jpg|thumb|right|Ankiel batting for the [[2007 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals in 2007]]]]


====Return to the majors====
====Return to the majors====
On August 9, 2007, the Cardinals promoted Ankiel<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/sports/1028360/cardinals_call_up_ankiel_as_outfielder/|title=Cardinals Call Up Ankiel As Outfielder|author=Jim Salter|publisher=ABC News, ESPN Sports, AP|date=September 9, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2012}}</ref> from Memphis after a roster spot was vacated by [[Scott Spiezio]]'s departure. In his first game, Ankiel batted second and played [[right field]]. In his first at bat, he received a prolonged [[standing ovation]] from the St. Louis crowd. During the seventh inning, he hit a three-run home run off [[Doug Brocail]] to right field to help the Cardinals defeat the [[2007 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]], 5–0. It was his first home run in the majors since April 2000 (as a pitcher), and made him the first player since [[Clint Hartung]] (1947) to hit his first major league home run as a pitcher and then hit a home run as a position player. The player before Hartung who accomplished this was Babe Ruth. After the game, Tony La Russa said that his only happier moment as a Cardinal was when they won the [[2006 World Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270809124 |title=St. Louis 5, San Diego 0 |author=R.B. Fallstrom |publisher=Yahoo! Sports, AP |date=August 9, 2007 |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025072305/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270809124 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> Two days later, against the [[2007 Los Angeles Dodgers season|Dodgers]] on August 11, Ankiel drew three standing ovations. He had three hits, including two home runs and three RBIs and made a spectacular catch in right field.
On August 9, 2007, the Cardinals promoted Ankiel<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/sports/1028360/cardinals_call_up_ankiel_as_outfielder/|title=Cardinals Call Up Ankiel As Outfielder|author=Jim Salter|publisher=ABC News, ESPN Sports, AP|date=September 9, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2012}}</ref> from Memphis after a roster spot was vacated by [[Scott Spiezio]]'s departure. In his first game, Ankiel batted second and played [[right field]]. In his first at bat, he received a prolonged [[standing ovation]] from the St. Louis crowd. During the seventh inning, he hit a three-run home run off [[Doug Brocail]] to right field to help the Cardinals defeat the [[2007 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]], 5–0. It was his first home run in the majors since April 2000 (as a pitcher), and made him the first player since [[Clint Hartung]] (1947) to hit his first major league home run as a pitcher and then hit a home run as a position player. The player before Hartung who accomplished this was Babe Ruth. After the game, Tony La Russa said that his only happier moment as a Cardinal was when they won the [[2006 World Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270809124 |title=St. Louis 5, San Diego 0 |author=R.B. Fallstrom |publisher=Yahoo! Sports, AP |date=August 9, 2007 |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025072305/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270809124 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> Two days later, against the [[2007 Los Angeles Dodgers season|Dodgers]] on August 11, Ankiel drew three standing ovations. He had three hits, including two home runs and three RBIs and made a spectacular catch in right field.


Ankiel's comeback prompted syndicated columnist [[Charles Krauthammer]] to write on August 17, 2007:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/CharlesKrauthammer/2007/08/17/the_natural_returns_to_st_louis|title=The Natural Returns to St. Louis|author=Charles Krauthammer|publisher=[[Townhall.com]]|date=August 17, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref>
Ankiel's comeback prompted syndicated columnist [[Charles Krauthammer]] to write on August 17, 2007:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/CharlesKrauthammer/2007/08/17/the_natural_returns_to_st_louis|title=The Natural Returns to St. Louis|author=Charles Krauthammer|publisher=[[Townhall.com]]|date=August 17, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007|archive-date=January 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109064254/http://townhall.com/columnists/charleskrauthammer/2007/08/17/the_natural_returns_to_st_louis|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{centered pull quote|His return after seven years—if only three days long—is the stuff of legend. Made even more perfect by the timing: Just two days after [[Barry Bonds]] sets a [[Barry Bonds#Chasing the all-time Major League home run record|synthetic home run record]] in [[San Francisco]], the [[The Natural|Natural]] returns to St. Louis.|author=[[Charles Krauthammer]]|source=Townhall.com, 2007}}
{{centered pull quote|His return after seven years—if only three days long—is the stuff of legend. Made even more perfect by the timing: Just two days after [[Barry Bonds]] sets a [[Barry Bonds#Chasing the all-time Major League home run record|synthetic home run record]] in [[San Francisco]], the [[The Natural|Natural]] returns to St. Louis.|author=[[Charles Krauthammer]]|source=Townhall.com, 2007}}


Ankiel hit his first [[grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] in St. Louis against left-hander [[Eddie Guardado]] of the [[2007 Cincinnati Reds season|Cincinnati Reds]] on August 31 with the team trailing, 4–3, for an 8–5 win that broke a tie with [[Red Schoendienst]] for La Russa for most wins by a Cardinals manager. In a home game against the [[2007 Pittsburgh Pirates season|Pittsburgh Pirates]] on September 6, he recorded his second two–home run game of the season with a 3-for-4, 7-RBI effort, along with an over-the-shoulder catch in deep right field. On September 23, Ankiel had his first [[walk-off home run|walk-off]] hit, a two-run triple to win the last ''[[Sunday Night Baseball]]'' game of the season – against the [[2007 Houston Astros season|Astros]], 4–3.
Ankiel hit his first [[grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] in St. Louis against left-hander [[Eddie Guardado]] of the [[2007 Cincinnati Reds season|Cincinnati Reds]] on August 31 with the team trailing, 4–3, for an 8–5 win that broke a tie with [[Red Schoendienst]] for La Russa for most wins by a Cardinals manager. In a home game against the [[2007 Pittsburgh Pirates season|Pittsburgh Pirates]] on September 6, he recorded his second two–home run game of the season with a 3-for-4, 7-RBI effort, along with an over-the-shoulder catch in deep right field. On September 23, Ankiel had his first [[walk-off home run|walk-off]] hit, a two-run triple to win the last ''[[Sunday Night Baseball]]'' game of the season – against the [[2007 Houston Astros season|Astros]], 4–3.


