Scott Erickson
Scott Erickson was a dominant force on the pitching mound for over a decade and a half in Major League Baseball, known for his groundball-inducing style and a pivotal role in a World Series championship. His career saw incredible highs, from rookie stardom to throwing a no-hitter, but also navigated the physical toll of the game and later, significant personal challenges. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of this American pitcher. Scott Erickson rose rapidly through the baseball ranks, achieving World Series glory and individual accolades early in his MLB career. Known for his unique groundball pitching style, Erickson consistently led the league in key defensive metrics throughout his impactful career. Beyond his on-field achievements, Erickson's life after baseball included coaching and media work, alongside navigating serious personal and legal challenges.
AI Summary
Scott Erickson was a dominant force on the pitching mound for over a decade and a half in Major League Baseball, known for his groundball-inducing style and a pivotal role in a World Series championship. His career saw incredible highs, from rookie stardom to throwing a no-hitter, but also navigated the physical toll of the game and later, significant personal challenges. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of this American pitcher.
- Scott Erickson rose rapidly through the baseball ranks, achieving World Series glory and individual accolades early in his MLB career.
- Known for his unique groundball pitching style, Erickson consistently led the league in key defensive metrics throughout his impactful career.
- Beyond his on-field achievements, Erickson's life after baseball included coaching and media work, alongside navigating serious personal and legal challenges.
The Formative Years
Born in Long Beach, California, Scott Erickson was a natural athlete from a young age. Growing up in Cupertino, he excelled in multiple sports at Homestead High School, not just baseball, but also soccer, football, and basketball. His talent on the diamond, however, was undeniable, earning him the prestigious CCS Junior of the Year award in baseball.
Collegiate Stardom
Erickson's athletic and academic journey continued after high school. He earned an Associate's degree in business from San Jose City College, where he was recognized as a Junior College 1st Team All-American. He then matriculated to the University of Arizona, pursuing a major in accounting with a minor in psychology.
His single year pitching for the Arizona Wildcats was nothing short of legendary. Erickson set a school record with an incredible 18 wins against just 3 losses, leading the entire country in wins, innings pitched, and complete games. These astounding numbers earned him unanimous First Team All-American honors and a swift induction into the Arizona Wildcat Hall of Fame—a remarkable feat after just one season. During this time, he also honed his skills in the elite Cape Cod Baseball League.
Path to the Pros
The Draft Carousel
Erickson's talent was certainly noticed, as he was drafted an extraordinary four times before signing his first professional contract. Teams like the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Toronto Blue Jays all tried to secure his services out of high school and junior college. It was ultimately the Minnesota Twins, selecting him in the fourth round of the 1989 amateur draft out of the University of Arizona, who finally landed the promising pitcher.
Minor League Ascension
Once signed, Erickson's rise through the minor league ranks was swift. After just 27 starts across two professional seasons, he found himself in the Major Leagues. His time in Double-A with the Orlando Sun Rays was particularly impressive, where he sported an 8-3 record and a five-game win streak, earning him an All-Star nod in the Southern League.
Major League Career
Minnesota Twins Debut and World Series Glory
Erickson's 1990 season showcased his immediate impact, finishing with a combined 16-7 record between Double-A and the Majors. His September performance was spectacular, going 5-0 and sharing the American League Pitcher of the Month award with none other than Dave Stewart.
The following year, 1991, cemented his status as a budding star. Erickson posted an incredible 12-2 record with a sparkling 1.39 ERA in the first half alone, again earning American League Pitcher of the Month honors for both May and June. He played a crucial role as the Twins went on to win the World Series, and his outstanding season placed him second in Cy Young Award voting and even garnered him votes for the American League MVP award.
While the following seasons had their ups and downs—including leading the majors in losses in 1993—Erickson etched his name into Twins history on April 27, 1994. He tossed a masterful 6-0 no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, a first for that stadium and only the third in Twins franchise history.
Baltimore Orioles Era
In 1995, Erickson found a new home. After starting the season 4-6 with the Twins, he was part of a trade that sent him to the Baltimore Orioles. The change of scenery proved beneficial, as he collected 9 wins in 16 starts for Baltimore, finishing the season with a combined 13-10 record.
Erickson truly flourished in Baltimore, delivering some of his most consistent seasons. He secured 13 wins again in 1996 and had his best season since 1992 in 1997, winning 16 games with a solid 3.69 ERA. This consistent performance led to a lucrative five-year, $32 million contract. In 1998, he matched his 16-win total and even led the league with 11 complete games and over 251 innings pitched, showcasing his durability.
