Chris Perez
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inducted 2024 |
A three-year letterman under two-time national champion head coach Jim Morris, Chris Perez cemented himself as one of the top relief pitchers in Hurricane history. Perez finished his career tied for eighth in saves despite only serving as the closer for two seasons.
As a freshman in 2004, Perez pitched early and out often out of the bullpen. The right-hander made 11 appearances for the Canes over the first two months of the season, including a spot-start in March. Perez recorded his first of 20 career saves in his Hurricanes’ debut against rival Florida. The Holmes Beach, Fla., native would go on to strike out 30 batters in just 18 2/3 innings of work his rookie campaign, helping Miami reach the College World Series.
After beginning his sophomore season as the No. 3 starter, Perez transitioned to the bullpen upon returning from injury to become the Hurricanes’ undisputed closer in 2005. Under pitching coach J.D. Arteaga’s guidance, Perez posted a 5-1 mark with a 2.56 ERA and a team-leading seven saves in 45 innings. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound hurler registered 52 strikeouts, while holding opponents to a .204 average. Perez closed out both games against Mississippi State in the Coral Gables Regional to send the Hurricanes to the Lincoln Super Regional. Perez spent the summer on the U.S. Collegiate National Team alongside UM Sports Hall of Famer Jon Jay.
A 2006 Brooks Wallace Award Preseason watch list honoree, Perez dazzled in his junior campaign. He totaled a 4-1 ledger with a 1.79 ERA and 12 saves in 37 appearances, helping the Hurricanes quality for the College World Series for the fourth time in the six years. Perez capped off his collegiate career by being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round (42nd overall) in the 2006 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
A two-time All-Star, Perez played seven years in the big leagues, spending time with the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
As a freshman in 2004, Perez pitched early and out often out of the bullpen. The right-hander made 11 appearances for the Canes over the first two months of the season, including a spot-start in March. Perez recorded his first of 20 career saves in his Hurricanes’ debut against rival Florida. The Holmes Beach, Fla., native would go on to strike out 30 batters in just 18 2/3 innings of work his rookie campaign, helping Miami reach the College World Series.
After beginning his sophomore season as the No. 3 starter, Perez transitioned to the bullpen upon returning from injury to become the Hurricanes’ undisputed closer in 2005. Under pitching coach J.D. Arteaga’s guidance, Perez posted a 5-1 mark with a 2.56 ERA and a team-leading seven saves in 45 innings. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound hurler registered 52 strikeouts, while holding opponents to a .204 average. Perez closed out both games against Mississippi State in the Coral Gables Regional to send the Hurricanes to the Lincoln Super Regional. Perez spent the summer on the U.S. Collegiate National Team alongside UM Sports Hall of Famer Jon Jay.
A 2006 Brooks Wallace Award Preseason watch list honoree, Perez dazzled in his junior campaign. He totaled a 4-1 ledger with a 1.79 ERA and 12 saves in 37 appearances, helping the Hurricanes quality for the College World Series for the fourth time in the six years. Perez capped off his collegiate career by being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round (42nd overall) in the 2006 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
A two-time All-Star, Perez played seven years in the big leagues, spending time with the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
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