Nick Blackburn

Robert Nicholas Blackburn, called Nick, was born on February 24, 1982 in Ada, Oklahoma. He is a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.

Nick is 6’ 4”, weighs 225 pounds, and bats and throws right.

High School Nick graduated from Del City High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

College Nick was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 34th round of the 2000 amateur entry draft, but elected to attend Seminole State College instead.

Minor Leagues The Minnesota Twins then drafted him in the 29th round of the 2001 amateur entry draft, and this time he signed.

Nick moved up the Twins’ minor league system from 2002 to 2007.

Nick started the 2007 season with the Rochester Red Wings, then was called up by the Twins in September.

Majoe Leagues He made his major league debut on September 3, 2007, in a relief appearance in a home game against the Cleveland Indians. In his major league debut, he pitched 1 inning of perfect baseball as a relief pitcher. He went onto pitch 6 games in 2007, all as a relief pitcher.

Nick earned a spot on the 2008 Twins roster out of spring training, as a starting pitcher. He picked up his first major league win on April 19, 2008, in a home game against the Cleveland Indians, pitching 7.2 innings of shutout baseball.