He continued to be a workhorse in 1999, posting 15 wins and leading the league with 3 shutouts. Erickson was particularly adept at inducing ground balls, a skill that defined his pitching style, leading the majors with 454 ground balls induced that season alone.
However, the physical toll of pitching caught up to him. In 2000, bone chips in his elbow required surgery, limiting him to just 16 starts and eventually forcing him to miss the entire 2001 season. He made a remarkable return in 2002, becoming the first pitcher to start Opening Day after missing a full season, but another devastating injury—a torn labrum—sidelined him for all of 2003.
Later Career Journey
After his significant injuries, Erickson became a journeyman pitcher. In 2004, he signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets, making his debut in July before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
The following year, 2005, saw him join the starting rotation of the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing his tour through Major League Baseball. He demonstrated resilience, still contributing to big league clubs despite the earlier setbacks.
Erickson's final stop was with the New York Yankees in 2006. He was released mid-season and officially announced his retirement from baseball at the beginning of the 2007 season, closing the chapter on a 15-year MLB career.
Pitching Profile: The Groundball Maestro
Scott Erickson was distinctive for his groundball-heavy pitching approach. This style made him incredibly efficient, as evidenced by his leading the league five times in double plays induced during a season. He also holds a place in the top 5 in Major League history for his exceptional groundball to flyout ratio, a testament to his unique ability to keep the ball on the ground.
Life After Baseball
Following his retirement from playing, Erickson transitioned into coaching, serving as a pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians' Class A Advanced affiliate, the Carolina Mudcats, and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in 2012. He also shared his expertise through Major League Mechanics, a pitching tutorial platform. Since 2015, he has brought his insights to a wider audience as a game analyst for the Pac-12 Network.
Personal Life and Challenges
Erickson's public profile extended beyond baseball. In late 2000, he was featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" edition. In 2004, he married television personality, actress, and investigative reporter Lisa Guerrero, with whom he founded HomeTeam Productions, even executive producing the 2008 movie "A Plumm Summer." Their marriage later ended in divorce in 2019.
Legal Issues
In 2002, Erickson faced legal trouble when he was arrested and charged with second-degree assault following an argument with his then-girlfriend. However, investigators ultimately dropped these charges, allowing him to move forward.
More recently, in January 2021, Erickson was charged with reckless driving in connection with a tragic 2020 hit-and-run incident that resulted in the deaths of two young children. Prosecutors alleged that he and another individual, Rebecca Grossman, had been drinking before racing their SUVs at high speeds, striking the boys in a crosswalk. During Grossman's murder trial, her defense attempted to place blame on Erickson, but she was ultimately found guilty of double second-degree murder. Erickson's earlier misdemeanor charge related to the crash was dismissed after he participated in a public service message promoting safe driving.
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Scott Erickson
Scott Gavin Erickson (born February 2, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees over 15 seasons. He was a member of the (/wiki/1991WorldSeries) World Series champion Twins.
Early life
Scott Erickson
Erickson was born in Long Beach, California. He played baseball, soccer, football, and basketball at Homestead High School, in Cupertino, California. He was CCS Junior of the Year in baseball.
After completing his secondary education, he graduated from San Jose City College in 1988 with an AA degree in business. He was a Junior College 1st Team All American at San Jose. He then majored in accounting with a minor in psychology at the University of Arizona. Erickson was inducted into the Arizona Wildcat Hall of Fame after just one year of pitching at Arizona. Erickson set a school record for wins with an 18–3 record, as he led the country in wins (18), innings pitched (175), and complete games (14). Those impressive numbers earned him a unanimous First Team All-American honor. His teammates at Arizona included Trevor Hoffman, Kevin Long, and J. T. Snow. In 1989, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Career
Minor leagues
Erickson began his professional career after being selected in the major league draft four times. He was drafted by the New York Mets in 1986 out of Homestead High School; the Houston Astros in 1987 and Toronto Blue Jays in 1988 out of San Jose City College; and in (/wiki/1989inbaseball) he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 4th round of the amateur draft out of the University of Arizona. He finally signed his first pro contract with Minnesota. After 27 minor league starts, Erickson rose to the major leagues in his second season of professional baseball with the Class AA Orlando Sun Rays. He was on a five-game win streak with a record of 8–3 in the first half as an All Star in the Southern League.
