A proven performer, right-hander Scott Erickson was the delight of the Southern League while pitching for Orlando in 1990 prior to being called up to the Minnesota Twins. After posting a splendid 4-0 record, with an 1.88 earned run average in June and being chosen the best pitching prospect of the Southern League with a 8-3 record he joined the Twins pitching staff on June 21 1990 and won his first major league start 9-1 vs Texas. On September 8 he pitched his first complete career game against Cleveland. He finished the 1990 season with an 8-4 record, and a solid 2.87. In 1991 Scott Erickson had a dream season. Near the end of April he started a 12-game winning streak, including two complete game shutouts and had a string of 30 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings, tying a Twins’ record… and was chosen the American League Pitcher of the Month for May. In July Scott Erickson went on the disabled list for two weeks with a strained right elbow. For the season he rang up a resounding 20-8 record, with a 3.18 ERA, completed 5 of 32 starts, 3 shutouts, struck out 108, walked just 71 and allowed less than a hit an inning, 189 hits in 204 innings, and his .714 winning percentage led the AL and tied for the MLB lead. Scouts rated Scott Erickson – a control pitcher and above all – a smart pitcher. Scott Erickson was the 1992 Opening Day starter for Minnesota against Milwaukee but gained no decision. For the year he finished at 13-12 with a 3.40 ERA. The next season he fell to an 8-19 record, the most losses in the AL. On April 17 1994 he pitched a no-hitter against the Brewers. After a couple of sub-par seasons, although very popular in Minnesota, he was traded to Baltimore on July 7 1995 where he returned to his early form and fashioned three straight years of winning at least 15 games, 1997-99. In 1997 he went 16-7, including 2 shutouts. Missed all of 2001 and 2003 due to arm surgery. Scott Erickson was then traded to Texas on July 3 2004. And, he pitched 9 games in relief in 2006 with Yankees. Baseball Historian |
