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{{short description|American baseball pitcher (born 1980)}}
{{RefimproveBLP|date=July 2009}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox MLB player
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
| name = Josh Beckett
{{Infobox baseball biography
| image = Josh beckett on the mound.jpg
|name = Josh Beckett
| width = 300
|image = File:Josh Beckett (5659884427).jpg
| caption = Beckett on the mound pitching for the Red Sox.
|image_size = 250px
| team = Boston Red Sox
|caption = Beckett with the Red Sox in 2011
| number = 19
| position = [[Starting Pitcher]]
|position = [[Pitcher]]
| birthdate = {{Birth date and age|1980|5|15}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|5|15}}
| birthplace = {{city-state|Spring|Texas}}
|birth_place = [[Spring, Texas]], U.S.
| bats = Right
|bats = Right
| throws = Right
|throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = September 4
|debutdate = September 4
| debutyear = 2001
| debutteam = Florida Marlins
|debutyear = 2001
|debutteam = Florida Marlins
|finalleague = MLB
| statyear = October 24, 2009
|finaldate=August 3
| stat1label = [[Win (baseball)|Win-Loss]]
|finalyear=2014
| stat1value = 106-68<ref name="boston.redsox.mlb.com">http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=277417</ref>
|finalteam=Los Angeles Dodgers
| stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
|statleague = MLB
| stat2value = 3.79<ref name="boston.redsox.mlb.com"/>
|stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
| stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
|stat1value = 138–106
| stat3value = 1330<ref name="boston.redsox.mlb.com"/>
|stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
| teams = <nowiki></nowiki>
|stat2value = 3.88
*[[Florida Marlins]] ({{By|2001}}-{{By|2005}})
|stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
*[[Boston Red Sox]] ({{By|2006}}-present)
|stat3value = 1,901
| awards = <nowiki></nowiki>
|teams =
*[[World Series MVP Award|World Series MVP]] (2003)
* [[Florida Marlins]] ({{mlby|2001}}–{{mlby|2005}})
*2x [[American League]] [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] (2007,2009)
* [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2012}})
*[[2007 American League Championship Series|ALCS MVP]] (2007)
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2014}})
*2x [[World Series]] champion ([[2003 World Series|2003]], [[2007 World Series|2007]])
|awards =
* 3× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2007]], [[2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2009]], [[2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2011]])
* 2× [[World Series]] champion ([[2003 World Series|2003]], [[2007 World Series|2007]])
* [[World Series MVP Award|World Series MVP]] (2003)
* [[American League Championship Series MVP|ALCS MVP]] ({{alcsy|2007}})
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders|MLB wins leader]] (2007)
* Pitched a [[no-hitter]] on May 25, 2014
}}
}}

'''Joshua Patrick Beckett''' (born May 15, 1980, in {{city-state|Spring|Texas}}) is a [[Major League Baseball]] [[right-handed]] [[starting pitcher]] for the [[Boston Red Sox]]. During his career in the playoffs, he won the 2003 [[World Series MVP Award]] with the [[Florida Marlins]], and received the [[2007 American League Championship Series|2007 ALCS]] MVP award with the Red Sox.
'''Joshua Patrick Beckett''' (born May 15, 1980) is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). A three-time [[MLB All-Star]], he played for the [[Florida Marlins]], the [[Boston Red Sox]], and the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].

After a stellar high school career in which he was regarded as one of the top baseball prospects in the U.S., Beckett was drafted by the Marlins with the second overall pick in the [[1999 MLB draft]]. He won the [[2003 World Series]] with the Marlins and the [[2007 World Series]] with the Red Sox, receiving the [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award|2003 World Series MVP award]] and the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|2007 American League Championship Series MVP award]]. Beckett was traded from the Marlins to the Red Sox in 2006 and from the Red Sox to the Dodgers in 2012, both as part of multi-player transactions.

Beckett recovered from a serious injury that caused him to miss most of the 2013 season. He pitched a [[no-hitter]] for the Dodgers against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] on May 25, 2014, becoming the [[List of Los Angeles Dodgers no-hitters|19th man in Dodgers history to pitch a no-hitter]]. However, his season was again cut short due to an injury, and he announced his retirement on October 7, 2014.

==Early life==
Beckett grew up idolizing fellow Texans [[Nolan Ryan]] and [[Roger Clemens]].<ref name="Draft flashback">{{cite web|last=McTaggert|first=Brian|date=May 26, 2014|title=Draft Flashback: Josh Beckett Emerges As Latest Texas Fireballer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914042822/http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/draft-flashback-josh-beckett-emerges-as-latest-texas-fireballer/|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/draft-flashback-josh-beckett-emerges-as-latest-texas-fireballer/|archive-date=September 14, 2014|access-date=June 21, 2014|work=[[Baseball America]]}}</ref> As a youth, he starred on [[Little League]] All-Star teams.<ref name="jockbio">{{cite web|title=Josh Beckett — Biography|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Beckett/Beckett_bio.html|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=Jockbio|archive-date=June 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602201311/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Beckett/Beckett_bio.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later attended [[Spring High School]] in [[Spring, Texas]]. He had trouble with grades and with paying attention to his coach during his freshman year, so his coach in frustration threw Beckett off the team.<ref name="McCord">{{cite web|last=McCord|first=Jeff|date=April 1999|title=Pitching Josh Beckett|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/content/pitching-josh-beckett|access-date=June 21, 2014|work=[[Texas Monthly]]}}</ref> He experienced a growth spurt before his sophomore year and added speed to his [[fastball]].<ref name ="Draft flashback"/> He also raised his [[Grade point average|GPA]] and was able to get back on the team, where he had a 9–3 [[Win–loss record (pitching)|record]] with a 1.18 [[earned run average]] (ERA) as a sophomore, tossing three [[no-hitters]].<ref name="McCord"/>

As a high school junior, Beckett was ranked by ''[[Baseball America]]'' as the top high school prospect in the nation, and his team as the top high school baseball team. He compiled a 13–2 record and [[strikeout|struck out]] 2.1 [[Batting (baseball)|batters]] per inning while [[walk (baseball)|walking]] only 20 batters all season.<ref name="McCord"/> His high school coach said, "I’ve never seen a pitcher with his ability—ever."<ref name="McCord"/>
In his senior season, Beckett, by this point nicknamed "Kid Heat,"<ref name ="Draft flashback"/> was named the High School player of the year by [[USA Today]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Krider|first=Dave|date=July 3, 1999|title=Beckett named player of the year|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/preps/baseball/99allusa.htm|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Beckett signed a letter of intent to pitch for [[Texas A&M University]],<ref>{{cite web|date=October 26, 2007|title=REWIND: Josh Beckett, Part 2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112060517/https://ssbaseball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=479262|url=https://ssbaseball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=479262|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=Rivals}}</ref> but he and [[Josh Hamilton]] were seen as the top two players available in the [[1999 Major League Baseball draft]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pearlman|first=Jeff|date=April 12, 2004|title=180 Degrees Of Separation In 1999 Josh Hamilton and Josh Beckett were so close in talent and potential that they were drafted 1 and 2. Now they're worlds apart|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2004/04/12/367411/180-degrees-of-separation-in-1999-josh-hamilton-and-josh-beckett-were-so-close-in-talent-and-potential-that-they-were-drafted-1-and-2-now-theyre-worlds-apart|access-date=June 22, 2014|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> Concerned about Beckett's perceived arrogance, the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] chose Hamilton with the first pick.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=John|date=May 31, 2009|title=Tampa Bay Rays' pick of Josh Hamilton over Josh Beckett is looking smarter 10 years later|url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/tampa-bay-rays-pick-of-josh-hamilton-over-josh-beckett-is-looking-smarter/1006065|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606103023/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/tampa-bay-rays-pick-of-josh-hamilton-over-josh-beckett-is-looking-smarter/1006065|archive-date=June 6, 2014|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> Beckett, meanwhile, was chosen with the second pick by the [[Florida Marlins]]. Marlins [[Scout (sport)|scouting director]] [[Al Avila]] said at the time, "Beckett has good size and has an overpowering fastball. He's a bulldog on the mound."<ref name=sun/> Showing his confidence, Beckett predicted that he would make it to the major leagues within two years and play in an All-Star game by 2001.<ref name="sun">{{cite web|last=Bernardino|first=Mike|date=June 3, 1999|title=Marlins' Pick Has Star Vision|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-06-03/sports/9906030028_1_josh-beckett-big-league-deal-marlins|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112055743/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-06-03/sports/9906030028_1_josh-beckett-big-league-deal-marlins|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref>


==Baseball career==
==Baseball career==
===Florida Marlins (2001&ndash;2005)===
A native of [[Spring, Texas]], Beckett was discovered by [[Florida Marlins]] scout Bob Laurie. Beckett had signed a letter of intent to play with the [[Texas A&M Aggies]] but went pro. Beckett spent most of his early years with the Marlins as a member of the team's young staff, but injuries (most frequently blister problems) limited him to only 99 starts (102 appearances) from 2002 to 2005.


===Florida Marlins (1999–2005)===
Beckett's major league debut was on September 4, 2001, against the [[Chicago Cubs]], in which he gave up one hit over six shutout innings. He finished 2001 with four games started, a 2-2 record, and an ERA of 1.50.