Minnesota Twins
Erickson finished 1990 with a combined record of 16–7 between Double-A and the majors; he went 5–0 in September and tied Dave Stewart for American League Pitcher of the Month. In (/wiki/1991inbaseball), Erickson posted a record of 12–2 with a 1.39 ERA in the first half season and was awarded the American League Pitcher of the Month for May and June. The Twins went on to win the World Series, and Erickson finished second to Roger Clemens for the American League Cy Young Award and received votes for the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
The following season, Erickson started 32 games, going 13–12 with 5 complete games. He regressed the following year, however, leading the majors with 19 losses. On April 27, 1994, Erickson no-hit the Milwaukee Brewers 6–0 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the first no-hitter ever pitched in that stadium. He became the third Twins pitcher, after Jack Kralick in 1962 and Dean Chance in 1967, to pitch a no-hitter; the former's had been the last no-hitter in a Twins home game, that game having taken place at the Metrodome's predecessor, Metropolitan Stadium.
Baltimore Orioles
In (/wiki/1995inbaseball), he started with a 4-6 record and 5.95 ERA with the Twins. His last start with the team was a 6–3 away win over the Baltimore Orioles on 4 July in which he and Scott Klingenbeck were the pitchers of record, three days before they were traded for each other on 7 July in a fire sale transaction which was completed two months later on 19 September when Kimera Bartee was sent to Minnesota. More effective after the trade, Erickson turned in 9 wins in 16 starts for Baltimore. Between both teams, he finished 13–10 with 7 complete games. In 1996, Erickson won 13 games for the second straight year, with 6 complete games and 100 strikeouts for the 6th straight year. In 1997, Erickson turned in his best season since 1992, winning 16 games with a 3.69 ERA in 33 starts. He later signed a five-year, $32 million contract with Baltimore through (/wiki/2003inbaseball). In 1998, Erickson once again won 16 games for the Orioles, while leading the league in complete games (11) and innings pitched (251.1).
In 1999, Erickson went 15–12 with a 4.81 ERA while leading the league in shutouts (3). He also led the majors in ground balls induced with 454.
On March 3, 2000, Erickson had bone chips removed from his elbow, and was out of action eight weeks. Erickson made 16 starts for the Orioles in 2000. He was hampered by the nagging elbow issue and visited the disabled list twice, the second one being a season ending elbow injury. After over 2000 innings pitched, the elbow injury caused him to miss the entire 2001 season. Erickson returned in 2002, becoming the first pitcher to start Opening Day after missing an entire season. That season, he made 28 starts, pitching 160.2 innings. In 2003, Erickson suffered a torn labrum and missed the entire 2003 season.
Later career
In 2004, Erickson signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets. Set back by injury, he made his Mets' debut in July, then was traded to the Texas Rangers at the July 31 deadline.
He was in the starting rotation for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005.
Erickson signed a deal with the New York Yankees on February 16, 2006. He was released by the Yankees on June 19, and officially retired from baseball at the beginning of the (/wiki/2007inbaseball) season.
Pitching profile
Erickson was a groundball pitcher. He led the league five times in most double plays in a season and is in the Top 5 in Major League history for groundball to flyout ratio.
Post-playing career
Scott Erickson
Erickson was the pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians Class A Advanced affiliate Carolina Mudcats of the Carolina League in 2012 and Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the New York–Penn League He was also the President of MLM, majorleaguemechanics.com, a pitching mechanics tutorial with professional instruction. Beginning in 2015, he has been a game analyst for the Pac-12 Network.
Personal life
Scott Erickson
In late 2000, Erickson was featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" edition. In 2004, Erickson married Lisa Guerrero, a television personality, actress, and investigative reporter with whom he founded HomeTeam Productions. They were executive producers for the 2008 movie A Plumm Summer. The marriage ended in divorce in 2019.
Legal issues
In 2002, Erickson was arrested and charged with second-degree assault after an argument with then-girlfriend Lisa Ortiz spilled out into the hallway outside their condominium. Investigators later dropped the charges.
On January 27, 2021, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office charged Erickson with reckless driving in connection with a 2020 hit-and-run that killed two young children. Prosecutors alleged that Erickson and his then-lover Rebecca Grossman, a wealthy socialite and estranged wife of Peter Grossman, a prominent doctor and son of A. Richard Grossman, who founded the world-renowned, Grossman Burn Center in West Hills, California had been drinking cocktails at Julios, a restaurant in Westlake Village. They left Julio's in their separate SUV's and raced their vehicles through suburban streets at over 80 miles per hour (130 km/h), and struck and killed the two young brothers at a Westlake Village crosswalk. During the murder trial against Grossman, her defense team argued that it was actually Erickson who struck the boys, placing the blame on him; however the jury was not convinced, and Grossman was found guilty of double second degree murder. Erickson's earlier misdemeanor in connection with the crash was later dismissed after he made a public service message about safe driving.