David Aardsma

David Allan Aardsma was born on December 27, 1981 in Denver, Colorado.

David, a relief pitcher, is 6’4”, weighs 205 pounds, and throws and bats and right.

High SchoolDavid attended Cherry Creek High School in Colorado, which was also the high school of such Major Leaguers as Josh Bard, John Burke, Brad Lidge, Darnell McDonald, and Donzell McDonald. He graduated in 2000.

CollegeDavid attended Penn State in his freshman year, then transferred to Rice University in 2001, where he remained. Aardsma became a dominant closer at Rice, setting school single-season and career saves records in 2002-03. In the 2003 College World Series, he earned two wins and a save as the Owls won their first national championship. He also retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced at the College World Series.

Minor LeagueDavid was drafted in the 1st round (22nd overall) of the 2003 amateur draft by the San Francisco Giants.

He went to the San Jose Giants (Class A). He posted a 1.96 ERA while striking out 28 in about 18 innings.

He made the major-league roster in 2004, skipping AA and AAA, and made his debut in the season’s second game. Although he started out well in his relief career, the major league hitters got used to him, and he ended up in Fresno, the Giants AAA team, later on in the season.

David started the 2005 season in AA with the Norwich Navigators.

David was traded, along with pitcher Jerome Williams, to the Chicago Cubs for veteran pitcher LaTroy Hawkins on May 28, 2005. He spent the season in the minor leagues.

*Major Leagues‘*Chicago Cubs’David returned to the big leagues for good in 2006, posting a 3-0 record and 4.08 ERA in 45 relief appearances, finishing nine games for the Cubs.

In 2007, David, along with minor leaguer Carlos Vasquez, was sent to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for reliever Neal Cotts.

Chicago White SoxHe started the 2007 season well, but faded early, and in early June was optioned to AAA Charlotte. He was recalled on June 19 but continued to struggle in his last appearances with the team.

Boston Red SoxOn January 28, 2008, the Boston Red Sox acquired David from the White Sox for pitching prospects Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

In August, 2008, David was placed on the 15-day Disabled List.

PersonalDavid is affianced to Andrea Roth.

His sister, Amanda was Miss Colorado Teen USA 1997, and Miss Teenage California 1994, and is currently an actress. His father, David, is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Waste Management, Inc.