Zack Greinke is a unique and talented baseball player who has overcome significant mental health challenges to become one of the most dominating pitchers in the game. In 2006, Greinke suffered a severe mental breakdown that led him to quit baseball, but he eventually returned to the sport after seeking help for his social anxiety disorder and depression.
Greinke's quirky personality and behaviors, such as telling batters what pitch is coming and throwing slow pitches, have made him a fan favorite and earned him a reputation as one of the weirdest players in baseball. Despite his successful career, Greinke has faced criticism and pressure, but he has persevered and become a future Hall of Fame pitcher.
Throughout his career, Greinke has been known for his honesty and bluntness, often speaking his mind and doing things his own way. He has also been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, using his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.
Overall, Zack Greinke is a complex and inspiring figure who has defied expectations and achieved great success in baseball despite his challenges.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 2006, Zack Greinke suffered a mental breakdown that caused an incident, leading him to quit baseball.
2. Greinke was the number one pitching prospect in baseball at the time.
3. He was a tennis player and golfer before becoming a professional baseball player.
4. Greinke was drafted sixth overall in the 2002 MLB draft.
5. He made his major league debut at age 20 and finished with a higher WAR than any other rookie in the league.
6. Greinke struggled with anxiety and depression, leading him to request time off and eventually quit baseball in 2006.
7. He was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and depression and prescribed medication.
8. Greinke returned to baseball in 2007 and pitched out of the bullpen.
9. He became a starter again in 2009 and won the Cy Young Award.
10. Greinke has been known for his quirky personality and has been involved in several controversies throughout his career.
11. He has thrown nine different pitches throughout his career and has consistently declined in average velocity.
12. Greinke has been considered for retirement but has focused on longevity and continues to pitch effectively.
13. He has been open about his mental health struggles and has become an inspiration to many.
14. Greinke is considered one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball and a future Hall of Famer.
15. He is known for being extremely involved in his team's scouting department and has told batters what pitch is coming, yet they still can't hit it.
16. Greinke's favorite hobby is fantasy football and has even proposed a trade during a mound visit.
17. He has been known to be honest and blunt with his teammates and opponents, sometimes leading to conflicts.
18. Greinke has been ejected from games several times and has been involved in brawls.
19. He has said that he doesn't enjoy golf and only does it barefoot or in flip-flops.
20. Greinke is married to a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and has been known to be private about his personal life.