Ankiel finished the year with a .285 batting average, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, a .328 on-base percentage, .535 slugging percentage, and an .863 [[on-base plus slugging|OPS]] in 47 games and 172 at-bats.<ref name=data/> The Cardinals, who had won division titles from 2004–2006 and the 2006 World Series, finished 2007 with a 78–84 record and missed the playoffs.
Ankiel finished the year with a .285 batting average, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, a .328 on-base percentage, .535 slugging percentage, and an .863 [[on-base plus slugging|OPS]] in 47 games and 172 at-bats.<ref name=data/> The Cardinals, who had won division titles from 2004 to 2006 and the 2006 World Series, finished 2007 with a 78–84 record and missed the playoffs.


Following the season, Ankiel admitted to using [[human growth hormone]] (HGH), but said he was following doctor's orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2007/09/08/2007-09-08_rick_ankiel_says_use_of_hgh_was_doctors_-1.html|title=Rick Ankiel says use of HGH was doctor's orders|author=Roger Rubin|work=[[NY Daily News]]|date=September 8, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until 2005.<ref name="conclude">{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320597&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|title=MLB concludes Ankiel investigation|author=Matthew Leach|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=December 6, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> Major League Baseball concluded that there was insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing by Ankiel.<ref name="conclude" /><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320415&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Press Release: Gibbons, Guillen suspended|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=December 6, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref>
Following the season, Ankiel admitted to using [[human growth hormone]] (HGH), but said he was following doctor's orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2007/09/08/2007-09-08_rick_ankiel_says_use_of_hgh_was_doctors_-1.html|title=Rick Ankiel says use of HGH was doctor's orders|author=Roger Rubin|work=[[NY Daily News]]|date=September 8, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until 2005.<ref name="conclude">{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320597&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208014246/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320597&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2007|title=MLB concludes Ankiel investigation|author=Matthew Leach|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=December 6, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> Major League Baseball concluded that there was insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing by Ankiel.<ref name="conclude" /><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320415&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208012632/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320415&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2007|title=Press Release: Gibbons, Guillen suspended|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=December 6, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref>


===2008 season===
===2008 season===
Ankiel helped the Cardinals defeat the [[2008 Colorado Rockies season|Colorado Rockies]] on May 6 by recording two outfield assists and a home run to propel St. Louis to a 6-5 victory. Ankiel, on both assists, threw the ball from deep center field to [[Troy Glaus]] at third on the fly. He finished 2008 with a .264 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], 25 [[home run]]s, and 71 [[runs batted in]].<ref name=data/>
Ankiel helped the Cardinals defeat the [[2008 Colorado Rockies season|Colorado Rockies]] on May 6 by recording two outfield assists and a home run to propel St. Louis to a 6–5 victory. Ankiel, on both assists, threw the ball from deep center field to [[Troy Glaus]] at third on the fly. He finished 2008 with a .264 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], 25 [[home run]]s, and 71 [[runs batted in]].<ref name=data/>


===2009 season===
===2009 season===
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===2010 season===
===2010 season===
In January 2010, Ankiel signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the [[Kansas City Royals]].<ref>[http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/jan/22/rick-ankiel-signs-one-year-contract-plus-option-ro/ Rick Ankiel signs one-year contract plus option with Royals]{{Dead link|date=July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/7953116 |title= Ankiel to play center field for Royals |last= Kaegel |first= Dick |date= January 25, 2012 |department= Royal News |website= royals.mlb.com |series= Hot Stove Report |publisher= MLB Advanced Media, LP |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150121022234/http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/7953116 |archive-date= January 21, 2015 |url-status= live |access-date= July 5, 2017 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> He began the season as the Royals' starting center fielder, but was placed on the disabled list in early May with a strained right quadriceps after playing sparingly from April 24 on.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5163238|title=Strained quadriceps land Ankiel on DL|date=May 4, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2012|work=ESPN.com|agency=AP}}</ref> He was activated on July 23, and replaced an injured [[David DeJesus]] midway through the game in center field.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5403167|title=Jeter hits 2nd career inside-the-park HR|agency=AP|work=ESPN.com|date=July 23, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> On July 31, Ankiel and reliever [[Kyle Farnsworth]] were traded to the Atlanta Braves for [[Jesse Chavez]], [[Gregor Blanco]] and [[Tim Collins (baseball)|Tim Collins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5426623 |title=Royals trade Ankiel, Farnsworth |website=ESPN.com |date=August 1, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>
In January 2010, Ankiel signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the [[Kansas City Royals]].<ref>[http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/jan/22/rick-ankiel-signs-one-year-contract-plus-option-ro/ Rick Ankiel signs one-year contract plus option with Royals]{{Dead link|date=July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/7953116 |title= Ankiel to play center field for Royals |last= Kaegel |first= Dick |date= January 25, 2012 |department= Royal News |website= royals.mlb.com |series= Hot Stove Report |publisher= MLB Advanced Media, LP |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150121022234/http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/7953116 |archive-date= January 21, 2015 |url-status= dead |access-date= July 5, 2017 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> He began the season as the Royals' starting center fielder, but was placed on the disabled list in early May with a strained right quadriceps after playing sparingly from April 24 on.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5163238|title=Strained quadriceps land Ankiel on DL|date=May 4, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2012|work=ESPN.com|agency=AP}}</ref> He was activated on July 23, and replaced an injured [[David DeJesus]] midway through the game in center field.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5403167|title=Jeter hits 2nd career inside-the-park HR|agency=AP|work=ESPN.com|date=July 23, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> On July 31, Ankiel and reliever [[Kyle Farnsworth]] were traded to the Atlanta Braves for [[Jesse Chavez]], [[Gregor Blanco]] and [[Tim Collins (baseball)|Tim Collins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5426623 |title=Royals trade Ankiel, Farnsworth |website=ESPN.com |date=August 1, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>