====Minor leagues====
Beckett achieved fame in the 2003 postseason by winning the [[World Series MVP Award]] with two great performances on only three days' rest. Teamed up with [[catcher]] [[Iván Rodríguez]], he helped the Marlins win the [[2003 World Series|World Series]] over the [[New York Yankees]]. During Game 6 at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]] in the [[Bronx]], he shut out the Yankees in a complete game, striking out 9 batters and clinching the series by making the tag for the final out.
Beckett engaged in protracted negotiations with the Marlins, during which he briefly enrolled at [[Blinn College|Blinn Junior College]],<ref name="jockbio"/> but he eventually signed on August 28, 1999, to a four-year $7 million contract that included a $3.625 million signing bonus. His signing bonus was larger than what the Marlins were paying everyone on the Major League roster, except pitcher [[Alex Fernandez (baseball)|Alex Fernandez]].<ref>{{cite web|date=August 28, 1999|title=Marlins sign first round pick RHP Josh Beckett|url=http://a.espncdn.com/mlb/news/1999/0828/8692.html|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>


Beckett impressed the Marlins in his first [[spring training]] with the team in March 2000, with a fastball clocked at {{convert|94|-|96|mph}} and a good [[curveball]].<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Brien|first=David|date=March 7, 2000|title=Beckett Debut Phenomenal|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-03-07/sports/0003060955_1_josh-beckett-beckett-pitch-texas-playoffs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213750/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-03-07/sports/0003060955_1_josh-beckett-beckett-pitch-texas-playoffs|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref> He also showed his commitment to the team by donating $100,000 to the team's charitable foundation, more than any other player had donated.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cole|first=Julie|date=March 12, 2000|title=Generous Pitch Fired By Rookie On Marlins|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-03-12/community/0003100579_1_josh-beckett-florida-marlins-donation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000522/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-03-12/community/0003100579_1_josh-beckett-florida-marlins-donation|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref> He was assigned to the [[Kane County Cougars]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] [[Midwest League]] to make his professional debut. As the [[Opening Day]] starter for the Cougars, he pitched four innings and allowed only one run, on a double by [[Albert Pujols]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8tZk_vu3YdgC&q=Josh+Beckett+Kane+County+Cougars+2000&pg=PA75|title=Kane County Cougars|first=David|last=Malamut|year=2005|publisher=Arcadia |isbn=9780738534107|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> Beckett suffered from injuries that season, including shoulder [[tendinitis]] and a frayed [[rotator cuff]], injuries which took longer to heal because he did too much weight lifting while on the [[disabled list]]. He would later say, "I tried to get too strong too quick and ended up making things worse."<ref name="DiMeglio">{{cite web|last=DiMeglio|first=Steve|date=July 2, 2001|title=Beckett matures on his way up ladder|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-07-03/2001-07-03-beckett.htm|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He pitched in 13 games for the Cougars and finished with a record of 2–3 with a 2.12 ERA and 61 strikeouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=7c25adf7|title=2000 Kane County Cougars Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref> He was selected by [[Baseball America]] as the Marlins best prospect and the 19th best in the entire [[Minor League Baseball|minor leagues]] as well as having the best fastball in the Midwest League.<ref name="mlb">{{cite web|title=Josh Beckett bio|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=277417#gameType=%27R%27|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He was also selected to play in the [[All-Star Futures Game]], a showcase for the best prospects.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 5, 2000|title=Back to the Futures|url=http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar00/s/futures.html|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>
===Boston Red Sox (2006&ndash;present)===
In a deal that was made official on [[Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving Day]], 2005, Beckett was traded to the Red Sox along with [[third baseman]] [[Mike Lowell]] and [[relief pitcher]] [[Guillermo Mota]] for [[minor league baseball|minor league]] prospects [[shortstop]] [[Hanley Ramírez]] and pitchers [[Aníbal Sánchez]], [[Jesús Delgado]] and [[Harvey García]]. Beckett and Lowell were among a prominent list of veterans the Marlins traded in what was organizationally termed a ''market correction''.<ref>[http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051204&content_id=1275756&vkey=hotstove2005&fext=.jsp The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Marlins deal Lo Duca to Mets<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


The Marlins assigned Beckett to the [[Brevard County Manatees]] of the [[Florida State League]] at the start of the 2001 season. He didn't allow an [[earned run]] in his first {{fraction|38|2|3}} innings and went 6–0 with a 1.23 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 13 games.<ref name="DiMeglio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=0794362a|work=Baseball Reference|title=2001 Brevard County Manatees statistics|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> Marlins [[General manager (baseball)|General Manager]] [[Dave Dombrowski]] remarked on his progress, "He pitched as well in the Florida State League as any prospect I've ever been associated with", leading to a promotion to the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double A]] [[Portland Sea Dogs]] of the [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]].<ref name="DiMeglio"/> Beckett struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced in his Sea Dogs debut on June 16, 2001.<ref name="Sea Dogs">{{cite web|date=September 2, 2011|title=Josh Beckett Inducted Into the Portland Sea Dogs Hall of Fame|url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110902&content_id=24098530&vkey=pr_t546&fext=.jsp&sid=t546|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> On August 13, 2001, he combined with two other Sea Dogs pitchers to throw a no-hitter against the [[Binghamton Mets]].<ref name="Sea Dogs"/> In 13 starts for the team, he had an 8–1 record, a 1.82 ERA and struck out 102 batters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=93478e00|work=Baseball Reference|title=2001 Portland Sea Dogs statistics|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>
Josh Beckett became the first Red Sox pitcher to hit a home run in 35 years — since the advent of the [[designated hitter]] rule — when he took Phillies' pitcher [[Brett Myers]] deep during an interleague game on May 20, 2006. Beckett repeated the feat on June 14, 2009 when he homered against Phillies pitcher [[J.A. Happ]]. On July 18, 2006, Beckett signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with a $10 million club option for 2010.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2524247 ESPN - Red Sox sign righty Beckett to three-year extension - MLB<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Beckett completed his first season with the Boston Red Sox with a record of 16&ndash;11 and a 5.01 ERA. In 204.2 IP, he gave up 191 hits and struck out 158 batters while walking 74. Beckett allowed 36 home runs, tied for second most in the majors.


He was selected as Minor League Player of the Year by [[Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award|''Baseball America'']], [[The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'']], and [[USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award|''USA Today'']].<ref name="Sea Dogs"/> ''[[Baseball America]]'' also ranked him as the Marlins' best prospect and the third best in all of baseball, while the Marlins named him as their organizational minor league player of the year.<ref name="mlb"/>
At the start of the 2007 season, Beckett adjusted to throwing more breaking pitches and fewer fastballs. At the same time, he learned to locate his pitches rather than simply get strikes by power. He reduced his walks and home runs allowed by nearly half, contributing to his success in 2007. Beckett became one of six [[Boston Red Sox]] pitchers in history to win their first 7 starts. [[George Winter (baseball)|George Winter]] and [[Mickey Harris]] both won their first 7 starts in a particular season, and [[Babe Ruth]], [[Dave Ferriss]] and [[Roger Moret]] all won their first 8 starts in a particular season. After a strong first half, posting a 12&ndash;2 record with a 3.44 ERA, he was selected to the American League team in the [[2007 MLB All-Star Game]]. Beckett earned the victory in the game after pitching two innings, giving up only one hit, and striking out two. Beckett became the first pitcher to win 20 games in a season since 2005, finishing the season with a record of 20&ndash;7, a 3.27 ERA, 194 strikeouts, a 1.14 WHIP, and only 40 walks and 17 home runs allowed. Beckett's 2&ndash;0 record and 1.93 ERA against the [[Cleveland Indians]] in the ALCS earned him the [[2007 American League Championship Series|2007 ALCS]] MVP Award, and he started and won the first game of the [[2007 World Series]] against the [[Colorado Rockies]], pitching 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits, and striking out 9 batters. Boston would go on to sweep the Rockies in the series.


====Major leagues====
On May 8, 2008, Beckett recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, when [[Brandon Inge]] of the [[Detroit Tigers]] struck out swinging in the seventh inning. Through 2008, Beckett has a 48-28 record and a 4.11 ERA in his three seasons with the Red Sox.<ref>Chuck, Bill. [http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/100_random_things_2009/ 100 random things about the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees], ''[[The Boston Globe]]''. Published April 2, 2009. Retrieved May 2, 2009.</ref>
Beckett's MLB debut was on September 4, 2001, against the [[Chicago Cubs]], in which he gave up one hit over six [[Shutouts in baseball|shutout]] innings to pick up his first MLB win. He also [[Double (baseball)|doubled]] and scored in the game. Beckett was quoted afterwards as saying, "It was fun. I'm ready for my next one."<ref>{{cite web|date=September 4, 2001|title=Beckett shuts out Cubs for six innings in win|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=210904128&teams=chicago--------------cubs-----------------vs-florida--------------marlins-------------|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022184844/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=210904128&teams=chicago--------------cubs-----------------vs-florida--------------marlins-------------|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He did not allow a run in his first 10 innings before giving up a two-run homer to [[Vladimir Guerrero]] on September 19 against the [[Montreal Expos]].<ref name="mlb"/> He finished 2001 with four games [[Starting pitcher|started]], a 2–2 record, and an ERA of 1.50.<ref name="br">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beckejo02.shtml|title=Josh Beckett statistics and history|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>


Hampered by blister problems in 2002, Beckett's highlight was on July 21, when he struck out 12 Expos in one game, combining with a couple of relief pitchers on a Marlins record 17 strikeouts in a nine-inning game.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 21, 2002|title=Beckett strikes out 12 batters in six innings|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220721128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022183119/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220721128|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=July 22, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In 23 appearances for the Marlins in 2002, which included two [[Relief pitcher|relief]] appearances, he was 6–7 with a 4.10 ERA and 113 strikeouts.<ref name="br"/>
In 2009, during his first Opening Day start with the Red Sox, Beckett struck out 10 through 7 innings allowing only 1 run and two hits in a 5-3 victory over the [[Tampa Bay Rays]]. On April 14, 2009, MLB fined and suspended Josh Beckett 6 games for intentionally throwing over the head of [[Los Angeles Angels]] outfielder [[Bobby Abreu]]. Beckett later appealed the suspension and later got it reduced to 5 games. The Red Sox exercised their club option on him for the 2010 season, but Beckett is eligible for free agency after this season. On March 30, 2010, it was reported that the Red Sox are close to resigning Beckett to a 4 year, 65 - 70 million dollar contract, that would keep him through the 2014 season.


Beckett was named the Marlins [[List of Miami Marlins Opening Day starting pitchers|opening day starting pitcher]] in 2003, and at 22 years old, he was the youngest opening day starter in the team's history. However, he lasted just {{fract|2|2|3}} innings in the game as the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] scored five [[earned runs|unearned runs]] in the third as a result of two [[error (baseball)|errors]] and a [[passed ball]].<ref>{{cite web|date=March 31, 2003|title=Bell, Thome and Millwood off to solid starts|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230331128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711151645/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230331128|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 11, 2020|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He subsequently went on the [[disabled list]] (DL) with a sprained right elbow in mid-May, part of a string of team injuries that contributed to the firing of [[Manager (baseball)|Manager]] [[Jeff Torborg]].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 11, 2003|title=Marlins fire Torborg along with pitching coach|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/1552112|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He returned from his injury on July 1 and finished the season with a 9–8 record, a 3.04 ERA and 152 strikeouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=beckejo02&t=p&year=2003|title=Josh Beckett 2003 pitching gamelogs|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>
On June 20, 2009, Beckett recorded his first complete game shutout in three years against the Atlanta Braves in a duel against former Red Sox pitcher [[Derek Lowe]]. The shutout was his first in a Red Sox uniform.


