Doubleday Baseball League

Jimmy Key Reaches 2,000 Career Strikeouts

Commissioner

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Jimmy Key, who on August 6, 1996, recorded the 2,000th strikeout of his Doubleday Baseball League career, has reached a milestone that speaks to both longevity and precision. The Orlando left-hander has carved out a reputation for command, guile, and big-game steadiness across 13 DBL seasons.

Key, 35, debuted with St. Louis in 1984 and spent a decade anchoring the Cardinals’ rotation before stops in Texas and now Orlando. From early workhorse years to a late-career resurgence with the Sun Rays, he has consistently paired a deep repertoire with elite control to neutralize hitters.

Career Highlights to Date:

  • 398 games (395 starts): 162–146 record, 4.20 ERA
  • 2,825.1 innings, 2,669 hits, 1,319 earned runs, 399 HR allowed
  • 2,002 strikeouts, 767 walks, 1.22 WHIP, 105 ERA+
  • 79 complete games and 12 shutouts
  • Career WAR: 43.9
  • Peak seasons include 1988 (251.1 IP, 3.58 ERA), 1991 (19–9, 2.93 ERA), and 1995 (10 CG, 2 SHO with Orlando)
  • World Series champion with St. Louis (1987, 1990) and All-Star selections in 1985 and 1991

Career Year-by-Year Summary:

  • 1984–1986 (St. Louis): Establishes himself as a durable starter, averaging 208 IP and sharpening elite control.
  • 1987 (St. Louis): Breakout 20-win campaign while topping 225 innings.
  • 1988–1989 (St. Louis): Workhorse peak; 251.1 IP in ’88 and back-to-back 170+ K seasons.
  • 1990 (St. Louis): Heavy-usage year; contributes to a title defense run despite uneven ERA.
  • 1991 (St. Louis): Signature season (19–9, 2.93 ERA, 185 K), 1.08 WHIP, three shutouts; All-Star.
  • 1992 (St. Louis): Volume innings (220.0) while battling turbulence.
  • 1993–1994 (Texas): Two seasons in the AL; maintains strikeout pace (321 K).
  • 1995 (Orlando): Veteran resurgence (233.1 IP, 3.97 ERA, 175 K, 10 CG, 2 SHO).
  • 1996 (Orlando): Continues steady form (11–9, 3.53 ERA) and reaches the 2,000-strikeout milestone.

Across eras, parks, and leagues, Jimmy Key has thrived on command and competitiveness. His 2,000th strikeout is a fitting marker for a pitcher whose consistency and craftsmanship have defined a distinguished DBL career.

Congratulations to Jimmy Key on reaching 2,000 career strikeouts.