Craig Andrew Breslow (; born August 8, 1980) is an American baseball executive and former professional
baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...
pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...
. He is currently the
Chief Baseball Officer of the
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
. Breslow pitched for 12 seasons in
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
(MLB) for the
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. ...
,
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
(including as a member of the 2013 World Series championship team),
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
,
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...
,
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
,
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...
, and
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...
. He also pitched for
Team Israel at the
2017 World Baseball Classic
The 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an international professional baseball competition, composed of 16 competing nations, held from March 6 to 22, 2017. It was the fourth iteration of the World Baseball Classic. The first-round hosts wer ...
.
Breslow was selected in the 26th round of the
2002 MLB draft by the
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
, and debuted in MLB with the Padres in 2005. He made his final MLB appearance during the 2017 season. As of the end of the 2018 season, he ranked fourth among all active left-handed MLB pitchers in career appearances.
As a senior at
Yale University
Yale University is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, Yale is the List of Colonial Colleges, third-oldest institution of higher education in the United Stat ...
, where he majored in
molecular biophysics
Molecular biophysics is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary area of research that combines concepts in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and biology. It seeks to understand biomolecular systems and explain biological function in ter ...
and
biochemistry
Biochemistry, or biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. A sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology, biochemistry may be divided into three fields: structural biology, enzymology, a ...
, Breslow led the
Ivy League
The Ivy League is an American collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference of eight Private university, private Research university, research universities in the Northeastern United States. It participates in the National Collegia ...
with a 2.56
earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
. During his MLB career, he was called the "smartest man in baseball" by reporters at the ''
Minneapolis Star Tribune
''The Minnesota Star Tribune'', formerly the ''Minneapolis Star Tribune'', is an American daily newspaper based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As of 2023, it is Minnesota's largest newspaper and the seventh-largest in the United States by circula ...
'' and ''
The Wall Street Journal
''The Wall Street Journal'' (''WSJ''), also referred to simply as the ''Journal,'' is an American newspaper based in New York City. The newspaper provides extensive coverage of news, especially business and finance. It operates on a subscriptio ...
''.
In 2010, the ''
Sporting News
''The Sporting News'' is a website and former magazine publication owned by Sporting News Holdings, which is a U.S.-based sports media company formed in December 2020 by a private investor consortium. It was originally established in 1886 as a ...
'' named him the smartest athlete on their top 20 list.
Early life
Breslow was born in
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is a city of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is located on New Haven Harbor on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. With a population of 135,081 as determined by the 2020 United States census, 2020 U.S. census, New Haven is List ...
, and raised in
Trumbull, Connecticut
Trumbull is a New England town, town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The town is part of the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut, Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, and borders on the cities of Bridgeport, Co ...
. He is Jewish,
and attended
Hebrew school. His family attended
Congregation B'nai Israel in
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut and the fifth-most populous city in New England, with a population of 148,654 in 2020. Located in eastern Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Is ...
, Connecticut, where he had his
bar mitzvah
A ''bar mitzvah'' () or ''bat mitzvah'' () is a coming of age ritual in Judaism. According to Halakha, Jewish law, before children reach a certain age, the parents are responsible for their child's actions. Once Jewish children reach that age ...
in 1993.
He has
fasted while pitching on
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur ( ; , ) is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, corresponding to a date in late September or early October.
For traditional Jewish people, it is primarily centered on atonement and ...
, and noted: "Being Jewish is more difficult in baseball ... but I try to do what I can in terms of paying attention to holidays."
Breslow's father Abe Breslow, an All-American soccer player in college, is a teacher and the former department chair in Physical Education and Health, and boys tennis coach and girls soccer coach, at
Trumbull High School. His mother, Ann Breslow, is a math teacher in Bridgeport.
In 1992, when Breslow was 12 years old, his sister Lesley—two years older—was diagnosed with pediatric
thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is cancer that develops from the tissues of the thyroid gland. It is a disease in which cells grow abnormally and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can include swelling or a lump in the neck, ...
, for which she had surgery to remove all of her thyroid gland (a
thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgery, surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. In general surgery, endocrine or head and neck surgeons often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer or some other ...
).
"Something as traumatic as that has a lasting impact," Breslow said. "It confirmed my interest
n medicine Being a doctor went from being a prestigious profession to something that changes people's lives."