Beckett made his postseason debut in the opening game of the [[2003 National League Division Series|2003 National League (NL) Division Series]], where he allowed only one run in seven innings against the [[San Francisco Giants]] but picked up the loss as [[Jason Schmidt]] pitched a [[complete game|complete-game]] [[Shutouts in baseball|shutout]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Juan C.|date=October 1, 2003|title=A Giant Zero|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-10-01/sports/0310010394_1_marlins-history-josh-beckett-league-championship-series|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012083223/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-10-01/sports/0310010394_1_marlins-history-josh-beckett-league-championship-series|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2014|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref> However, the Marlins came back to win the series in four games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2003_NLDS1.shtml|title=2003 NL Division Series: Florida Marlins over San Francisco Giants (3–1)|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> His next start, in game one of the [[2003 National League Championship Series|2003 NL Championship Series]] against the [[Chicago Cubs]], did not go well as he allowed four runs in the first inning, two of them on a [[home run]] by [[Moisés Alou]], and six runs in his {{fraction|6|1|3}} innings. The Marlins battled back and won the game in [[extra innings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2003_NLCS.shtml|title=2003 National League Championship Series: Marlins at Cubs, Game 1 play by play and box score|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> The Cubs took the next three games and only needed one more win to take the series when Beckett returned to the mound in game five. He allowed only three Cubs to reach base in the game, on two singles and a walk, in the complete-game shutout to keep his team alive.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Chuck|date=October 12, 2003|title=Beckett shuts out Cubs, keeps Marlins alive|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2003-10-12-marlins-cubs-game5_x.htm|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> The Marlins took game six also, thanks partly to the infamous [[Steve Bartman incident]].<ref>{{cite web|date=October 15, 2009|title=The forgotten story of (but not by Chicago Cubs fans) … Steve Bartman|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/oct/15/chicago-cubs-steve-bartman-world-series|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> In game seven, on two days rest, Beckett came in out of the [[bullpen]] to pitch four innings and the Marlins won 9–6 to clinch the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lopresti|first=Mike|date=October 15, 2003|title=Marlins raise NL flag after miraculous comeback|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2003-10-15-marlins-cubs-game-7_x.htm|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>
On July 5, 2009, Josh was selected to represent Boston in the 2009 All Star Game.


Beckett won the [[2003 World Series|2003]] [[World Series MVP Award]] with two strong performances, one of which was on three days' rest, as the Marlins defeated the [[New York Yankees]]. In game three, he struck out 10 and allowed only two runs in {{fraction|7|1|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/FLO/FLO200310210.shtml|title=October 21, 2003 World Series Game 3 Yankees at Marlins|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=November 18, 2014}}</ref> Then in game six at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]], he shut out the Yankees in a complete game, striking out nine batters and clinching the series by making the [[Tag out|tag]] for the final out.<ref>{{cite web|last=Frisario|first=Joe|date=October 22, 2013|title=Ten years ago, Beckett and Marlins stun the world|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205003455/http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/63188868/josh-beckett-and-marlins-stun-yankees-in-2003-world-series|url=http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/63188868/josh-beckett-and-marlins-stun-yankees-in-2003-world-series|archive-date=December 5, 2014|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Miami Marlins]]}}</ref>
Beckett recorded his 100th career win on July 12, 2009, pitching a [[complete game]] [[shutout]] against the [[Kansas City Royals]] at Fenway Park.


Beckett made the opening day start for the Marlins again in 2004, allowing one run in seven innings against the Expos.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 6, 2004|title=Choi marks Marlins debut with career-high 3 RBI|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240406128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712021131/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240406128|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He made three trips to the DL during the season, but still pitched a career-high 26 starts and {{fraction|156|2|3}} innings.<ref name="mlb"/> He was 9–9 with a 3.79 ERA and had 152 strikeouts for the second year in a row but the Marlins faltered down the stretch and did not make the postseason.<ref name="br"/> In 2005, he was 15–8 with a 3.38 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 29 games.<ref name="br"/>
On August 7, 2009, Beckett was a part of a memorable game against the [[New York Yankees]]. He and former Marlins teammate [[A.J. Burnett]] endured a pitching duel that actually sparked the game to turn into a fifteen inning, five hour and thirty-three minute game. Josh threw seven shutout innings, Burnett threw seven and two thirds. The Red Sox eventually lost the game in the bottom of the 15th, when [[Alex Rodriguez]] hit a walk-off two run home run.


In his five seasons with the Marlins, Beckett had a 41–34 record, a 3.46 ERA and struck out a total of 607 batters in 106 games.<ref name="br"/> In his final start as a Marlin, on September 23, 2005, against the [[Atlanta Braves]], he struck out six in seven shutout innings but earned a no decision in a game the Marlins eventually lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL200509230.shtml|title=September 23, 2005 Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves play by play and box score|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>
On April 5, 2010, the Red Sox and Beckett agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension, through 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9079556&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Beckett, Red Sox complete extension|accessdate=2010-04-05|last=Browne |first=Ian |date=2010-04-05 |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>


===Boston Red Sox (2006–2012)===
==Pitching style==
In a deal that was made official on [[Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving Day]] 2005, Beckett was traded to the [[Boston Red Sox]] along with [[third baseman]] [[Mike Lowell]] and [[relief pitcher]] [[Guillermo Mota]] for minor league [[shortstop]] [[Hanley Ramírez]] (the top prospect in the Red Sox system at the time) and pitchers [[Aníbal Sánchez]], [[Jesús Delgado]] and [[Harvey García]].<ref>{{cite web|author=|date=November 25, 2005|title=Red Sox complete deal for Beckett, Lowell|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2232211|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> Beckett and Lowell were among a prominent list of veterans the Marlins traded in an effort to shed salary. This was organizationally termed a ''[[market correction]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Frisaro|first=Joe|date=December 5, 2005|title=Marlins deal Lo Duca to Mets|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326001008/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051204&content_id=1275756&vkey=hotstove2005&fext=.jsp|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051204&content_id=1275756&vkey=hotstove2005&fext=.jsp|archive-date=March 26, 2007|access-date=June 20, 2010|work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> In his first start with the Red Sox, Beckett allowed only one run in seven innings to pick up the win against the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] on April 5, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=April 6, 2006|title=Young guns strong-arm Rangers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205002508/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060405&content_id=1385518&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060405&content_id=1385518&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=February 5, 2009|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref>
Beckett primarily uses his 4 seam fastball (93-97mph) to get ahead in the count. Beckett complements this with a sinking 2 seam fastball that he likes to use inside against left-handed batters. He also has a dominant 12-6 curve ball, a pitch he likes to use when ahead in the count. His change up is not used often but primarily uses it as an off speed pitch. He also has a slider which he barely uses but can be seen rarely against right-handed batters. Beckett frustrates hitters by painting the corners and changing speeds. His combination of elite pitches, excellent control, and deception has made him one of the best pitchers in recent years.


[[File:JoshBeckett.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Beckett during his tenure with the [[2008 Boston Red Sox season|Boston Red Sox in 2008]]]]
==Personal life==
Beckett was the first Red Sox pitcher to hit a home run in 35 years — since the advent of the [[designated hitter]] rule — when he took [[Philadelphia Phillies|Phillies]]' pitcher [[Brett Myers]] deep during an [[interleague]] game on May 20, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edes|first=Gordon|date=May 21, 2006|title=Beckett (HR) a true power pitcher in Sox' win|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/05/21/beckett_hr_a_true_power_pitcher_in_sox_win/?page=full|access-date=June 22, 2014|work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> On July 18, he signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with a $10 million club option for 2010.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 19, 2006|title=Red Sox sign righty Beckett to three-year extension|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2524247|access-date=June 20, 2010}}</ref> Beckett completed his first season with the Red Sox with a record of 16–11 and a 5.01 ERA. In {{fraction|204|2|3}} innings, he gave up 191 hits and struck out 158 batters while [[walk (baseball)|walking]] 74. He also allowed 36 home runs, tied for second most in the majors.<ref name="br"/>
Beckett has been linked to model/sportcaster [[Leeann Tweeden]], country singer [[Danielle Peck]] and Whitney Hayes, the younger sister of his personal trainer Randon Hayes.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/redsox/2007-10-11-cover-beckett_N.htm Red Sox pitcher Beckett hunts for big game in fall - USATODAY.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On October 18, 2007, Peck was invited by the [[Cleveland Indians]] to sing the National Anthem prior to Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Red Sox and Indians.<ref>[http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/119270858859540.xml&coll=2 Head games? Tonight's anthem singer is Beckett's ex - cleveland.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Beckett was the starting pitcher in that game, and some Red Sox fans theorized that her invitation was an attempt by the Indians organization to distract Beckett. The Indians denied this claim.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21371547/</ref> It did not seem to affect Beckett, as he beat the Indians with eight innings pitched, five hits, one walk, one earned run, and eleven strikeouts. In a postgame interview with Beckett, when asked if he was affected by Peck's presence, Beckett replied "I don't get paid to make those fuckin' decisions...She's a friend of mine. It doesn't bother me at all. Thanks for flyin' one of my friends to the game so she could watch it for free."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw8zHUjwvCo YouTube - World Series Champion Josh Beckett responds to reporter<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Beckett was also linked at one time to actress [[Alyssa Milano]] but she has stated in her baseball blog that she and Beckett never dated.<ref>[http://alyssa.mlblogs.com/alyssa/2007/10/an-open-letter-.html *touch* 'em all: An Open Letter To All Sports Journalists<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. In April 2010 the Inside Track gossip column in the [[Boston Herald]] reported that he was engaged to Holly Fisher, an aeronautics engineer and former high school classmate, but neither Beckett nor Fisher have formally confirmed the engagement.<ref>[http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1245829 Red Sox ace Josh Beckett engaged to brainy beauty]</ref>