On October 8, in the second game of the [[2010 National League Division Series|2010 NLDS]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]], Ankiel hit his first career postseason home run into [[McCovey Cove]] off Giants reliever [[Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher)|Ramón Ramírez]] in the top of the 11th inning, leading the Braves to a 5–4 win. Rick joined Barry Bonds as the only two players to hit a ball into the cove in the postseason.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2010/10/9/1739979/giants-vs-braves-nlds-game-2-rick-ankiel-home-run |agency= NLDS |title= Game 2: Rick Ankiel Splashdown Homer In 11th Gives Braves Dramatic Win|author=Jeff Sullivan|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref> Speaking on television after the game, Ankiel called the home run "the pinnacle of anything I've ever done."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-ankiel100910|title=Ankiel's wild ride is finally a blast|author=Tim Brown|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref> He finished the 2010 season with a .232 batting average, 6 home runs, and 24 RBI in only 74 games.
On October 8, in the second game of the [[2010 National League Division Series|2010 NLDS]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]], Ankiel hit his first career postseason home run into [[McCovey Cove]] off Giants reliever [[Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher)|Ramón Ramírez]] in the top of the 11th inning, leading the Braves to a 5–4 win. Rick joined Barry Bonds as the only two players to hit a ball into the cove in the postseason.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2010/10/9/1739979/giants-vs-braves-nlds-game-2-rick-ankiel-home-run |agency= NLDS |title= Game 2: Rick Ankiel Splashdown Homer In 11th Gives Braves Dramatic Win|author=Jeff Sullivan|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref> Speaking on television after the game, Ankiel called the home run "the pinnacle of anything I've ever done."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-ankiel100910|title=Ankiel's wild ride is finally a blast|author=Tim Brown|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref> He finished the 2010 season with a .232 batting average, 6 home runs, and 24 RBI in only 74 games.
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===2012 season===
===2012 season===
The Nationals re-signed Ankiel to a one-year, $1.25 million minor league deal for 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Ankiel agrees to one-year deal with Washington Nationals|url=http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/07/ankiel-agrees-to-one-year-deal-with-nationals/|publisher=Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers|access-date=March 8, 2014|date=February 7, 2012}}</ref> He began the season on the disabled list, rehabbing in the minors. Once promoted, his role was limited as a backup outfielder. In 68 games, he hit .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 158 at-bats. He started 37 games in center field and played 62 total games in center with a .983 fielding percentage. On July 19, Nationals closer [[Drew Storen]] was added to the roster, and Ankiel was [[designated for assignment]] by the Nationals to make room.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8180813/washington-nationals-activate-drew-storen-designate-rick-ankiel|title=Nationals activate Drew Storen|agency=Associated Press|date=July 19, 2012|work=[[ESPN.com]]|access-date=July 19, 2012}}</ref> On July 27, Ankiel was released by the Nationals.
The Nationals re-signed Ankiel to a one-year, $1.25 million minor league deal for 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rick Ankiel agrees to one-year deal with Washington Nationals|url=http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/07/ankiel-agrees-to-one-year-deal-with-nationals/|publisher=Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers|access-date=March 8, 2014|date=February 7, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308130552/http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/feb/07/ankiel-agrees-to-one-year-deal-with-nationals/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He began the season on the disabled list, rehabbing in the minors. Once promoted, his role was limited as a backup outfielder. In 68 games, he hit .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 158 at-bats. He started 37 games in center field and played 62 total games in center with a .983 fielding percentage. On July 19, Nationals closer [[Drew Storen]] was added to the roster, and Ankiel was [[designated for assignment]] by the Nationals to make room.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8180813/washington-nationals-activate-drew-storen-designate-rick-ankiel|title=Nationals activate Drew Storen|agency=Associated Press|date=July 19, 2012|work=[[ESPN.com]]|access-date=July 19, 2012}}</ref> On July 27, Ankiel was released by the Nationals.


