Derek Lowe was an above average, and at times great pitcher who played from 1997-2013. There's a few aspects of Lowe's career that I believe makes his career a little more special and dynamic than just a regular solid pitcher.
Lowe initially made a name for himself as a closer. From 1999-2001, Lowe recorded 81 saves. His 42 saves in 2000 led the American League and he made his first All-Star game.
In 2002, Lowe went from being a top closer in the MLB, to becoming a premier starter. In 2002 Lowe went 21-8 as a starter, earned his second All-Star appearance and placed third in Cy Young voting. Lowe also threw a no-hitter in 2002, and was a walk away from a perfect game!
From then on Lowe established himself as a respected pitcher and achieved double digit win totals all the way until the 2011 season. In 2006 he led the NL in wins. So at one point in his career, Lowe led a league in saves AND wins!
In 2004, Lowe was an important piece of the Red Sox winning their first World Series since 1918. My papou was a happy man then!
Lowe retired after the 2013 season with a 176-157 record and 86 saves with a 4.03 ERA.
Lowe is in the Boston Red Sox Hall of fame! Really solid career for sure.