At the start of the 2007 season, Beckett adjusted to throwing more [[Breaking ball|breaking pitches]] and fewer fastballs. At the same time, he learned to locate his pitches rather than simply get strikes by power.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powers|first=John|date=July 10, 2007|title=Better secondary pitches now in mix for Beckett|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/07/10/better_secondary_pitches_now_in_mix_for_beckett/?page=full|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Globe]]}}</ref> He reduced his walks and home runs allowed by nearly half, contributing to his success in 2007.<ref name="br"/> Beckett became one of six Red Sox pitchers in history to win their first seven starts. [[George Winter (baseball)|George Winter]] and [[Mickey Harris]] both won their first seven starts in a season, and [[Babe Ruth]], [[Dave Ferriss]] and [[Roger Moret]] all won their first eight starts in a season.<ref name="mlb"/> After a strong first half, posting a 12–2 record with a 3.44 ERA, he was selected to the [[American League]] team in the [[2007 MLB All-Star Game]].<ref name="mlb"/> Beckett earned the victory in the game after pitching two innings, giving up only one hit, and striking out two.<ref>{{cite web|last=Haft|first=Chris|date=July 11, 2007|title=AL extends ASG dominance in close win|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204111618/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070710&content_id=2079841&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070710&content_id=2079841&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=February 4, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Beckett became the first pitcher to win 20 games in a season since 2005, finishing the season with a record of 20–7, a 3.27 ERA, 194 strikeouts, a 1.14 WHIP, and only 40 walks and 17 home runs allowed.<ref name="mlb"/> He finished second in AL [[Cy Young Award]] voting, behind [[CC Sabathia]].<ref>{{cite web|date=November 13, 2007|title=Sabathia only second Indians pitcher to win Cy Young|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3108321|access-date=February 3, 2020|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
Beckett has become good friends with [[NASCAR]] driver [[Jamie McMurray]] since meeting him during [[spring training]] in Florida in 2007. [[John W. Henry]] of the [[Fenway Sports Group]] co-owns [[Roush Fenway Racing]] for whom McMurray drove for.


Beckett threw a shutout against the [[Anaheim Angels]] on 108 pitches, 83 of which were strikes, to start the [[2007 American League Division Series]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2007 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 1, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Boston Red Sox, October 3, 2007|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200710030.shtml|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=Baseball-Reference|language=en}}</ref> Nine days later, Beckett started the first game of the [[2007 American League Championship Series]] (ALCS) and pitched six innings for the win and in game five he struck out 11 in eight innings. Beckett's 2–0 record and 1.93 ERA against the [[Cleveland Indians]] earned him the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|2007 ALCS MVP Award]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bastain|first=Jordan|date=October 22, 2007|title=Beckett's gems earn him ALCS MVP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023205237/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071021&content_id=2275052&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071021&content_id=2275052&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=October 23, 2007|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> He then started and won the first game of the [[2007 World Series]] against the [[Colorado Rockies]], pitching seven innings, allowing one run on six hits, and striking out nine batters. Boston would go on to sweep the Rockies in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2007_WS.shtml|title=2007 World Series (4–0): Boston Red Sox over Colorado Rockies|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
Beckett has a home in [[San Antonio]] and is a fan of the [[San Antonio Spurs]].<ref>[http://sanantonio.about.com/b/2007/11/08/red-sox-pitcher-josh-beckett-enjoys-san-antonio.htm Red Sox Pitcher Josh Beckett Enjoys San Antonio<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He is also a fan of the [[Texas A&M Aggies]] as he committed to the University under then-Aggie head coach [[Mark Johnson (baseball coach)|Mark Johnson]] before being drafted; he is still often seen at [[Texas A&M University|Texas A&M]] football games.


On May 8, 2008, Beckett recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, when [[Brandon Inge]] of the [[Detroit Tigers]] struck out swinging in the seventh inning.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 8, 2008|title=Youkilis, Beckett lead way as Red Sox trump Tigers again|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280508106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022173247/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280508106|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=November 11, 2014}}</ref> He was 12–10 with a 4.03 ERA in 27 starts.<ref name="br"/> In game three of the [[2008 American League Division Series]] against the [[Anaheim Angels]] he allowed four runs in five innings<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200810050.shtml|title=October 5, 2008 American League Division Series Game 3: Angels at Red Sox|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref> He then made two starts in the [[2008 American League Championship Series|2008 ALCS]] against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] and was 1–0 but had a high 9.64 ERA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2008_ALCS.shtml|title=2008 ALCS Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
Beckett is an avid [[deer hunter]] and has been since childhood. He was the 2002 winner of the [[Muy Grande Deer Contest]] for bringing down the largest buck during the Texas deer hunting season.<ref>http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Beckett/Beckett_facts.html Beckett facts</ref> After the Marlins' World Series win he appeared in advertisements for the [[National Rifle Association]]<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3661536 Worth the Weight</ref>. He owns Herradura Ranch, a 7000-acre deer-hunting ranch outside of [[Cotulla]], [[Texas]] <ref>http://www.herraduraranch.com/ Herradura Ranch</ref>.


In 2009, during his first [[List of Boston Red Sox Opening Day starting pitchers|Opening Day start]] with the Red Sox, Beckett struck out 10 through seven innings allowing only one run and two hits in a 5–3 victory over the Rays.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=April 7, 2009|title='Phenomenal' way to kick off '09 season|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408222229/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090407&content_id=4151592&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090407&content_id=4151592&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=April 8, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On April 14, 2009, MLB fined and suspended him six games for intentionally throwing over the head of Angels [[outfielder]] [[Bobby Abreu]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=April 14, 2009|title=Beckett appeals six-game suspension|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416164140/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090414&content_id=4266542&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090414&content_id=4266542&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=April 16, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> Beckett later appealed the suspension and got it reduced to five games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=April 19, 2009|title=Beckett's suspension reduced to five games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422110800/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090419&content_id=4340198&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090419&content_id=4340198&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=April 22, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On June 20, 2009, he recorded his first complete-game shutout in three years against the [[Atlanta Braves]] in a duel against former Red Sox pitcher [[Derek Lowe]]. The shutout was his first in a Red Sox uniform.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barone|first=John|date=June 20, 2009|title=Beckett bests former Sox star Lowe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624004720/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090620&content_id=5434242&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090620&content_id=5434242&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=June 24, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On July 5, 2009, he was selected to represent Boston in the [[2009 MLB All Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=July 5, 2009|title=Red Sox sending six to St. Louis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707052227/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706050&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706050&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=July 7, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref>
Josh owns an impressive collection of baseball cards that numbers more than 10,000.


Beckett recorded his 100th career win on July 12, 2009, pitching a complete-game shutout against the [[Kansas City Royals]] at [[Fenway Park]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Barone|first=John|date=July 12, 2009|title=Beckett shuts down KC for 100th win|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715093617/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090712&content_id=5838556&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090712&content_id=5838556&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=July 15, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On August 7, 2009, against the [[New York Yankees]], he engaged in a pitching duel with former Marlins teammate [[A. J. Burnett]] that turned into a fifteen-inning, five-hour-and-thirty-three-minute game. He threw seven shutout innings, Burnett threw {{frac|7|2|3}}. The Red Sox eventually lost the game in the bottom of the 15th, when [[Alex Rodriguez]] hit a [[walk-off home run|walk-off]] two-run home run.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=August 8, 2009|title=Classic duel ends in gut-wrenching loss|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809190604/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090807&content_id=6296082&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090807&content_id=6296082&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=August 9, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> He was 17–6 on the season, with a 3.86 ERA and a career-high 199 strikeouts in 32 starts.<ref name="br"/> He lost his one start in the postseason, to the Angels in Game 2 of the [[2009 American League Division Series|2009 ALDS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA200910090.shtml|title=October 9, 2009 American League Division Series Game 2 Red Sox at Angels|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
==Philanthropy==


On April 5, 2010, the Red Sox and Beckett agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension, through 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=April 5, 2010|title=Beckett, Red Sox complete extension|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407144456/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9079556&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9079556&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=April 7, 2010|access-date=April 5, 2010|work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On May 7, he allowed nine runs, struck out eight and also hit two batters. This was the first time a Major League pitcher had that combination of stats in a single game since [[Jack Coombs]] of the [[Philadelphia Athletics]] during the [[1911 Philadelphia Athletics season|1911 season]].<ref name="mlb"/> He was placed on the disabled list on May 19 with a lower back strain and returned from the injury on July 23.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=July 24, 2010|title=Win or not, Beckett shows he's back|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726101301/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100723&content_id=12550408&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100723&content_id=12550408&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=July 26, 2010|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> In 21 starts in 2010, he was 6–6 with a 5.78 ERA.<ref name="br"/>
In 2010, Josh Beckett released a chardonnay wine called Chardon-K through Charity Wines with 100% of his proceeds donated to The Josh Beckett Foundation. The wine launched alongside a charity wine by Boston Red Sox teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, called ZinfandEllsbury. <ref>[http://www.charityhop.com/news_boston2010_wines.html Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Beckett to Release Charity Wines this Spring] Charity Hop, March 2, 2010.</ref>


In 2011, he posted career bests in ERA (2.89), opponent batting average (.211) and [[Walks plus hits per inning pitched|WHIP]] (1.03).<ref name="mlb"/> He was 13–7 in 30 games<ref name="br"/> and was selected to his third [[2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=July 11, 2011|title=Red Sox's All-Stars shine brightly in Phoenix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713155836/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110711&content_id=21741762&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110711&content_id=21741762&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|archive-date=July 13, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref> On September 16, he recorded his 1,000th strikeout as a member of the Red Sox against Tampa Bay's [[Ben Zobrist]] in the sixth inning.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 16, 2011|title=Josh Beckett returns, helps Red Sox finally solve Rays|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310916102|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022185042/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310916102|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> At the end of the 2011 season, the Red Sox collapsed and failed to make the playoffs. Beckett and two more starting pitchers ([[John Lackey]] and [[Jon Lester]]) were in the center of a controversy where the three drank alcohol, ate fried chicken, and played video games during games where they weren't pitching. Beckett was noted as the leader of this and some cited this behavior as part of the reason for the team's poor play down the stretch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Ian|date=October 17, 2011|title=Lester: We did drink in clubhouse during games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019014454/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111017&content_id=25692288&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111017&content_id=25692288&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos|archive-date=October 19, 2011|access-date=October 20, 2011|work=[[Boston Red Sox]]}}</ref>
The Josh Beckett Foundation supports community-based programs that strive to improve the health and well-being of children, especially those who are seriouisly ill, disabled, poor or otherwise disadvantaged. The Foundation provides Josh with an opportunity to have a direct and permanent impact on the lives of children throughout New England and in his hometown on Spring, Texas. <ref>[http://www.joshbeckettfoundation.org/ The Josh Beckett Foundation]</ref>