[ The experience led Breslow to take an interest in ]molecular biophysics
Molecular biophysics is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary area of research that combines concepts in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and biology. It seeks to understand biomolecular systems and explain biological function in ter ...
and biochemistry
Biochemistry, or biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. A sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology, biochemistry may be divided into three fields: structural biology, enzymology, a ...
. Later in life, Breslow formed a non-profit foundation
A foundation (also referred to as a charitable foundation) is a type of nonprofit organization or charitable trust that usually provides funding and support to other charitable organizations through grants, while also potentially participating d ...
to help children with cancer.
During his playing career, he was listed at and . In 2014, he was inducted into the Fairfield County, Connecticut
Fairfield County is a County (United States), county in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is the List of counties in Connecticut, most populous county in the state and was also its fastest-growing from 2010 to 2020. ...
Sports Hall of Fame.
High school
Breslow attended Trumbull High School in Trumbull, Connecticut
Trumbull is a New England town, town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The town is part of the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut, Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, and borders on the cities of Bridgeport, Co ...
, graduating in 1998. He was a standout in baseball and soccer, and served as team captain in both sports during his senior year.
In baseball, he was the winning pitcher in the Class LL State Baseball championship game, playing with teammate and future Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...
second round draft pick and major league infielder, Jamie D'Antona. He also played in little league with future major league pitcher Charlie Morton. As a senior in high school, Breslow played in the Connecticut/Massachusetts All-Star game at Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a ballpark located in Boston, Massachusetts, less than one mile from Kenmore Square. Since 1912, it has been the home field of Major League Baseball's (MLB) Boston Red Sox. While the stadium was built in 1912, it was substantia ...
. He was named to the 1998 ''New Haven Register
The ''New Haven Register'' is a daily newspaper published in New Haven, Connecticut. It is owned by Hearst Communications. The Register's main office is located at 100 Gando Drive in New Haven. The ''Register'' was established about 1812 and i ...
'' All-Area team.
In soccer, he helped lead Trumbull High to their first-ever state tournament victory. In 1997, he was named to the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Boys First-Team Soccer Team. He was known for having an uncanny ability to score from very difficult and wide angles, and ranks among the school's all-time scorers. Scholastically he excelled as well, scoring 1420 on his SAT
The SAT ( ) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and Test score, scoring have changed several times. For much of its history, it was called the Scholastic Aptitude Test ...
exam.
College
Breslow graduated from Yale University in 2002 with a double major B.A. in molecular biophysics
Molecular biophysics is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary area of research that combines concepts in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and biology. It seeks to understand biomolecular systems and explain biological function in ter ...
and biochemistry
Biochemistry, or biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. A sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology, biochemistry may be divided into three fields: structural biology, enzymology, a ...
, and gained admission to the NYU School of Medicine, which he deferred.
Breslow was captain of the Yale
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and one of the nine colonial colleges ch ...
Bulldogs baseball team in the Ivy League
The Ivy League is an American collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference of eight Private university, private Research university, research universities in the Northeastern United States. It participates in the National Collegia ...
. As a freshman in 1999, he pitched for the Middletown Giants of the New England Collegiate Baseball League; in November 2013 he was inducted into the NECBL's Hall of Fame. As a junior, he led Yale with three victories and led the Ivy League with a 2.61 earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...
(ERA), striking out 66 batters in innings (ranking 13th in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings). He earned All-Ivy honors that season, which included a 16-strikeout performance vs. Cornell, and a one-hit shutout
In team sports, a shutout (North American English, US) or clean sheet (Commonwealth English, UK) is a game in which the losing team fails to score. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketba ...
at Harvard
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher lear ...
. As a senior, he led the Ivy League with a 2.56 ERA.
In 2002, Breslow was named a ''Jewish Sports Review
''Jewish Sports Review'' (JSR) was a bi-monthly magazine that operated from 1997 to 2022. Its editors were Ephraim Moxson and Shel Wallman.
The magazine identified Jewish athletes, including professionals, college players, athletes in internati ...
'' College Baseball First Team All-American, along with future major leaguers Sam Fuld and Adam Greenberg.
Breslow was drafted in the 26th round (769th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
. Breslow deferred acceptance to the New York University School of Medicine
The New York University Grossman School of Medicine is a medical school of New York University, a private research university in New York City. It was founded in 1841 and is one of two medical schools of the university, the other being the NYU G ...
because of his "love of the game". As of July 2017, he had deferred his acceptance to the medical school four times, as he continued to play baseball.