===2013 season===
===2013 season===
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===Retirement===
===Retirement===
Ankiel announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on March 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/strike-zone/2014/03/05/rick-ankiel-retires-st-louis-cardinals |title=Rick Ankiel retires, closing out his fascinating career |first=Jay |last=Jaffe |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref>
Ankiel announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on March 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/strike-zone/2014/03/05/rick-ankiel-retires-st-louis-cardinals |title=Rick Ankiel retires, closing out his fascinating career |first=Jay |last=Jaffe |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref>


On January 8, 2015, the [[Washington Nationals]] announced that they had hired Ankiel as a "Life Skills Coordinator." In this role, Ankiel mentors players both at the major league level as well as in the Nationals' [[farm team|farm system]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/01/08/rick-ankiel-hired-as-nationals-newly-created-minor-league-life-skills-coordinator|title=Rick Ankiel hired as Nationals' newly created minor league 'life skills' coordinator|last=Wagner|first=James|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Janes, Chelsea">{{cite news |last=Janes |first=Chelsea |date=September 20, 2015 |title=For Nats and their prospects, Ankiel is a go-to guy for a good chat |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |page=D11 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/in-his-first-season-as-life-skills-coordinator-rick-ankiel-listens/2015/09/18/55a9ba36-530d-11e5-933e-7d06c647a395_story.html}}</ref>
On January 8, 2015, the [[Washington Nationals]] announced that they had hired Ankiel as a "Life Skills Coordinator." In this role, Ankiel mentors players both at the major league level as well as in the Nationals' [[farm team|farm system]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/01/08/rick-ankiel-hired-as-nationals-newly-created-minor-league-life-skills-coordinator|title=Rick Ankiel hired as Nationals' newly created minor league 'life skills' coordinator|last=Wagner|first=James|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Janes, Chelsea">{{cite news |last=Janes |first=Chelsea |date=September 20, 2015 |title=For Nats and their prospects, Ankiel is a go-to guy for a good chat |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |page=D11 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/in-his-first-season-as-life-skills-coordinator-rick-ankiel-listens/2015/09/18/55a9ba36-530d-11e5-933e-7d06c647a395_story.html}}</ref>
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In April 2017, Ankiel's memoir, ''The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life'', was published.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life |first=Rick |last=Ankiel |publisher=[[PublicAffairs]] |date=2017 |isbn=978-1610396868 }}</ref>
In April 2017, Ankiel's memoir, ''The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life'', was published.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life |first=Rick |last=Ankiel |publisher=[[PublicAffairs]] |date=2017 |isbn=978-1610396868 }}</ref>


In August 2018, Ankiel stated that he was "toying with" the idea of possibly pitching in professional baseball again.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rick-ankiel-to-attempt-comeback/c-288544452 |title=This 39-year-old is attempting a comeback |first=Matt |last=Kelly |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref> Later that month, Ankiel announced that he was planning a return to Major League Baseball for the 2019 season as a pitcher.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789819-rick-ankiel-announces-hes-attempting-mlb-comeback-as-relief-pitcher-in-2019|title = Rick Ankiel Announces He's Attempting MLB Comeback as Relief Pitcher in 2019}}</ref> In October, he underwent "primary repair" surgery, an alternative to Tommy John surgery, in his pitching elbow.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adler |first1=David |title=Rick Ankiel comeback delayed by elbow surgery |url=https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/rick-ankiel-comeback-delayed-by-elbow-surgery-c300387026 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=MLB.com |date=November 7, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Ankiel officially ended his comeback attempt on July 30, 2019. He was eligible to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2019, but received less than 5% of the vote and became ineligible for the 2020 ballot.
In August 2018, Ankiel stated that he was "toying with" the idea of possibly pitching in professional baseball again.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rick-ankiel-to-attempt-comeback/c-288544452 |title=This 39-year-old is attempting a comeback |first=Matt |last=Kelly |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref> Later that month, Ankiel announced that he was planning a return to Major League Baseball for the 2019 season as a pitcher.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789819-rick-ankiel-announces-hes-attempting-mlb-comeback-as-relief-pitcher-in-2019|title = Rick Ankiel Announces He's Attempting MLB Comeback as Relief Pitcher in 2019| website=[[Bleacher Report]] }}</ref> In October, he underwent "primary repair" surgery, an alternative to Tommy John surgery, in his pitching elbow.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adler |first1=David |title=Rick Ankiel comeback delayed by elbow surgery |url=https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/rick-ankiel-comeback-delayed-by-elbow-surgery-c300387026 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=MLB.com |date=November 7, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Ankiel officially ended his comeback attempt on July 30, 2019. He was eligible to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2019, but received less than 5% of the vote and became ineligible for the 2020 ballot.


After retiring, Ankiel became a commentator and studio analyst for [[Bally Sports Midwest]], frequently joining [[Dan McLaughlin]] in calling Cardinals games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2017-04-20/former-st-louis-cardinals-pitcher-turned-outfielder-rick-ankiel-reflects-on-pressures-of-mlb-play|title=Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel reflects on pressures of MLB play}}</ref>
After retiring, Ankiel became a commentator and studio analyst for [[Bally Sports Midwest]], frequently joining [[Dan McLaughlin]] in calling Cardinals games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2017-04-20/former-st-louis-cardinals-pitcher-turned-outfielder-rick-ankiel-reflects-on-pressures-of-mlb-play|title=Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel reflects on pressures of MLB play}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Ankiel's father was sentenced to six years in federal prison for drug smuggling in March 2000. His parents were divorced the same year.<ref name="troubles" />
Ankiel lives in [[Jupiter, Florida]] with wife, Lory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?roster_year=2009&player_id=150449&c_id=stl|title=Rick Ankiel Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights|publisher=Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com|date=June 19, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> They have two sons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jg-tc.com/sports/baseball/kindred-is-rick-ankiel-through-with-comebacks-maybe/article_5c53fec7-2304-5f00-839b-968ed70a6083.html|title=Kindred: Is Rick Ankiel through with comebacks? Maybe}}</ref> He periodically joins Cardinals television broadcasts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/subscriber/media-views-versatile-rick-ankiel-plays-another-position-analyst-in-cards-television-booth/article_36f468c2-0eb6-57a6-a255-34d98431005a.html|title=Media Views: Versatile Rick Ankiel plays another position — analyst in Cards' television booth}}</ref>