Beckett struggled in the 2012 season, he went 5–11 with a 5.23 ERA as a Red Sox.<ref name="br"/> He was also the center of yet another controversy when it was reported that he played several rounds of golf despite having been scratched from his start due to a [[Latissimus dorsi muscle|lat]] muscle injury.<ref>{{cite web|last=Silva|first=Steve|date=May 9, 2012|title=Report: Josh Beckett played golf before missing Red Sox start|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/thebuzz/2012/05/report_josh_bec.html|access-date=August 30, 2012|publisher=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> In what would turn out to be his final start with the Red Sox, he allowed four runs in six innings on August 19, 2012, against the Yankees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA201208190.shtml|title=August 19, 2012 Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees play-by-play and box score|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=June 29, 2014}}</ref> Over seven seasons, he started 194 regular season games for the Red Sox with an 89–58 record, a 4.17 ERA and 1,108 strikeouts.<ref name="br"/>
Beckett holds an annual celebrity bowling tournament dubbed the Beckett Bowl. Money raised from the event benefits Children's Hospital Boston.<ref>[http://www.beckettbowl.com/home.htm Beckett Bowl]</ref>


===Los Angeles Dodgers (2012–2014)===
==Career statistics==
[[File:Josh Beckett on April 19, 2013.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Beckett with the Dodgers on April 19, 2013]]
'''Regular Season'''
On August 25, 2012, Beckett was traded to the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] (along with [[Adrián González]], [[Carl Crawford]] and [[Nick Punto]] and $11 million in cash) for [[James Loney]], [[Iván DeJesús, Jr.]], [[Allen Webster (baseball)|Allen Webster]], and two players to be named later ([[Jerry Sands]] and [[Rubby De La Rosa]]).<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|date=August 25, 2012|title=Dodgers, Red Sox trade: Beckett, Gonzalez, Crawford traded to LA|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-08-25/dodgers-red-sox-trade-josh-beckett-adrian-gonzalez-carl-crawford-james-loney|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[The Sporting News]]|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010023801/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-08-25/dodgers-red-sox-trade-josh-beckett-adrian-gonzalez-carl-crawford-james-loney|url-status=dead}}</ref> He started seven games for the Dodgers after the trade and was 2–3 with a 2.93 ERA.<ref name="br"/>


Beckett struggled in the early part of the 2013 season, posting an 0–5 record and 5.19 ERA in eight starts. He was placed on the disabled list with a groin strain on May 15, his 33rd birthday.<ref>{{cite web|last=Snyder|first=Matt|date=May 15, 2013|title=Josh Beckett placed on disabled list with groin strain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020170115/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/22247658/josh-beckett-placed-on-disabled-list-with-groin-strain|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/22247658/josh-beckett-placed-on-disabled-list-with-groin-strain|archive-date=October 20, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> While on the disabled list, he began to experience numbness and tingling in his hand so he went to see a nerve specialist and expressed doubt as to whether he would be able to pitch again. The Dodgers shut him down from pitching for a month while he underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program in an effort to avoid season-ending surgery.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hernandez|first=Dylan|date=June 5, 2013|title=Dodgers' Josh Beckett confident he'll pitch again|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-notes-20130606,0,6550265.story|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> However, the tingling sensation returned when he attempted to resume his throwing program in late June. He was diagnosed with [[thoracic outlet syndrome]], which required him to undergo surgery on July 10, 2013, that ended his 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gurnick|first1=Ken|last2=Laymance|first2=Austin|date=June 29, 2013|title=Beckett to undergo surgery, likely out for season|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703020241/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130629&content_id=52206772&notebook_id=52206894&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130629&content_id=52206772&notebook_id=52206894&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|archive-date=July 3, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Dodgers]]}}</ref>
{| cellpadding="0" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="80%"
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Year
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Team
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Lg
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| G/GS
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| W-L
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| ERA
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| IP
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| H
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| R
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| ER
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| BB
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| K
|- align="center"
| [[2001 Major League Baseball season|2001]] || [[2001 Florida Marlins season|FLA]] || [[National League|NL]] || 4/4 || 2-2 || 1.50 || 24.0 || 14 || 9 || 4 || 11 || 24
|- align="center"
| [[2002 Major League Baseball season|2002]] || [[2002 Florida Marlins season|FLA]] || NL || 23/21 || 6-7 || 4.10 || 107.2 || 93 || 56 || 49 || 44 || 113
|- align="center"
| [[2003 Major League Baseball season|2003]] || [[2003 Florida Marlins season|FLA]] || NL || 24/23 || 9-8 || 3.04 || 142.0 || 132 || 54 || 48 || 56 || 152
|- align="center"
| [[2004 Major League Baseball season|2004]] || [[2004 Florida Marlins season|FLA]] || NL || 26/26 || 9-9 || 3.79 || 156.2 || 137 || 72 || 66 || 54 || 152
|- align="center"
| [[2005 Major League Baseball season|2005]] || [[2005 Florida Marlins season|FLA]] || NL || 29/29 || 15-8 || 3.37 || 178.2 || 153 || 75 || 67 || 58 || 166
|- align="center"
| [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006]] || [[2006 Boston Red Sox season|BOS]] || [[American League|AL]] || 33/33 || 16-11 || 5.01 || 204.2 || 191 || 120 || 114 || 74 || 158
|- align="center"
| [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]] || [[2007 Boston Red Sox season|BOS]] || AL || 30/30 || 20-7 || 3.27 || 200.2 || 189 || 76 || 73 || 40 || 194
|- align="center"
| [[2008 Major League Baseball season|2008]] || [[2008 Boston Red Sox season|BOS]] || AL || 27/27 || 12-10|| 4.03 || 174.1 || 173 || 80 || 78 || 34 || 172
|- align="center"
| [[2009 Major League Baseball season|2009]] || [[2009 Boston Red Sox season|BOS]] || AL || 32/32 || 17-6 || 3.86 || 212.1 || 198 || 99 || 91 || 55 || 199
|}


Beckett's surgery, which included having a rib removed, made him a question mark for the Dodgers heading into 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoornstra|first=JP|date=June 5, 2014|title=From possible retirement to no-hitter: Why Josh Beckett's recovery matters|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140605/from-possible-retirement-to-no-hitter-why-josh-becketts-recovery-matters|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[LA Daily News]]}}</ref> He returned to the Dodgers on April 9 and made his first start since the previous May, allowing four runs in four innings.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=April 10, 2014|title=Tigers overcome Dodgers with Victor Martinez's homer in 10th|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340409119|access-date=April 14, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> On May 13, he picked up his first win since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=May 14, 2014|title=Josh Beckett gets first win since 2012 as Dodgers drub Marlins|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340513119|access-date=April 14, 2021|website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>
'''Playoffs'''
{| cellpadding="0" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="80%"
On May 25, 2014, Beckett pitched a [[no-hitter]] against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] at [[Citizens Bank Park]], the 21st no-hitter in Dodgers history, and the first since [[Hideo Nomo]] did so in the [[1996 Los Angeles Dodgers season|1996 season]]. He was also the first pitcher to no-hit the Phillies since [[Bob Forsch]] in 1978. Beckett threw 128 pitches, struck out six, and walked three en route to the victory.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=May 25, 2014|title=Josh Beckett pitches first career no-hitter and first in MLB this season|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340525122|access-date=April 14, 2021|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dilbeck|first=Steve|date=May 25, 2014|title=Josh Beckett's comeback is complete with no-hitter against Phillies|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-dodgers-josh-beckett-no-hitter-20140525-story.html|access-date=May 27, 2014}}</ref> Beckett also became the oldest pitcher (34) to throw a no-hitter since [[Randy Johnson]] (40) threw a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoornstra|first=JP|date=May 25, 2014|title=Josh Beckett no-hits the Philadelphia Phillies: How we reacted on social media.|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/2014/05/25/josh-beckett-no-hits-the-philadelphia-phillies-how-we-reacted-on-social-media/|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[LA Daily News]]}}</ref> He was honored as the [[Major League Baseball Player of the Week Award#2014|National League Player of the Week]] as a result of that game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stephen|first=Eric|date=May 27, 2014|title=Josh Beckett named co-NL Player of the Week|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2014/5/27/5754488/josh-beckett-player-of-the-week-national-league|access-date=May 27, 2014|work=True Blue LA|publisher=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Year