Breslow reached the major leagues in 2005, the first Yale graduate to do so since Ron Darling
Ronald Maurice Darling Jr. (born August 19, 1960) is a retired American professional baseball pitcher and television sports color commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher from to , including as a member of ...
(1983–95). He pitched his first game for San Diego
San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
on July 23, 2005. Breslow was also one of six Ivy Leaguers on major league rosters at the beginning of the 2009 season. In 2012, Breslow and catcher Ryan Lavarnway
Ryan Cole Lavarnway (; born August 7, 1987) is an American-Israeli former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, ...
became the first Yale grads to be Major League teammates since 1949, and the first All-Yale battery in the major leagues since 1883.
Professional career
Milwaukee Brewers organization (2002–2004)
In 2002, Breslow ranked fifth in the Pioneer League with six wins, going 6–2 with a 1.82 ERA in 23 appearances out of the pen for the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors. He struck out 56 in innings, and limited the opposition to a .218 average. In 2003, he averaged strikeouts per nine innings for the Single-A Beloit Snappers
The Beloit Sky Carp are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. They are located in Beloit, Wisconsin, and play their home games at ABC Supply Stadium. They previously played at Harry C ...
of the Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Minor League Baseball league established in 1947 and based in the Midwestern United States. A Class A league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseball's 2021 reorganizat ...
, fanning 80 batters in 65 innings.
In 2004, Breslow made 23 relief appearances with the Single-A High Desert Mavericks
The High Desert Mavericks were an American Minor League Baseball team in Adelanto, California, that played their home games at Heritage Field at Stater Bros. Stadium. They played in the Class A-Advanced California League. The franchise had eight d ...
of the California League
The California League is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in California. Having been classified at various levels throughout its existence, it operated at Class A-Advanced from 1990 until its demotion to Single-A following Major Leagu ...
, going 1–3 with a 7.19 ERA. The Brewers released Breslow during the 2004 season.
After his release, Breslow took the Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT; ) is a Computer-based testing, computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Offshore medical school, Caribbean Islands. It is ...
(MCAT) and scored a 34 (the average score for medical school applicants was 28), and applied to NYU Medical School. Though the medical school accepted him, they would only let him start if he agreed to stop playing baseball. "I wasn't ready to give it up", he said. "I thought I could still get guys out."[ In 2013, he was undecided as to whether after his baseball career ended, he would attend medical school or alternatively become involved in the operational side of baseball.]
Northeast League (2004)
Breslow completed the 2004 season pitching for the New Jersey Jackals of the Northeast League, an independent baseball league
An independent baseball league is a professional baseball league in the United States or Canada that is not overseen by Major League Baseball or its affiliated Minor League Baseball system (historically referred to as organized baseball).
Inde ...
. He held batters to a .204 average and recorded 37 strikeouts in innings, an average of 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
San Diego Padres organization (2005)
Signed by the San Diego Padres in 2005 for $1 out of a tryout camp, Breslow excelled, getting $1,500 after making the Double-A Southern League Mobile BayBears, allowing a .212 average in 52 innings over 40 outings while striking out 47 and walking 17 with a 2.75 ERA. He earned his first big league callup on July 23, 2005. He was mistaken for the team batboy
In baseball, a bat boy or bat girl is an individual who carries baseball bats to the players on a baseball team. Duties of a batboy may also include handling and preparing players’ equipment and bringing Baseball (ball), baseballs to the umpi ...
during his first day with the Padres. Breslow became the 24th Yalie to play in Major League Baseball and the first to reach the major leagues since Ron Darling
Ronald Maurice Darling Jr. (born August 19, 1960) is a retired American professional baseball pitcher and television sports color commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher from to , including as a member of ...
. "It wasn't until I was playing baseball in the big leagues that I thought I could play baseball in the big leagues", he said.[
Breslow then split the rest of the season between San Diego and the Triple-A ]Portland Beavers
The Portland Beavers was the name of separate minor league baseball teams, which represented Portland, Oregon, in the Pacific Coast League (PCL). The team was established in 1903, the first year of the PCL.
Franchise history
Many baseball teams h ...
of the Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League (PCL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the Western United States. Along with the International League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade bel ...
. In 14 relief appearances with San Diego, Breslow posted a 2.20 ERA without recording a decision. The Padres non-tendered Breslow on December 21, 2005.
Boston Red Sox organization (2006–2007)
2006
Breslow signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
on February 1, 2006.
In 2006, Breslow was named an International League
The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...
