Jonathan Papelbon

Who is Jonathan Papelbon?

Jonathan Robert Papelbon is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. He previously was a member of the Boston Red Sox, with whom he reached four consecutive Major League Baseball All-Star Games from 2006 to 2009, won the 2007 Major League Baseball Delivery Man Award, and was a 2007 World Series champion. Throughout his career, he has worn uniform number 58, and has been a closing pitcher.

After moving from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Papelbon attended high school in Jacksonville, Florida, where he played at Bishop Kenny High School and earned all-city accolades prior to attending Mississippi State to play college baseball. Subsequently, in 2003, the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 4th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, and he played three seasons of minor league baseball before breaking into the major leagues. His effectiveness as a pitcher centers on above-average velocity, and deceptive breaking balls that fool hitters.