!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Round
On July 8, 2014, Beckett landed on the [[disabled list]] with a left hip impingement, an injury he said had gotten worse as the season went on.<ref>{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Dayn|date=July 8, 2014|title=Dodgers place Josh Beckett on DL with hip injury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808081007/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24611329/dodgers-place-josh-beckett-on-dl-with-hip-injury|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24611329/dodgers-place-josh-beckett-on-dl-with-hip-injury|archive-date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 7, 2014|work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> He returned to the rotation on July 22,<ref>{{cite web|last=Weisman|first=Jon|date=July 22, 2014|title=Dodgers activate Beckett, option Rodriguez|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2014/07/22/dodgers-activate-beckett-option-rodriguez/|access-date=August 7, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Dodgers]]}}</ref> but struggled when he returned.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dilbeck|first=Steve|date=July 22, 2014|title=Dodgers have an ugly pitching contest in 12–7 loss to Pirates|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-dodgers-pirates-20140722-story.html|access-date=August 7, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In a start on August 3, he was only able to pitch four innings against the [[Chicago Cubs|Cubs]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hernandez|first=Dylan|date=August 3, 2014|title=Dodgers' Josh Beckett remains ineffective, loses to Cubs, 7–3|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-20140804-story.html|access-date=August 7, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Afterward, Beckett told the team that he had experienced renewed discomfort in his injured hip.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shaikin|first=Bill|date=August 7, 2014|title=With Josh Beckett injured, Dodgers add one pitcher and look for more|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-dodgers-josh-beckett-roberto-hernandez-trade-20140807-story.html|access-date=August 8, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> An [[MRI]] revealed that his hip impingement had resulted in a torn labrum and two cysts, possibly requiring season ending surgery. He was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on August 8.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|date=August 9, 2014|title=Beckett back on the DL with hip impingement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810051258/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140808&content_id=88610202&notebook_id=88610620&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140808&content_id=88610202&notebook_id=88610620&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la|archive-date=August 10, 2014|access-date=August 9, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Dodgers]]}}</ref> On September 3, 2014, Dodgers manager [[Don Mattingly]] told reporters that Beckett's season was likely over due to his injury.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dilbeck|first=Steve|date=September 3, 2014|title=Dodgers manager Don Mattingly says Josh Beckett's season likely done|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-dodgers-josh-beckett-20140903-story.html|access-date=September 4, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> A couple of days later, Beckett confirmed that he would not pitch again in 2014 and added that he was also considering retirement.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|date=September 5, 2014|title=Injured Dodgers veteran Beckett mulling retirement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907165252/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/93229806/injured-dodgers-veteran-josh-beckett-mulling-retirement|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/93229806/injured-dodgers-veteran-josh-beckett-mulling-retirement|archive-date=September 7, 2014|access-date=September 6, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Dodgers]]}}</ref> Beckett officially announced his retirement on October 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gurnick|first=Ken|date=October 7, 2014|title=Right-hander Beckett announces plans to retire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008180228/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97915264/right-hander-josh-beckett-announces-plans-to-retire|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97915264/right-hander-josh-beckett-announces-plans-to-retire|archive-date=October 8, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=[[Los Angeles Dodgers]]}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Team

!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| Opp
==Pitching style==
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| G/GS
Beckett threw five pitches regularly: a [[four-seam fastball]] ({{convert|91|-|95|mph}}), a [[two-seam fastball]] ({{convert|91|-|94|mph}}), a [[cut fastball|cutter]] ({{convert|89|-|91|mph}}), a [[curveball]] ({{convert|73|-|79|mph}}), and a [[changeup]] ({{convert|86|-|88|mph}}). Beckett used all five of his pitches against left-handed hitters but dropped the changeup against righties. He preferred to use his curveball when ahead in the count, bolstered by its 34% [[baseball statistics#whiff rate|whiff rate]]. Beckett also began to experiment with a [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] and [[split-finger fastball|splitter]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=277417|title=Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool – Player Card: Josh Beckett|publisher=Brooks Baseball|access-date=August 19, 2012}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| W-L

!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| ERA
==Personal life==
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| IP
[[File:Josh Beckett Kevin Youkilis Barack Obama.jpg|thumb|280px|Beckett with President [[Barack Obama]] at [[Busch Stadium]]]]
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| H
Beckett has been linked to such celebrities as model/sportcaster [[Leeann Tweeden]] and country singer [[Danielle Peck]].<ref>{{cite news|last=White|first=Paul|date=October 12, 2007|title=Red Sox pitcher Beckett hunts for big game in fall|work=[[USA Today]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/redsox/2007-10-11-cover-beckett_N.htm|access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref> On October 18, 2007, Peck was invited by the Cleveland Indians to sing the National Anthem prior to Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Red Sox and Indians. Beckett was the starting pitcher in that game, and some Red Sox fans theorized that her invitation was an attempt by the Indians organization to distract Beckett. The Indians denied this claim.<ref>{{cite web|author=|date=October 18, 2007|title=Indians say choice of Game 5 singer 'coincidence'|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3068893|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> On January 22, 2011, he married Holly Fisher, an [[aeronautics engineer]] and former high school classmate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hurley|first=Michael|date=February 1, 2011|title=Report: Josh Beckett Marries Rocket Scientist Holly Fisher|url=http://nesn.com/2011/02/josh-beckett-marries-rocket-scientist-holly-fisher/|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[New England Sports Network|NESN]]}}</ref> The couple have three children together. Beckett owns homes in [[Manhattan Beach, California]], and [[Boerne, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-josh-beckett-manhattan-beach-20180725-story.html|title = Former Dodger Josh Beckett picks up an ocean-view base in Manhattan Beach|website = [[Los Angeles Times]]|date = July 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/article/On-TV-Radio-Ex-pitcher-Josh-Beckett-dives-into-11137039.php|title=On TV/Radio: Ex-pitcher Josh Beckett dives into new role as Astros analyst|date=May 10, 2017}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| ER

!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| BB
Beckett is an avid [[deer]] [[hunter]] and has been since childhood. He was the 2002 winner of the Muy Grande Deer Contest for bringing down the largest buck during the Texas deer hunting season.<ref name="jockbio"/> He owns Herradura Ranch, a {{convert|7000|acre|km2}} deer-hunting ranch outside of [[Cotulla]], [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.herraduraranch.com/|title=Herradura Ranch|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| K

!bgcolor="#CCCCCC"| CG
He was featured in a [[Kevin Fowler]] music video alongside his teammates [[John Lackey]], [[Tim Wakefield]], [[Jon Lester]] and [[Clay Buchholz]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Obnoxious Boston Fan|date=October 9, 2011|title=Red Sox owners need to wake up or sell out|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/obnoxiousbostonfan/2011/10/red_sox_owners_sell_team.html|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref>
|- align="center"

| 2003 || [[2003 National League Division Series|NLDS]] || FLA || [[2003 San Francisco Giants season|SFG]] || 1/1 || 0-1 || 1.29 || 7.0 || 2 || 1 || 5 || 9 || 0
On November 11, 2017, Beckett was arrested for public intoxication as a result of charging at a country band at a local bar in Texas. The singer received a torn rotator cuff and dislocated shoulder.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Madan|first=Monique O.|date=November 11, 2017|title=Former Marlins pitcher arrested after tackling country singer at open mic night, report says|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/article184180436.html|access-date=April 14, 2021|website=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref>
|- align="center"
| || [[2003 National League Championship Series|NLCS]] || FLA || [[2003 Chicago Cubs season|CHC]] || 3/2 || 1-0 || 3.26 || 19.1 || 11 || 7 || 2 || 19 || 1
|- align="center"
| || [[2003 World Series|WS]] || FLA || [[2003 New York Yankees season|NYY]] || 2/2 || 1-1 || 1.10 || 16.1 || 8 || 2 || 5 || 19 || 1 || [[World Series MVP Award|MVP]]
|- align="center"
| 2007 || [[2007 American League Division Series|ALDS]] || BOS || [[2007 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season|LAA]] || 1/1 || 1-0 || 0.00 || 9.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 8 || 1
|- align="center"
| || [[2007 American League Championship Series|ALCS]] || BOS || [[2007 Cleveland Indians season|CLE]] || 2/2 || 2-0 || 1.17 || 14.0 || 9 || 3 || 1 || 18 || 0 || [[2007 American League Championship Series|MVP]]
|- align="center"
| || [[2007 World Series|WS]] || BOS || [[2007 Colorado Rockies season|COL]] || 1/1 || 1-0 || 1.29 || 7.0 || 6 || 1 || 0 || 9 || 0 ||
|- align="center"
| 2008 || [[2008 American League Division Series|ALDS]] || BOS || [[2008 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season|LAA]] || 1/1 || 0-0 || 7.20 || 5.0 || 9 || 4 || 4 || 6 || 0
|- align="center"
| || [[2008 American League Championship Series|ALCS]] || BOS || [[2008 Tampa Bay Rays season|TB]] || 2/2 || 1-0 || 9.64 || 9.1 || 13 || 10 || 2 || 8 || 0 ||
|}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[Florida Marlins all-time roster]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders]]
* [[Boston Red Sox all-time roster]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball wins champions]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{commonscat}}
* {{Baseballstats |mlb=277417 |espn=4242 |br=b/beckejo02 |fangraphs=510 |cube=B/josh-beckett|brm=becket001jos}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=277417|espn=4242|br=b/beckejo02|fangraphs=510|brm=becket001jos}}
:
*[http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/11/25/red_sox_finalize_an_extended_deal/ Red Sox finalize an extended deal]
* [http://armchairgm.com/index.php?title=Josh_Beckett ArmchairGM profile]


{{s-start|header={{S-ach}}}}
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{{Navboxes|title=Josh Beckett|list1=
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{{The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
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{{Florida Marlins first-round draft picks}}
{{2003 Florida Marlins}}
{{2003 Florida Marlins}}
{{Florida Marlins Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{Boston Red Sox|width=100%}}
{{2007 Boston Red Sox}}
{{2007 Boston Red Sox}}
{{Boston Red Sox Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{Boston Red Sox Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{Boston Red Sox roster navbox}}
{{World Series MVPs}}
{{World Series MVPs}}
{{ALCS MVP}}
{{ALCS MVP}}
{{Babe Ruth Award}}
{{Babe Ruth Award}}
{{AL wins champions}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Beckett, Josh}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Beckett, Josh}}
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from Texas]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:American League Championship Series MVPs]]
[[Category:American League wins champions]]
[[Category:American League wins champions]]
[[Category:American hunters]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Harris County, Texas]]
[[Category:Baseball players from San Antonio]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox players]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox players]]
[[Category:Brevard County Manatees players]]
[[Category:Carolina Mudcats players]]
[[Category:Florida Marlins players]]
[[Category:Florida Marlins players]]
[[Category:American hunters]]
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[[Category:Collectors]]
[[Category:Jupiter Hammerheads players]]
[[Category:Kane County Cougars players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:All-Star Futures Game players]]
[[Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players]]
[[Category:Portland Sea Dogs players]]
[[Category:World Series champions with both American and National League teams]]
[[Category:People from Houston, Texas]]
[[Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Spring, Texas]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:World Series Most Valuable Player Award winners]]

[[de:Josh Beckett]]
[[es:Josh Beckett]]
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[[ja:ジョシュ・ベケット]]
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[[simple:Josh Beckett]]
[[zh:賈許·貝基特]]

Latest revision as of 02:36, 5 December 2024

Josh Beckett
Beckett with the Red Sox in 2011
Pitcher
Born: (1980-05-15) May 15, 1980 (age 44)
Spring, Texas, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2001, for the Florida Marlins
Last MLB appearance
August 3, 2014, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record138–106
Earned run average3.88
Strikeouts1,901
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Joshua Patrick Beckett (born May 15, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). A three-time MLB All-Star, he played for the Florida Marlins, the Boston Red Sox, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After a stellar high school career in which he was regarded as one of the top baseball prospects in the U.S., Beckett was drafted by the Marlins with the second overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft. He won the 2003 World Series with the Marlins and the 2007 World Series with the Red Sox, receiving the 2003 World Series MVP award and the 2007 American League Championship Series MVP award. Beckett was traded from the Marlins to the Red Sox in 2006 and from the Red Sox to the Dodgers in 2012, both as part of multi-player transactions.