(Triple-A) All-Star while with the Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox, known colloquially as the PawSox, were a professional minor league baseball club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. From 1973 to 2020, the team was a member of the International League and served as the Triple-A affiliate ...
. In 67 innings of work for the season, he was 7–1 with a 2.69 ERA and struck out an average of 10.3 batters per nine innings. He was selected by his teammates as the PawSox Most Valuable Pitcher. He was promoted to Boston in the second half of the season. In 13 relief appearances with the Red Sox in 2006, Breslow went 0–2 and posted a 3.75 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. He played in one game for the AA Portland Sea Dogs in 2013.
Off the field, he helped Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett win a bet against catcher Doug Mirabelli. Breslow calculated how many times a baseball spins when it's thrown 90 miles an hour from the pitcher's mound to home plate. "Josh wanted to know if I could figure out how many times a baseball spins on the way to the plate", Breslow said. "There's a lot of variables, but I put in some figures and came up with answers for a fastball, curve, or slider. It's rather simple once you do it."
2007
Breslow earned a trip to the Triple-A All-Star game in July for the second straight season for the Pawtucket Red Sox. At the end of June, Breslow's ERA was 1.55. He struggled to end the season, finishing 2–3 with a 4.06 ERA, 25 walks, 73 strikeouts in 49 relief appearances. He was promoted to Boston on September 1, 2007, but did not make an appearance and was sent back to Pawtucket on September 2 to make room on the team roster for Jon Lester
Jonathan Tyler Lester (born January 7, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals. L ...
. Breslow was added to the postseason roster, and has a ring from winning the 2007 World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...
— without pitching a game in the majors that year.
Cleveland Indians (2008)
On March 23, 2008, Breslow was claimed off outright waivers by the Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
and was added to the 40-man roster
A Major League Baseball roster is a list of players who are allowed, by league agreement, to play for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Each MLB team maintains two rosters: an active roster of players eligible to participate in an MLB game, an ...
.["Indians claim left-hander from Boston"](_blank)
'' Canton Repository.'' Breslow was out of minor league options, so the Indians had to keep him on their big league club out of camp, or expose him to waivers again. Breslow won the final spot on the Indians' Opening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball (MLB) and most of the American minor leagues, this day typically falls during the first week of April, although in recent year ...
roster. "He's strong", Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "I want to be able to use him two innings. He's done that—if you look at his innings pitched the last couple of years versus appearances."
On May 23, after pitching in seven games and recording a 3.24 ERA, Breslow was designated for assignment.
Minnesota Twins (2008–2009)
;2008
On May 29, 2008, the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...
claimed Breslow off waivers. In 42 games for the Twins, Breslow went 0–2 with a 1.63 ERA, and gave up only 24 hits in innings. Lefties hit .183 against him, with a .232 slugging percentage, and in save situations batters batted .100 against him, with a .100 slugging percentage. He did not give up a run in his last 14 appearances.
Breslow's aggregate 2008 ERA of 1.91 in 47 innings was ninth-best in the American League of all pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched, and second-best among AL lefty relievers. He held all batters to a .191 batting average, a .265 on-base percentage, and a .299 slugging percentage.
;2009
Playing for the Twins in 2009, Breslow held left-handers to a .211 batting average and right-handers to a .226 batting average, but battled control problems in 17 appearances.
The Twins figured they had a 50–50 chance of losing Breslow when they placed him on waivers in May 2009 to clear space on their 25-man roster for fellow left-hander Sean Henn. Oakland needed bullpen help and claimed Breslow before his 72-hour waiver period expired. Had he cleared, the Twins could have sent him to Triple-A Rochester. "We were hoping to keep him", said assistant general manager Rob Antony. "We lost a bullpen guy without trying to lose a bullpen guy", manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I kind of got shocked when they told me."[
]
Oakland Athletics (2009–2011)
2009
Searching for an experienced left-hander for their bullpen, the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
claimed Breslow off waivers on May 20, 2009. According to assistant general manager David Forst, the A's had tried to acquire him on other occasions. "I'm excited about taking a look at him", A's Manager Bob Geren said. "He's a left-handed guy that's experienced. He's had some success at this level." He was the A's key lefty out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
Breslow was second in the AL in appearances in 2009, with 77. Batters hit only .143 against him when there were runners in scoring position. He held all batters to a .197 batting average, and a .289 on-base percentage.
He also continued to impress teammates with his intellect. "Breslow knows everything", A's left-hander Dallas Braden said. "I seriously want to be Craig Breslow when I grow up."