Ankiel lives in [[Jupiter, Florida]] with wife, Lory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?roster_year=2009&player_id=150449&c_id=stl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007213734/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?roster_year=2009&player_id=150449&c_id=stl|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2012|title=Rick Ankiel Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights|publisher=Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com|date=June 19, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> They have two sons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jg-tc.com/sports/baseball/kindred-is-rick-ankiel-through-with-comebacks-maybe/article_5c53fec7-2304-5f00-839b-968ed70a6083.html|title=Kindred: Is Rick Ankiel through with comebacks? Maybe|date=July 24, 2019 }}</ref> He periodically joins Cardinals television broadcasts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/subscriber/media-views-versatile-rick-ankiel-plays-another-position-analyst-in-cards-television-booth/article_36f468c2-0eb6-57a6-a255-34d98431005a.html|title=Media Views: Versatile Rick Ankiel plays another position — analyst in Cards' television booth|date=June 4, 2021 }}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
Line 156: Line 164:
{{Baseballstats |mlb=150449 |espn=4159 |br=a/ankieri01 |fangraphs=1142|brm=ankiel001ric}}
{{Baseballstats |mlb=150449 |espn=4159 |br=a/ankieri01 |fangraphs=1142|brm=ankiel001ric}}
* [http://rickankielonline.com/ Ankiel's Official Website]
* [http://rickankielonline.com/ Ankiel's Official Website]
* [http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/ankieri01.php Baseball Prospectus stats]
* [http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/ankieri01.php Baseball Prospectus stats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004023107/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/ankieri01.php |date=October 4, 2017 }}
* [http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=8&c=1&nid=2900079 Rick Ankiel's page at stlcardinals.scout.com]
* [http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=8&c=1&nid=2900079 Rick Ankiel's page at stlcardinals.scout.com]

{{S-start}}
{{s-hon}}
{{Succession box
| title = Youngest Player in the<br />[[National League]]
| years = 1999
| before = [[Adrián Beltré]]<br />1998
| after = [[Corey Patterson]]<br />2000
}}
{{S-end}}


{{Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{Sporting News MLB Rookie of the year}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ankiel, Rick}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ankiel, Rick}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Fort Pierce, Florida]]
[[Category:Arkansas Travelers players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball center fielders]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from St. Lucie County, Florida]]
[[Category:Gulf Coast Nationals players]]
[[Category:Hagerstown Suns players]]
[[Category:Harrisburg Senators players]]
[[Category:Houston Astros players]]
[[Category:Houston Astros players]]
[[Category:Johnson City Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball center fielders]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Memphis Redbirds players]]
[[Category:New York Mets players]]
[[Category:New York Mets players]]
[[Category:Omaha Royals players]]
[[Category:Palm Beach Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Palm Beach Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Memphis Redbirds players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Fort Pierce, Florida]]
[[Category:Springfield Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Tennessee Smokies players]]
[[Category:Arkansas Travelers players]]
[[Category:Peoria Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Peoria Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Johnson City Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Prince William Cannons players]]
[[Category:Prince William Cannons players]]
[[Category:Savannah Bananas players]]
[[Category:Springfield Cardinals players]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Swing of the Quad Cities players]]
[[Category:Swing of the Quad Cities players]]
[[Category:Syracuse Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Syracuse Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Omaha Royals players]]
[[Category:Tennessee Smokies players]]
[[Category:Harrisburg Senators players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Gulf Coast Nationals players]]
[[Category:Hagerstown Suns players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Florida]]

Latest revision as of 22:16, 20 October 2024

Rick Ankiel
Ankiel with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008
Center fielder / Pitcher
Born: (1979-07-19) July 19, 1979 (age 45)
Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
August 23, 1999, for the St. Louis Cardinals
Last MLB appearance
June 8, 2013, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Batting average.240
Home runs76
Runs batted in251
Win–loss record13–10
Earned run average3.90
Strikeouts269
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
World Junior Baseball Championship
Bronze medal – third place 1996 Sancti Spíritus Team

Richard Alexander Ankiel (/ˈæŋkl/; born July 19, 1979) is an American former professional baseball center fielder and pitcher. He spent most of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the St. Louis Cardinals, but also played for the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and New York Mets.

Ankiel was a pitcher with the Cardinals from 1999 until 2001 when he found himself unable to throw strikes consistently. After trying to regain his pitching form in the minor leagues and briefly returning to the majors in 2004, he switched to the outfield in early 2005. For two and a half years, he honed his skills as a hitter and fielder in the Cardinals' minor-league system. He returned to the Cardinals on August 9, 2007. As a Cardinal until 2009, Ankiel hit 47 home runs as an outfielder and two as a pitcher. After the 2009 season, Ankiel became a free agent. Subsequently, he was signed by the Royals and later was traded to the Braves.

