The No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft, Prior showed great promise as a 21-year-old rookie for the Cubs in 2002, going 6-6 with a 3.32 ERA. He was terrific the next season, posting an 18-6 mark to go along with a 2.43 ERA and 245 strikeouts, making the NL All-Star team and finishing third in the Cy Young voting. But his innings had jumped by more than 100 (including postseason play) and his arm and shoulder started to break down. He made 21 starts in 2004, 27 in 2005 and just nine in 2006, pitching his last major league game that August at age 25.
SI's Rare Photos of Sports Figures and Their Moms
Athletes and Their Dogs
Look What's Carved In My Hair
NBA Poll: Player Who'd Make Best Coach
Top-Selling MLB Player Jerseys for 2011
Send to a Friend