2010
Asked in 2010 whether there was a story behind his jersey number, Breslow said: "When you spend time with many organizations over 5.5 years, you don't really care what number you get."
He was second in the AL in appearances in 2010 for the second year in a row, appearing in 75 games (the fifth-highest single-season total in A's history). Only seven of 33 inherited runners (21.2%) scored against him, third-best in the AL. He held batters to a .194 batting average, and a .272 on-base percentage. Opposing batters were 0-for-11 with zero RBIs against him with the bases loaded, which were the most bases-loaded at bats against an AL pitcher with zero RBIs since the stat was tracked beginning in 1974.
His 71 strikeouts were the most by a lefty reliever in Oakland history, breaking the mark of 69 set by Bob Lacey in 1977. He finished with a career-high innings; fourth among American League relievers. He was named the 2010 Most Valuable Jewish Pitcher by Jewish Major Leaguers, as Ryan Braun
Ryan Joseph Braun (born November 17, 1983) is an American former professional baseball left fielder who played his entire career for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2007 to 2020. Braun also played right fielder, right ...
won hitter honors. Through 2010, he had in his career allowed only 33 of 151 (21.9%) of inherited runners to score, which was the fourth-best percentage among pitchers with 150 or more inherited runners since the statistic was first tracked in 1974. Of his eight career MLB saves, five came during the 2010 season.
2011
In 2011, Breslow was 0–2 with a 3.79 ERA in 67 games, in which he pitched innings.[ He led all relief pitchers with five ]pickoff
In baseball, a pickoff is an act by a pitcher or catcher, throwing a live ball to a fielder so that the fielder can tag out a baserunner who is either leading off or about to begin stealing the next base.
A pickoff attempt occurs when this t ...
s, and led American League relievers with seven caught stealing.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2012)
On December 9, 2011, Breslow and Trevor Cahill
Trevor John Cahill (born March 1, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Roy ...
were traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...
for Ryan Cook, Jarrod Parker, and Collin Cowgill. Since Breslow was the last arbitration-eligible player for Arizona to be under contract, he avoided arbitration and a deal was made at $1.795 million. His salary was a $395,000 increase over the 2011 season.
In 40 games and innings in 2013 for Arizona before being traded, Breslow had a 2–0 record and a 2.70 ERA with 42 strikeouts, and limited opposing batters to a .233 batting average. As of the end of the 2017 season, he was the player with the most innings pitched for Arizona without ever losing. He was one of only two pitchers with a 1.000 winning percentage with Arizona who had more than one victory, with the other being Jimmie Sherfy.
Boston Red Sox (2012–2015)
2012
On July 31, 2012, Breslow was traded to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Scott Podsednik and relief pitcher Matt Albers
Matthew James Albers (born January 20, 1983) is an Americans, American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indi ...
. In 23 relief appearances with Boston, he was 1–0 with a 2.70 ERA and 19 strikeouts. He held opponents to a .206 batting average, and opposing lefties to a .184 batting average.
For the season, Breslow was 3–0 with a 2.70 ERA in 63 games for Arizona and Boston, and held left-handed hitters to a .222 batting average.
2013
In January 2013, Breslow signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox for at least $6.25 million. He received $2.325 million in 2013, and $3.825 million in 2014. The Red Sox had a $4 million option for 2015, with a $100,000 buyout
In finance, a buyout is an investment transaction by which the ownership equity, or a controlling interest of a company, or a majority share of the capital stock of the company is acquired. The acquirer thereby "buys out" the present equity holde ...
. Breslow began the 2013 season on the disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis
Tendinopathy is a type of tendon disorder that results in pain, swelling, and impaired function. The pain is typically worse with movement. It most commonly occurs around the shoulder ( rotator cuff tendinitis, biceps tendinitis), elbow ( tenn ...
. After rehab outings with Double A Portland and Triple A Pawtucket, he was activated on May 7. He emerged as the Red Sox' primary set-up reliever. On September 16, Breslow was named the Red Sox nominee for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award
The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) baseball positions, player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community#Psychology, community involvement and the individual's contribution to ...
.
In the 2013 regular season, Breslow was 5–2 with a 1.81 ERA (third among left-handed relievers in the American League) in 61 games and innings, and held opposing batters to a .228 batting average.[ His 0.65 ERA the second half of the season was fourth-best among major league relievers with at least 25 innings thrown. In his last 28 appearances of the regular season, he allowed only one run.