Beckett recovered from a serious injury that caused him to miss most of the 2013 season. He pitched a no-hitter for the Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, 2014, becoming the 19th man in Dodgers history to pitch a no-hitter. However, his season was again cut short due to an injury, and he announced his retirement on October 7, 2014.

Early life

[edit]

Beckett grew up idolizing fellow Texans Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens.[1] As a youth, he starred on Little League All-Star teams.[2] He later attended Spring High School in Spring, Texas. He had trouble with grades and with paying attention to his coach during his freshman year, so his coach in frustration threw Beckett off the team.[3] He experienced a growth spurt before his sophomore year and added speed to his fastball.[1] He also raised his GPA and was able to get back on the team, where he had a 9–3 record with a 1.18 earned run average (ERA) as a sophomore, tossing three no-hitters.[3]

As a high school junior, Beckett was ranked by Baseball America as the top high school prospect in the nation, and his team as the top high school baseball team. He compiled a 13–2 record and struck out 2.1 batters per inning while walking only 20 batters all season.[3] His high school coach said, "I’ve never seen a pitcher with his ability—ever."[3]

In his senior season, Beckett, by this point nicknamed "Kid Heat,"[1] was named the High School player of the year by USA Today.[4] Beckett signed a letter of intent to pitch for Texas A&M University,[5] but he and Josh Hamilton were seen as the top two players available in the 1999 Major League Baseball draft.[6] Concerned about Beckett's perceived arrogance, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays chose Hamilton with the first pick.[7] Beckett, meanwhile, was chosen with the second pick by the Florida Marlins. Marlins scouting director Al Avila said at the time, "Beckett has good size and has an overpowering fastball. He's a bulldog on the mound."[8] Showing his confidence, Beckett predicted that he would make it to the major leagues within two years and play in an All-Star game by 2001.[8]

Baseball career

[edit]

Florida Marlins (1999–2005)

[edit]

Minor leagues

[edit]

Beckett engaged in protracted negotiations with the Marlins, during which he briefly enrolled at Blinn Junior College,[2] but he eventually signed on August 28, 1999, to a four-year $7 million contract that included a $3.625 million signing bonus. His signing bonus was larger than what the Marlins were paying everyone on the Major League roster, except pitcher Alex Fernandez.[9]

Beckett impressed the Marlins in his first spring training with the team in March 2000, with a fastball clocked at 94–96 miles per hour (151–154 km/h) and a good curveball.[10] He also showed his commitment to the team by donating $100,000 to the team's charitable foundation, more than any other player had donated.[11] He was assigned to the Kane County Cougars of the Class A Midwest League to make his professional debut. As the Opening Day starter for the Cougars, he pitched four innings and allowed only one run, on a double by Albert Pujols.[12] Beckett suffered from injuries that season, including shoulder tendinitis and a frayed rotator cuff, injuries which took longer to heal because he did too much weight lifting while on the disabled list. He would later say, "I tried to get too strong too quick and ended up making things worse."[13] He pitched in 13 games for the Cougars and finished with a record of 2–3 with a 2.12 ERA and 61 strikeouts.[14] He was selected by Baseball America as the Marlins best prospect and the 19th best in the entire minor leagues as well as having the best fastball in the Midwest League.[15] He was also selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game, a showcase for the best prospects.[16]

The Marlins assigned Beckett to the Brevard County Manatees of the Florida State League at the start of the 2001 season. He didn't allow an earned run in his first 38+23 innings and went 6–0 with a 1.23 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 13 games.[13][17] Marlins General Manager Dave Dombrowski remarked on his progress, "He pitched as well in the Florida State League as any prospect I've ever been associated with", leading to a promotion to the Double A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League.[13] Beckett struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced in his Sea Dogs debut on June 16, 2001.[18] On August 13, 2001, he combined with two other Sea Dogs pitchers to throw a no-hitter against the Binghamton Mets.[18] In 13 starts for the team, he had an 8–1 record, a 1.82 ERA and struck out 102 batters.[19]

He was selected as Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America, The Sporting News, and USA Today.[18] Baseball America also ranked him as the Marlins' best prospect and the third best in all of baseball, while the Marlins named him as their organizational minor league player of the year.[15]

Major leagues

[edit]

Beckett's MLB debut was on September 4, 2001, against the Chicago Cubs, in which he gave up one hit over six shutout innings to pick up his first MLB win. He also doubled and scored in the game. Beckett was quoted afterwards as saying, "It was fun. I'm ready for my next one."[20] He did not allow a run in his first 10 innings before giving up a two-run homer to Vladimir Guerrero on September 19 against the Montreal Expos.[15] He finished 2001 with four games started, a 2–2 record, and an ERA of 1.50.[21]

Hampered by blister problems in 2002, Beckett's highlight was on July 21, when he struck out 12 Expos in one game, combining with a couple of relief pitchers on a Marlins record 17 strikeouts in a nine-inning game.[22] In 23 appearances for the Marlins in 2002, which included two relief appearances, he was 6–7 with a 4.10 ERA and 113 strikeouts.[21]

Beckett was named the Marlins opening day starting pitcher in 2003, and at 22 years old, he was the youngest opening day starter in the team's history. However, he lasted just 2+23 innings in the game as the Philadelphia Phillies scored five unearned runs in the third as a result of two errors and a passed ball.[23] He subsequently went on the disabled list (DL) with a sprained right elbow in mid-May, part of a string of team injuries that contributed to the firing of Manager Jeff Torborg.[24] He returned from his injury on July 1 and finished the season with a 9–8 record, a 3.04 ERA and 152 strikeouts.[25]

Beckett made his postseason debut in the opening game of the 2003 National League (NL) Division Series, where he allowed only one run in seven innings against the San Francisco Giants but picked up the loss as Jason Schmidt pitched a complete-game shutout.[26] However, the Marlins came back to win the series in four games.[27] His next start, in game one of the 2003 NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs, did not go well as he allowed four runs in the first inning, two of them on a home run by Moisés Alou, and six runs in his 6+13 innings. The Marlins battled back and won the game in extra innings.[28] The Cubs took the next three games and only needed one more win to take the series when Beckett returned to the mound in game five. He allowed only three Cubs to reach base in the game, on two singles and a walk, in the complete-game shutout to keep his team alive.[29] The Marlins took game six also, thanks partly to the infamous Steve Bartman incident.[30] In game seven, on two days rest, Beckett came in out of the bullpen to pitch four innings and the Marlins won 9–6 to clinch the National League championship.[31]

Beckett won the 2003 World Series MVP Award with two strong performances, one of which was on three days' rest, as the Marlins defeated the New York Yankees. In game three, he struck out 10 and allowed only two runs in 7+13 innings.[32] Then in game six at Yankee Stadium, he shut out the Yankees in a complete game, striking out nine batters and clinching the series by making the tag for the final out.[33]

Beckett made the opening day start for the Marlins again in 2004, allowing one run in seven innings against the Expos.[34] He made three trips to the DL during the season, but still pitched a career-high 26 starts and 156+23 innings.[15] He was 9–9 with a 3.79 ERA and had 152 strikeouts for the second year in a row but the Marlins faltered down the stretch and did not make the postseason.[21] In 2005, he was 15–8 with a 3.38 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 29 games.[21]

In his five seasons with the Marlins, Beckett had a 41–34 record, a 3.46 ERA and struck out a total of 607 batters in 106 games.[21] In his final start as a Marlin, on September 23, 2005, against the Atlanta Braves, he struck out six in seven shutout innings but earned a no decision in a game the Marlins eventually lost.[35]

Boston Red Sox (2006–2012)

[edit]

In a deal that was made official on Thanksgiving Day 2005, Beckett was traded to the Boston Red Sox along with third baseman Mike Lowell and relief pitcher Guillermo Mota for minor league shortstop Hanley Ramírez (the top prospect in the Red Sox system at the time) and pitchers Aníbal Sánchez, Jesús Delgado and Harvey García.[36] Beckett and Lowell were among a prominent list of veterans the Marlins traded in an effort to shed salary. This was organizationally termed a market correction.[37] In his first start with the Red Sox, Beckett allowed only one run in seven innings to pick up the win against the Texas Rangers on April 5, 2006.[38]

Beckett during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox in 2008

Beckett was the first Red Sox pitcher to hit a home run in 35 years — since the advent of the designated hitter rule — when he took Phillies' pitcher Brett Myers deep during an interleague game on May 20, 2006.[39] On July 18, he signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with a $10 million club option for 2010.[40] Beckett completed his first season with the Red Sox with a record of 16–11 and a 5.01 ERA. In 204+23 innings, he gave up 191 hits and struck out 158 batters while walking 74. He also allowed 36 home runs, tied for second most in the majors.[21]

At the start of the 2007 season, Beckett adjusted to throwing more breaking pitches and fewer fastballs. At the same time, he learned to locate his pitches rather than simply get strikes by power.[41] He reduced his walks and home runs allowed by nearly half, contributing to his success in 2007.[21] Beckett became one of six Red Sox pitchers in history to win their first seven starts. George Winter and Mickey Harris both won their first seven starts in a season, and Babe Ruth, Dave Ferriss and Roger Moret all won their first eight starts in a season.[15] After a strong first half, posting a 12–2 record with a 3.44 ERA, he was selected to the American League team in the 2007 MLB All-Star Game.[15] Beckett earned the victory in the game after pitching two innings, giving up only one hit, and striking out two.[42] Beckett became the first pitcher to win 20 games in a season since 2005, finishing the season with a record of 20–7, a 3.27 ERA, 194 strikeouts, a 1.14 WHIP, and only 40 walks and 17 home runs allowed.[15] He finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting, behind CC Sabathia.[43]

