i read an artilce about him not that long ago.
he was a very good two way player at University of Texas from what I remember, but was encouraged to focus on hitting in the minors.
After a few years as a 4th-5th OF he was on his way out of the game, and decided he would give it a go at pitching again.
Apparently this has alos coincided with more dedication to physical fitness (though you cant really tell to look at him) and it sprolonging his career, and he's finding a secodn wind as a hitter as well.
He's certainly not the first to go from position player to pitcher (or vice versa), there have been quite a few of witch, of course, Babe Ruth is the most famous.
That continues to amaze me, he was probably the best left-handed pitcher in the game at the time.
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