In the 2013 American League Division Series, Breslow pitched scoreless innings over three games, notching a win and allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four, as the Red Sox defeated Tampa Bay. In the 2013 American League Championship Series, he added scoreless innings against the ]Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
, bringing his post-season total to seven scoreless innings in seven appearances, in which he held the opposition to a .130 batting average. Breslow wrote a blog during the 2013 post-season. During the 2013 playoffs, he pitched in 10 of 16 games, garnering a 2.45 ERA.
From 2008 to 2013, Breslow pitched in more games (392) than any other left-handed reliever other than Matt Thornton, with a 2.82 ERA, while limiting batters to a .224 batting average.
2014
Breslow began the 2014 season on the disabled list, not making his first appearance until the season's 10th game, and compiled a 5.96 ERA in 60 appearances for the Red Sox. His performance contrasted sharply with his 2.82 ERA over the prior six seasons. Breslow did save one game in the 2014 season on August 25, 2014, during an extra inning victory over American League East
The American League East is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. MLB consists of an East, Central, and West division for each of its two 15-team leagues, the American League (AL) and National League (baseball), National League (NL). T ...
rival Toronto.
The Red Sox declined his $4 million option, buying him out for $100,000 and making him a free agent. The Red Sox were still in a position to re-sign Breslow for less money. General manager Ben Cherington said: "He has a lot of good qualities and we have a great relationship with him, so we'll see what happens."
On September 16, Breslow was named the Red Sox nominee for the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award.
On December 19, the Red Sox re-signed Breslow to a one-year, $2 million contract.
2015
During the 2015 season, Breslow was 0–4 with one save and a 4.15 ERA for Boston in 45 relief appearances, striking out 46 and walking 23 in 65 innings. He became a free agent following the season.
Miami Marlins (2016)
On February 12, 2016, Breslow signed a minor-league contract with the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...
. He was designated for assignment on May 11, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs
New or NEW may refer to:
Music
* New, singer of K-pop group The Boyz (South Korean band), The Boyz
* New (album), ''New'' (album), by Paul McCartney, 2013
** New (Paul McCartney song), "New" (Paul McCartney song), 2013
* New (EP), ''New'' (EP), ...
two days later. After going 0–2 with a 4.50 ERA in 15 relief appearances, he was released on July 18, 2016, at his request.
Texas Rangers organization (2016)
On July 24, 2016, Breslow signed a minor league contract with an opt-out clause with the Texas Rangers. The Rangers released him on August 7, 2016.
Minnesota Twins second stint (2017)
On February 8, 2017, Breslow signed a minor league contract offered by the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...
, which he chose over nearly a dozen competing offers—some for more money. He was added to the team's 40-man roster
A Major League Baseball roster is a list of players who are allowed, by league agreement, to play for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Each MLB team maintains two rosters: an active roster of players eligible to participate in an MLB game, an ...
on March 20, and made the team's opening day roster at the end of the month. He earned $1.25 million in salary, and was eligible for $1 million more possible in incentives. His contract called for him to earn bonuses of $150,000 at each of seven different appearance levels: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 games. He was designated for assignment on July 24, 2017, after appearing in 30 games and going 1–1 with a 5.23 ERA. He was released a week later.
Cleveland Indians second stint (2017)
On August 4, 2017, Breslow signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
and assigned him to the Class AAA Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. They are located in Columbus, Ohio, and are named for speedy Merchant ship, merch ...
. where he had an 0–0 record with a 3.86 ERA in seven relief appearances. He was called up to the Indians on August 26, and had an 0–0 record with a 4.15 ERA in seven relief appearances. He held left-handed-hitters to a line of .196/.294/.286 over the course of the 2017 season. On November 2, he elected to become a free agent.
Toronto Blue Jays organization (2018)
On February 12, 2018, Breslow agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
that included an invitation to spring training. He was released on March 24 in a procedural move, and was re-signed days later to a new contract. On April 2, Breslow agreed to go to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a Minor League Baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League (1938–present), Eastern League, is the Double-A (baseball), Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Ja ...
in the Eastern League to continue working on his new sidearm delivery. Overall, he pitched 28.1 innings and was 1–1 with one save and a 5.40 ERA in 33 relief appearances for the Fisher Cats, the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons (known colloquially as the Herd) are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Located in Buffalo, New York, the team plays their home games at Sahlen Fiel ...
in the International League, and the GCL Blue Jays in the Rookie Gulf Coast League.