Ankiel became the first player after Babe Ruth to win at least 10 games as a pitcher and also hit at least 70 home runs. Ankiel is also the only player other than Ruth to both start a postseason game as a pitcher and hit a home run in the postseason as a position player. His change of position, and the fact that he played for six teams in a five-season span, suggest that Ankiel's playing history represents "one of the stranger careers in baseball history" in the words of journalist Barry Petchesky.[1]

Early life and amateur career

[edit]

Ankiel was one of three children born to Denise and Richard Ankiel, Sr. His father worked various odd jobs, was arrested 14 times and convicted 6 times by the time Ankiel was an adult. He described his father as very tough on him, making him run wind sprints if he swung at bad pitches in Little League.[2]

Ankiel attended Port St. Lucie High School in Florida, where he went 11–1 with a 0.47 earned run average (ERA) during his senior season, striking out 162 batters in 74 innings pitched,[3] and was named the High School Player of the Year by USA Today in 1997.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Ankiel in the second round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft. He received a $2.5 million signing bonus.[5] In 1998, he was voted the best pitching prospect in both the Carolina and Midwest League, and was the Carolina League's All-Star starting pitcher, Baseball America's first-team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher, and the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year. That year, he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts with 222.[6]

In 1999, Ankiel was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today.[2] He was also Texas League All-Star pitcher, Double-A All-Star starting pitcher, Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year,[7] and Baseball America First Team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher.[8]

1999 and 2000 seasons

[edit]

Ankiel debuted in 1999 in Montreal, against the Expos. He pitched his first full season in 2000 at the age of 20 (second youngest player in the league), posting an 11–7 record, a 3.50 ERA (tenth in the league), and 194 strikeouts (seventh in the league) in 30 games started.[9] Ankiel threw a 94- to 97-mph fastball, a heavy sinker, and a fall-off-the-table curveball that was his main strikeout pitch. He struck out batters at a rate of 9.98 strikeouts per nine innings (second in the National League only to Randy Johnson), and allowed only 7.05 hits per nine innings (second only to Chan Ho Park). He came in second (to the Atlanta Braves' Rafael Furcal) in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.[9] He received The Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award.

2000 postseason

[edit]

The Cardinals won the National League Central Division championship in 2000. Injuries to other pitchers left Ankiel and Darryl Kile as the only fully healthy starters left on the roster. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa chose Ankiel to start game one of the National League Division Series against veteran pitcher Greg Maddux of the Braves. To shield Ankiel from media pressure, La Russa had Kile answer questions to the media as if to start game one, and afterwards informed the media that Ankiel was starting.[10]

In game one, Ankiel did not allow a run through the first two innings. His performance suddenly deteriorated in the third. He allowed four runs on two hits, four walks and throwing five wild pitches before being removed with two outs. Despite Ankiel facing eight batters and throwing 35 pitches, the Cardinals won the game.[11] Ankiel shrugged off the event, joking that he was the first pitcher to throw five wild pitches in an inning since Bert Cunningham of the Players' League in 1890.[12]

In his next start, game two of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Ankiel was removed in the first inning after throwing 20 pitches, five of which went past catcher Eli Marrero (only two were official wild pitches, as no runners were on base for the others), and the first of which sailed over the head of Mets' hitter Timo Perez. Ankiel appeared again in the seventh inning of game five facing four hitters, walking two and throwing two more wild pitches. The Cardinals lost the series four games to one to the Mets.

The source of Ankiel's problems were unknown,[13] but speculated to be psychological; his father had been sent to federal prison and his parents were divorced during the 2000 season.[2] His loss of control, often called "the yips" in sports, has been compared to that of Steve Blass, who also became unable to consistently throw strikes for unknown reasons. A section of a book about Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, Three Nights in August, details Ankiel's rise to the big leagues and loss of control as a pitcher in 2000–2001. LaRussa has stated that putting Ankiel into game one of the 2000 NLDS was "a decision that perhaps haunts him more than any he has ever made."[14]

Control issues (2001–2005)

[edit]
Ankiel with the Swing of the Quad Cities in 2005

Ankiel returned to the majors in 2001 but again had issues controlling his pitches, walking 25 batters and throwing five wild pitches in 24 innings,[9] and was sent down to Triple-A. His problems in the minors became dramatic. In 4+13 innings, Ankiel walked 17 batters and threw 12 wild pitches, accumulating a 20.77 ERA.[9] He was demoted all the way down to the Rookie League Johnson City Cardinals, where he was successful as both a starting pitcher and a part-time designated hitter (sporting a .638 slugging percentage with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs in 105 at-bats).[9] He was voted Rookie Level Player of the Year, Appalachian League All-Star left-handed pitcher, Rookie League All-Star starting pitcher, Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year, and Appalachian League All-Star designated hitter.

In 2002, Ankiel sat out the season due to a left elbow sprain, and was not cleared to throw until December. He returned to the minors in 2003, posting a 6.29 ERA in 10 starts[9] before undergoing season-ending ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) for his left elbow in July. In 54+13 innings, he walked 49 batters and threw 10 wild pitches.[9]

Ankiel returned to the majors in September 2004, posting a 5.40 ERA in five relief appearances. Ankiel's control problems appeared to be gone, as he walked just one while striking out nine in ten innings.[9] In the minors, he walked only two batters in 23+23 innings, while striking out 23. However, on March 9, 2005, after a successful winter pitching in the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League, Ankiel announced that he was switching to the outfield,[15] after a spring training game in which he threw only three strikes out of 20 pitches. He slugged .514 in Single-A, and .515 in Double-A, with 5 outfield assists in 55 games.

2006 season

[edit]

In 2006, Ankiel was invited to spring training by the Cardinals as an outfielder, with a slim chance to make the team as a reserve player. His fielding impressed scouts and managers, and he had shown flashes of power hitting in the minor leagues. However, he injured his left knee before the season started, and had season-ending surgery on May 26.[16]

2007 season

[edit]

Ankiel was invited to the Cardinals' 2007 spring training and began that season at Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. On May 28, 2007, he hit two home runs in a game against the Round Rock Express. He also hit an RBI double and made an over-the-shoulder catch in deep center field that saved two runs.