Beckett threw a shutout against the Anaheim Angels on 108 pitches, 83 of which were strikes, to start the 2007 American League Division Series.[44] Nine days later, Beckett started the first game of the 2007 American League Championship Series (ALCS) and pitched six innings for the win and in game five he struck out 11 in eight innings. Beckett's 2–0 record and 1.93 ERA against the Cleveland Indians earned him the 2007 ALCS MVP Award.[45] He then started and won the first game of the 2007 World Series against the Colorado Rockies, pitching seven innings, allowing one run on six hits, and striking out nine batters. Boston would go on to sweep the Rockies in the series.[46]

On May 8, 2008, Beckett recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, when Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers struck out swinging in the seventh inning.[47] He was 12–10 with a 4.03 ERA in 27 starts.[21] In game three of the 2008 American League Division Series against the Anaheim Angels he allowed four runs in five innings[48] He then made two starts in the 2008 ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays and was 1–0 but had a high 9.64 ERA.[49]

In 2009, during his first Opening Day start with the Red Sox, Beckett struck out 10 through seven innings allowing only one run and two hits in a 5–3 victory over the Rays.[50] On April 14, 2009, MLB fined and suspended him six games for intentionally throwing over the head of Angels outfielder Bobby Abreu.[51] Beckett later appealed the suspension and got it reduced to five games.[52] On June 20, 2009, he recorded his first complete-game shutout in three years against the Atlanta Braves in a duel against former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe. The shutout was his first in a Red Sox uniform.[53] On July 5, 2009, he was selected to represent Boston in the 2009 MLB All Star Game.[54]

Beckett recorded his 100th career win on July 12, 2009, pitching a complete-game shutout against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.[55] On August 7, 2009, against the New York Yankees, he engaged in a pitching duel with former Marlins teammate A. J. Burnett that turned into a fifteen-inning, five-hour-and-thirty-three-minute game. He threw seven shutout innings, Burnett threw 7+23. The Red Sox eventually lost the game in the bottom of the 15th, when Alex Rodriguez hit a walk-off two-run home run.[56] He was 17–6 on the season, with a 3.86 ERA and a career-high 199 strikeouts in 32 starts.[21] He lost his one start in the postseason, to the Angels in Game 2 of the 2009 ALDS.[57]

On April 5, 2010, the Red Sox and Beckett agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension, through 2014.[58] On May 7, he allowed nine runs, struck out eight and also hit two batters. This was the first time a Major League pitcher had that combination of stats in a single game since Jack Coombs of the Philadelphia Athletics during the 1911 season.[15] He was placed on the disabled list on May 19 with a lower back strain and returned from the injury on July 23.[59] In 21 starts in 2010, he was 6–6 with a 5.78 ERA.[21]

In 2011, he posted career bests in ERA (2.89), opponent batting average (.211) and WHIP (1.03).[15] He was 13–7 in 30 games[21] and was selected to his third All-Star Game.[60] On September 16, he recorded his 1,000th strikeout as a member of the Red Sox against Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist in the sixth inning.[61] At the end of the 2011 season, the Red Sox collapsed and failed to make the playoffs. Beckett and two more starting pitchers (John Lackey and Jon Lester) were in the center of a controversy where the three drank alcohol, ate fried chicken, and played video games during games where they weren't pitching. Beckett was noted as the leader of this and some cited this behavior as part of the reason for the team's poor play down the stretch.[62]

Beckett struggled in the 2012 season, he went 5–11 with a 5.23 ERA as a Red Sox.[21] He was also the center of yet another controversy when it was reported that he played several rounds of golf despite having been scratched from his start due to a lat muscle injury.[63] In what would turn out to be his final start with the Red Sox, he allowed four runs in six innings on August 19, 2012, against the Yankees.[64] Over seven seasons, he started 194 regular season games for the Red Sox with an 89–58 record, a 4.17 ERA and 1,108 strikeouts.[21]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2012–2014)

[edit]
Beckett with the Dodgers on April 19, 2013

On August 25, 2012, Beckett was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers (along with Adrián González, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto and $11 million in cash) for James Loney, Iván DeJesús, Jr., Allen Webster, and two players to be named later (Jerry Sands and Rubby De La Rosa).[65] He started seven games for the Dodgers after the trade and was 2–3 with a 2.93 ERA.[21]

Beckett struggled in the early part of the 2013 season, posting an 0–5 record and 5.19 ERA in eight starts. He was placed on the disabled list with a groin strain on May 15, his 33rd birthday.[66] While on the disabled list, he began to experience numbness and tingling in his hand so he went to see a nerve specialist and expressed doubt as to whether he would be able to pitch again. The Dodgers shut him down from pitching for a month while he underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program in an effort to avoid season-ending surgery.[67] However, the tingling sensation returned when he attempted to resume his throwing program in late June. He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which required him to undergo surgery on July 10, 2013, that ended his 2013 season.[68]

Beckett's surgery, which included having a rib removed, made him a question mark for the Dodgers heading into 2014.[69] He returned to the Dodgers on April 9 and made his first start since the previous May, allowing four runs in four innings.[70] On May 13, he picked up his first win since 2012.[71]

On May 25, 2014, Beckett pitched a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, the 21st no-hitter in Dodgers history, and the first since Hideo Nomo did so in the 1996 season. He was also the first pitcher to no-hit the Phillies since Bob Forsch in 1978. Beckett threw 128 pitches, struck out six, and walked three en route to the victory.[72][73] Beckett also became the oldest pitcher (34) to throw a no-hitter since Randy Johnson (40) threw a perfect game in 2004.[74] He was honored as the National League Player of the Week as a result of that game.[75]

On July 8, 2014, Beckett landed on the disabled list with a left hip impingement, an injury he said had gotten worse as the season went on.[76] He returned to the rotation on July 22,[77] but struggled when he returned.[78] In a start on August 3, he was only able to pitch four innings against the Cubs.[79] Afterward, Beckett told the team that he had experienced renewed discomfort in his injured hip.[80] An MRI revealed that his hip impingement had resulted in a torn labrum and two cysts, possibly requiring season ending surgery. He was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on August 8.[81] On September 3, 2014, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters that Beckett's season was likely over due to his injury.[82] A couple of days later, Beckett confirmed that he would not pitch again in 2014 and added that he was also considering retirement.[83] Beckett officially announced his retirement on October 7, 2014.[84]

Pitching style

[edit]

Beckett threw five pitches regularly: a four-seam fastball (91–95 miles per hour (146–153 km/h)), a two-seam fastball (91–94 miles per hour (146–151 km/h)), a cutter (89–91 miles per hour (143–146 km/h)), a curveball (73–79 miles per hour (117–127 km/h)), and a changeup (86–88 miles per hour (138–142 km/h)). Beckett used all five of his pitches against left-handed hitters but dropped the changeup against righties. He preferred to use his curveball when ahead in the count, bolstered by its 34% whiff rate. Beckett also began to experiment with a slider and splitter in 2012.[85]

Personal life

[edit]
Beckett with President Barack Obama at Busch Stadium

Beckett has been linked to such celebrities as model/sportcaster Leeann Tweeden and country singer Danielle Peck.[86] On October 18, 2007, Peck was invited by the Cleveland Indians to sing the National Anthem prior to Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Red Sox and Indians. Beckett was the starting pitcher in that game, and some Red Sox fans theorized that her invitation was an attempt by the Indians organization to distract Beckett. The Indians denied this claim.[87] On January 22, 2011, he married Holly Fisher, an aeronautics engineer and former high school classmate.[88] The couple have three children together. Beckett owns homes in Manhattan Beach, California, and Boerne, Texas.[89][90]

Beckett is an avid deer hunter and has been since childhood. He was the 2002 winner of the Muy Grande Deer Contest for bringing down the largest buck during the Texas deer hunting season.[2] He owns Herradura Ranch, a 7,000 acres (28 km2) deer-hunting ranch outside of Cotulla, Texas.[91]

He was featured in a Kevin Fowler music video alongside his teammates John Lackey, Tim Wakefield, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz.[92]

On November 11, 2017, Beckett was arrested for public intoxication as a result of charging at a country band at a local bar in Texas. The singer received a torn rotator cuff and dislocated shoulder.[93]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c McTaggert, Brian (May 26, 2014). "Draft Flashback: Josh Beckett Emerges As Latest Texas Fireballer". Baseball America. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "Josh Beckett — Biography". Jockbio. Archived from the original on June 2, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d McCord, Jeff (April 1999). "Pitching Josh Beckett". Texas Monthly. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  4. ^ Krider, Dave (July 3, 1999). "Beckett named player of the year". USA Today. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  5. ^ "REWIND: Josh Beckett, Part 2". Rivals. October 26, 2007. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  6. ^ Pearlman, Jeff (April 12, 2004). "180 Degrees Of Separation In 1999 Josh Hamilton and Josh Beckett were so close in talent and potential that they were drafted 1 and 2. Now they're worlds apart". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  7. ^ Romano, John (May 31, 2009). "Tampa Bay Rays' pick of Josh Hamilton over Josh Beckett is looking smarter 10 years later". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Bernardino, Mike (June 3, 1999). "Marlins' Pick Has Star Vision". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  9. ^ "Marlins sign first round pick RHP Josh Beckett". ESPN. August 28, 1999. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  10. ^ O'Brien, David (March 7, 2000). "Beckett Debut Phenomenal". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  11. ^ Cole, Julie (March 12, 2000). "Generous Pitch Fired By Rookie On Marlins". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  12. ^ Malamut, David (2005). Kane County Cougars. Arcadia. ISBN 9780738534107. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  13. ^ a b c DiMeglio, Steve (July 2, 2001). "Beckett matures on his way up ladder". USA Today. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  14. ^ "2000 Kane County Cougars Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Josh Beckett bio". MLB.com. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  16. ^ "Back to the Futures". ESPN. July 5, 2000. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  17. ^ "2001 Brevard County Manatees statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
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[edit]
Preceded by Florida Marlins Opening Day Starting Pitcher
2003–2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by Boston Red Sox Opening Day Starting Pitcher
2009–2010
Succeeded by
Preceded by No-hitter pitcher
May 25, 2014
Succeeded by