After the 2018 season, Breslow ranked fourth out of all active left-handed MLB pitchers in career appearances, with 576. On November 2, 2018, he elected free agency.[
]
Pitching detail
Breslow's four-seam fastball
A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch (baseball), pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family of pitches and is usually the fastest ball thrown by a pitcher. It is s ...
ranged at ; he threw it 42% of the time, and batters hit .228 against it with a .366 slugging percentage. He added an cut fastball
Cut or CUT may refer to:
Common uses
* The act of cutting, the separation of an object into two through acutely directed force
** A type of wound
** Cut (archaeology), a hole dug in the past
** Cut (clothing), the style or shape of a garment
** ...
and a sinker. He also had a plus overhand curveball
In baseball and softball, the curveball is a type of pitch thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball, causing it to dive as it approaches the plate. Varieties of curveball include the 12–6 curve ...
at , an average to above-average changeup, and a slider/slurve
The slurve is a baseball pitch in which the pitcher throws a curve ball as if it were a Slider (pitch), slider. . During the 2016 offseason, Breslow dropped his arm slot and added a two-seam fastball. His ability to mix up his pitches was what made him very effective.
During the 2016 offseason, Breslow began experimenting with the Rapsodo Baseball system to analyze his mechanics and spin rate on his pitches. His hope was to improve the movement on his pitches and revive his career. When he began using the system in October 2016, Breslow had of horizontal break on his two-seamer. By January 2017, he was able to improve and add nearly of additional movement on the two-seamer, resulting in a horizontal break of . Vertical movement on the pitch also increased by about .
Team Israel
Breslow pitched for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic during the qualifying round in September 2016. During the opening game of the tournament, Breslow was credited with the win after throwing 26 pitches over one inning, giving up two hits and a walk while recording two strikeouts. Breslow again appeared in the final game of the series, throwing only two pitches while getting one out.
In February 2017, it was announced that Breslow would be on the roster for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic main tournament. He pulled out of being on the team in round one after the Twins offered him an invite to spring training, and was placed in Team Israel's designated pitcher pool, meaning he could be added in later rounds even though he did not play for the team in rounds one or two.
Post-playing career
Chicago Cubs
In January 2019, the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Division. Th ...
hired Breslow as their Director of Strategic Initiatives for Baseball Operations, joining Theo Epstein
Theo Nathaniel Epstein (born December 29, 1973) is an American Major League Baseball executive who is, since 2024, the senior adviser and part-owner of Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball and Liverpool FC o ...
in the team's front office. In that position, he was to "help to evaluate and implement data-based processes throughout all facets of Baseball Operations" and "support the organization's pitching infrastructure in Player Development and the major leagues."
On October 17, 2019, the Cubs promoted Breslow to the position of Director of Pitching / Special Assistant to the President and General Manager. His role focused on the strategic management of the club's minor league pitching infrastructure to more homegrown impact pitchers.
In November 2020, the Cubs promoted Breslow to the position of Assistant General Manager/Vice President, Pitching.
Boston Red Sox
On October 25, 2023, the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
hired Breslow as their Chief Baseball Officer, replacing Chaim Bloom. He became the team's lead decision-maker on players, coaches, and personnel. In his first season with the team, the 2024 Red Sox finished third in the American League East with an 81–81 record.
Awards
* 2005 Southern League All-Star
* 2006 International League
The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...
All-Star
* 2006 SoxProspects.com All-Star
* 2006 Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox, known colloquially as the PawSox, were a professional minor league baseball club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. From 1973 to 2020, the team was a member of the International League and served as the Triple-A affiliate ...
Most Valuable Pitcher
* 2007 International League All-Star
* 2010 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee
* 2010 Oakland Athletics Dave Stewart Community Service Award Recipient
* 2010 Finalist for the Hutch Award
* 2010 Trumbull High School Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
* 2013 boSox Club Man of the Year
* 2013 NECBL Hall of Fame
* 2013 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee
* 2014 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee
* 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Brotherhood of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Personal life
Breslow invested $50,000 in a Boston-based startup company
A startup or start-up is a company or project undertaken by an Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur to seek, develop, and validate a scalable business model. While entrepreneurship includes all new businesses including self-employment and businesses tha ...
that designs bicycle-friendly business apparel called Ministry of Supply
The Ministry of Supply (MoS) was a department of the UK government formed on 1 August 1939 by the Ministry of Supply Act 1939 ( 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 38) to co-ordinate the supply of equipment to all three British armed forces, headed by the Ministe ...