Ankiel was named a starting outfielder for the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game. Through August 8, he had 32 home runs, 89 RBIs, and was hitting .267, including a three-home run performance on June 16 against the Iowa Cubs. He was the home run leader in the Pacific Coast League, and tied for second in RBIs. Defensively, Ankiel had seven errors in 95 games.

Ankiel batting for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007

Return to the majors

[edit]

On August 9, 2007, the Cardinals promoted Ankiel[17] from Memphis after a roster spot was vacated by Scott Spiezio's departure. In his first game, Ankiel batted second and played right field. In his first at bat, he received a prolonged standing ovation from the St. Louis crowd. During the seventh inning, he hit a three-run home run off Doug Brocail to right field to help the Cardinals defeat the San Diego Padres, 5–0. It was his first home run in the majors since April 2000 (as a pitcher), and made him the first player since Clint Hartung (1947) to hit his first major league home run as a pitcher and then hit a home run as a position player. The player before Hartung who accomplished this was Babe Ruth. After the game, Tony La Russa said that his only happier moment as a Cardinal was when they won the 2006 World Series.[18] Two days later, against the Dodgers on August 11, Ankiel drew three standing ovations. He had three hits, including two home runs and three RBIs and made a spectacular catch in right field.

Ankiel's comeback prompted syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer to write on August 17, 2007:[19]

His return after seven years—if only three days long—is the stuff of legend. Made even more perfect by the timing: Just two days after Barry Bonds sets a synthetic home run record in San Francisco, the Natural returns to St. Louis.

— Charles Krauthammer, Townhall.com, 2007

Ankiel hit his first grand slam in St. Louis against left-hander Eddie Guardado of the Cincinnati Reds on August 31 with the team trailing, 4–3, for an 8–5 win that broke a tie with Red Schoendienst for La Russa for most wins by a Cardinals manager. In a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 6, he recorded his second two–home run game of the season with a 3-for-4, 7-RBI effort, along with an over-the-shoulder catch in deep right field. On September 23, Ankiel had his first walk-off hit, a two-run triple to win the last Sunday Night Baseball game of the season – against the Astros, 4–3.

Ankiel finished the year with a .285 batting average, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, a .328 on-base percentage, .535 slugging percentage, and an .863 OPS in 47 games and 172 at-bats.[9] The Cardinals, who had won division titles from 2004 to 2006 and the 2006 World Series, finished 2007 with a 78–84 record and missed the playoffs.

Following the season, Ankiel admitted to using human growth hormone (HGH), but said he was following doctor's orders.[20] HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until 2005.[21] Major League Baseball concluded that there was insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing by Ankiel.[21][22]

2008 season

[edit]

Ankiel helped the Cardinals defeat the Colorado Rockies on May 6 by recording two outfield assists and a home run to propel St. Louis to a 6–5 victory. Ankiel, on both assists, threw the ball from deep center field to Troy Glaus at third on the fly. He finished 2008 with a .264 batting average, 25 home runs, and 71 runs batted in.[9]

2009 season

[edit]

Ankiel was the Cardinals' leading hitter in spring training but struggled at the plate when the season started. During a May 4 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ankiel collided with the outfield wall and was carried off the field. The injury was reported as whiplash, and Ankiel was placed on the disabled list on May 7.[23] He was re-activated on May 24.[24] Ankiel platooned with Colby Rasmus for much of the remainder of the year and finished the season with 11 home runs, 38 RBI, and a .231 batting average.[9]

2010 season

[edit]

In January 2010, Ankiel signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Kansas City Royals.[25][26] He began the season as the Royals' starting center fielder, but was placed on the disabled list in early May with a strained right quadriceps after playing sparingly from April 24 on.[27] He was activated on July 23, and replaced an injured David DeJesus midway through the game in center field.[28] On July 31, Ankiel and reliever Kyle Farnsworth were traded to the Atlanta Braves for Jesse Chavez, Gregor Blanco and Tim Collins.[29]

On October 8, in the second game of the 2010 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, Ankiel hit his first career postseason home run into McCovey Cove off Giants reliever Ramón Ramírez in the top of the 11th inning, leading the Braves to a 5–4 win. Rick joined Barry Bonds as the only two players to hit a ball into the cove in the postseason.[30] Speaking on television after the game, Ankiel called the home run "the pinnacle of anything I've ever done."[31] He finished the 2010 season with a .232 batting average, 6 home runs, and 24 RBI in only 74 games.

2011 season

[edit]
Ankiel with the Washington Nationals in 2011 spring training

On November 2, 2010, the Braves declined Ankiel's club option, making him a free agent.[32] On December 20, 2010, the Washington Nationals signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Ankiel played in 122 games for the Nationals in 2011, hitting .239 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs while platooning in center field with Roger Bernadina. He had a .996 fielding percentage for the season, committing one error in 113 games in the outfield.[33]

2012 season

[edit]

The Nationals re-signed Ankiel to a one-year, $1.25 million minor league deal for 2012.[34] He began the season on the disabled list, rehabbing in the minors. Once promoted, his role was limited as a backup outfielder. In 68 games, he hit .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 158 at-bats. He started 37 games in center field and played 62 total games in center with a .983 fielding percentage. On July 19, Nationals closer Drew Storen was added to the roster, and Ankiel was designated for assignment by the Nationals to make room.[35] On July 27, Ankiel was released by the Nationals.

