Braden Looper

Braden Looper was a relief pitcher who played for Wichita State University in college, making All-American as a junior, and leading the Shockers to the College World Series. He played for the USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, winning a bronze medal. Looper was chosen as the third pick of the 1996 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Looper came up to the majors in 1998 and pitched one season for the Cardinals. He was then traded to the Florida Marlins, with whom he played from 1999-2003. In 2003 Looper helped the Marlins win the World Series, but he became a free agent after the season and signed with the New York Mets, playing with them in 2004-05.

After shoulder surgery in September 2005, the Mets did not re-sign him, and Looper returned to the Cardinals. With St. Louis, Looper played on another World Series champion in 2006. He played three seasons with the Cards, and then finished his career playing one season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009. Looper’s career record was 72 wins and 65 losses, with an ERA of 4.15.