. The investment came after his then-fiancée, Kelly Shaffer, bought him a shirt as a birthday present, Breslow took the shirt on the road and was so pleased with the performance he then bought two more shirts and a pair of pants. Then he decided to make the investment in the company.
Breslow and Shaffer married on November 9, 2013—ten days after he'd won the World Series with Boston. They have twin boys, Carter and Mason, born in June 2015, and daughter Livia, born December 2018. They live in Newton, Massachusetts
Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located roughly west of Downtown Boston, and comprises a patchwork of thirteen villages. The city borders Boston to the northeast and southeast (via the neighborhoods of ...
.
Intelligence
Breslow was nicknamed the "smartest man in baseball" by ''Minneapolis Star Tribune
''The Minnesota Star Tribune'', formerly the ''Minneapolis Star Tribune'', is an American daily newspaper based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As of 2023, it is Minnesota's largest newspaper and the seventh-largest in the United States by circula ...
'' Twins beat writer La Velle E. Neal III, and ''The Wall Street Journal
''The Wall Street Journal'' (''WSJ''), also referred to simply as the ''Journal,'' is an American newspaper based in New York City. The newspaper provides extensive coverage of news, especially business and finance. It operates on a subscriptio ...
'' reporter Jason Turbow wrote: "Judging by his résumé, Craig Breslow is the smartest man in baseball, if not the entire world." In 2010 the ''Sporting News
''The Sporting News'' is a website and former magazine publication owned by Sporting News Holdings, which is a U.S.-based sports media company formed in December 2020 by a private investor consortium. It was originally established in 1886 as a ...
'' named him the smartest athlete on their top-20 list. In 2012, '' Men's Fitness'' named him one of the Top 10 Smartest Athletes in Professional Sports.
Referring to the reactions he has experienced to the plaudits, Breslow said: "There's no end to the teasing I've taken". Red Sox manager John Farrell observed in 2013: "Breslow uses words in a normal conversation that I'm not used to."
As to the impact of his intelligence on his baseball performance, Breslow admits that he analyzes video and looks for inefficiencies in the "kinematic
In physics, kinematics studies the geometrical aspects of motion of physical objects independent of forces that set them in motion. Constrained motion such as linked machine parts are also described as kinematics.
Kinematics is concerned with s ...
system" of his delivery. At the same time, he often subscribes to the " keep it simple, stupid" principle.
In media
Breslow's collegiate career and his first year with the Brewers organization are partially discussed in the book '' Odd Man Out: A Year on the Mound with a Minor League Misfit'' by Matt McCarthy. McCarthy and Breslow were friends and teammates at Yale, and were on rival Pioneer League teams during the 2002 season. He also starred in a parody of Rex Ryan's foot fetish video called "ihaveprettylefthand".
Philanthropy
In 2008, Breslow started the Strike 3 Foundation, a non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...
charity
Charity may refer to:
Common meanings
* Charitable organization or charity, a non-profit organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being of persons
* Charity (practice), the practice of being benevolent, giving and sha ...
that funds pediatric cancer research.
The organization has teamed up with the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a professional organization representing physicians of all oncology sub-specialties who care for people with cancer. Founded in 1964 by Fred Ansfield, Harry Bisel, Herman Freckman, Arnoldus G ...
, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, also known by its acronym CHOP, is a children's hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its primary campus is located in the University City, Philadelphia, University City neighborhood of West Philadelph ...
. The foundation donated $500,000 to the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital to help enhance their Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program. It has also made gifts to CureSearch for Children's Cancer, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Yale's Smilow Cancer Hospital, and others.
Breslow hopes to hold annual events in Connecticut and during spring training. His first benefit raised $100,000, and his second benefit more than $85,000.[ The charity has raised more than $3 million.]
See also
* List of Jewish Major League Baseball players
References
Further reading
* This chapter in Ruttman's oral history, based on a March 5, 2008, interview conducted with Breslow for the book, discusses Breslow's childhood and family life, baseball career, commitment to charitable work, and Jewish education and values.
*
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Breslow, Craig
1980 births
21st-century American Jews
2017 World Baseball Classic players
Living people
Arizona Diamondbacks players
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Boston Red Sox executives
Boston Red Sox players
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Major League Baseball pitchers
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People from Trumbull, Connecticut
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Yale Bulldogs baseball players
Jews from Connecticut