2013 season

[edit]
Ankiel with the Mets in 2013

On January 17, 2013, the Houston Astros signed Ankiel with an invite to spring training as a non-roster invitee. On March 31, Ankiel homered in the Astros' regular season opener against the Texas Rangers in Houston. He was designated for assignment on May 6 and released shortly thereafter.

One week later on May 13, the New York Mets signed Ankiel and immediately placed him into their starting lineup. He collected two hits, including a two-run homer, against the Cardinals in St. Louis on May 15.[36]

His offensive production regressed, and following an 0-for-4, three-strikeout performance against the Miami Marlins on June 8 (giving him a combined 60 strikeouts in 128 at-bats for the season), Ankiel was designated for assignment by the Mets. He became a free agent on June 13. In 45 games, he batted .188 with 7 home runs and 18 RBI and a .422 slugging percentage.

Retirement

[edit]

Ankiel announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on March 5, 2014.[37]

On January 8, 2015, the Washington Nationals announced that they had hired Ankiel as a "Life Skills Coordinator." In this role, Ankiel mentors players both at the major league level as well as in the Nationals' farm system.[38][39]

In April 2017, Ankiel's memoir, The Phenomenon: Pressure, The Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life, was published.[40]

In August 2018, Ankiel stated that he was "toying with" the idea of possibly pitching in professional baseball again.[41] Later that month, Ankiel announced that he was planning a return to Major League Baseball for the 2019 season as a pitcher.[42] In October, he underwent "primary repair" surgery, an alternative to Tommy John surgery, in his pitching elbow.[43] Ankiel officially ended his comeback attempt on July 30, 2019. He was eligible to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2019, but received less than 5% of the vote and became ineligible for the 2020 ballot.

After retiring, Ankiel became a commentator and studio analyst for Bally Sports Midwest, frequently joining Dan McLaughlin in calling Cardinals games.[44]

Personal life

[edit]

Ankiel's father was sentenced to six years in federal prison for drug smuggling in March 2000. His parents were divorced the same year.[2]

Ankiel lives in Jupiter, Florida with wife, Lory.[45] They have two sons.[46] He periodically joins Cardinals television broadcasts.[47]

[edit]

The 2016 film, The Phenom, starring Ethan Hawke, Johnny Simmons, and Paul Giamatti, is loosely based on Ankiel's personal life and professional struggles. [48]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Petchesky, Barry (May 13, 2013). "The Mets Sign Rick Ankiel". Deadspin.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d Jordan, Pat (February 11, 2001). "A Mound of Troubles". New York Times Magazine. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  3. ^ Nightengale, Bob (February 8, 2001). "The playing fields offered an escape". USA Today. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  4. ^ "All-USA High School Baseball Team by USA Today". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  5. ^ "Baseball Signing Bonus". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  6. ^ "Rick Ankiel Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  7. ^ "Rick Ankiel Timeline". ESPN.com. September 7, 2007. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  8. ^ Greer, Jarvis. "Rick Ankiel Lights Up Triple-A- in Memphis/Looks for Return to Majors". wmctv.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Batting and Pitching Splits, Matchups, and Daily Logs at Baseball-Reference.com
  10. ^ Lewis, Brian (October 11, 2000). "Kile Might Get Chance to be Three-mendous". New York Post. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  11. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals 7, Atlanta Braves 5". Retrosheet. October 3, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  12. ^ Jim Salter (August 9, 2007). "Now in Outfield, Ankiel Returns to Cards". AOL Sports. AP. Retrieved December 14, 2007.[dead link]
  13. ^ Difabbio, Ronald (July 1, 2006). The Baseball Gods. iUniverse.
  14. ^ Three Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak and Joy Inside the Mind of a Manager, by Buzz Bissinger, Houghton Mifflin Company; First Mariner Books edition (2006, ISBN 978-0-618-71053-9)
  15. ^ Matthew Leach (March 9, 2005). "Ankiel to switch from mound to outfield". MLB.com. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  16. ^ "Another Setback in Ankiel's Comeback". Washington Post. June 15, 2006. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  17. ^ Jim Salter (September 9, 2007). "Cardinals Call Up Ankiel As Outfielder". ABC News, ESPN Sports, AP. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  18. ^ R.B. Fallstrom (August 9, 2007). "St. Louis 5, San Diego 0". Yahoo! Sports, AP. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  19. ^ Charles Krauthammer (August 17, 2007). "The Natural Returns to St. Louis". Townhall.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  20. ^ Roger Rubin (September 8, 2007). "Rick Ankiel says use of HGH was doctor's orders". NY Daily News. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  21. ^ a b Matthew Leach (December 6, 2007). "MLB concludes Ankiel investigation". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  22. ^ "Press Release: Gibbons, Guillen suspended". MLB.com (Press release). December 6, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  23. ^ "Ankiel placed on DL in wake of collision: Outfielder out with shoulder contusion; Robinson called up". MLB.com. May 7, 2007. Archived from the original on May 10, 2009.
  24. ^ "Yahoo Sports 2009 Game Log". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  25. ^ Rick Ankiel signs one-year contract plus option with Royals[dead link]
  26. ^ Kaegel, Dick (January 25, 2012). "Ankiel to play center field for Royals". Royal News. royals.mlb.com. Hot Stove Report. MLB Advanced Media, LP. Archived from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  27. ^ "Strained quadriceps land Ankiel on DL". ESPN.com. AP. May 4, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  28. ^ "Jeter hits 2nd career inside-the-park HR". ESPN.com. AP. July 23, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
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