Stockton Ports Welcome Black Jack McDowell

(from press release)

The Class A California League Stockton Ports are excited to announce that they will welcome three-time Major League All-Star and 1993 American League Cy Young winner Jack McDowell to the 6:05 PM game against the San Jose Giants on Sunday, August 23, 2009.

McDowell, who was nicknamed “Black Jack” by White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game against San Jose. He will also sign autographs for free for fans (limit two autographs per person) from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM in the breezeway at Banner Island Ballpark.

“Jack McDowell was a tremendous athlete and we are excited to host him here on August 23. He had a terrific collegiate and Major League career, and we’re excited to present our fans with top notch former Major Leaguers for appearances and autograph opportunities,” said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. “The Ports are proud to welcome Jack McDowell to Banner Island Ballpark, and to honor a California baseball star.”

McDowell is a native of Van Nuys, California. After being drafted in the 20th Round by the Boston Red Sox in 1984 out of Notre Dame High School, McDowell declined signing a professional contract and went to Stanford. He helped lead the Cardinals baseball team to the 1987 College World Series. Stanford defeated Oklahoma State that season for the CWS championship crown.

The right-hander was a first-round pick (fifth overall) of Chicago White Sox in the 1987 amateur draft. He made waves in his first season in the majors by throwing 13 scoreless innings to begin his career, following his debut on September 15, 1987. He went 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA that season. McDowell was known in his MLB career, which spanned for 13 years, for consistency and dependability. He pitched more than 250 innings and was named an All-Star in each season from 1991 to 1993.

He led the American League with 15 complete games in 1991, tossed 13 complete games in 1992, and garnered Cy Young Award honors in 1993. In 1993, he led the league with a 22-10 record, and pitched a league-leading four shutouts that season. He was the ace on the White Sox staff, and recorded 15 or more wins from 1991 to 1993.

In addition to playing for the Chicago White Sox, he played for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Anaheim Angels. Over his career, he appeared in 277 career games, and finished his career in 1999 with a 127-87 career record. He also posted a career 3.85 ERA and 1,311 strikeouts.

For more information, please contact the Stockton Ports front office at (209) 644-1900.