The Doubleday Baseball League proudly recognizes José DeLeón of the Detroit Tigers, who on April 27, 1996, recorded the 2,500th strikeout of his career, securing his place among the league’s greatest pitchers.

DeLeón, now in his 14th DBL season, has been a model of durability and consistency since debuting with Detroit in 1983. Over the course of his career, he has showcased elite strikeout ability, combining power and precision to stymie opposing hitters across four different franchises.

Career Highlights to Date:

• 401 career starts and more than 2,935 innings pitched
• 2,501 strikeouts, surpassing the 2,500 mark with Detroit in 1996
• 157 career wins
• Career ERA of 4.05 with a 109 ERA+, reflecting his steady value over time
• Multiple seasons of 200+ strikeouts, including a career-best 230 Ks in 1988

From his early dominance in Detroit and Hollywood to his later years in Washington, Orlando, Boston, and back to Detroit, DeLeón has been a fixture on the mound and one of the league’s premier strikeout pitchers. His milestone reflects not only his longevity but also the enduring quality of his repertoire.

With his 2,500th strikeout, DeLeón joins an exclusive club of pitchers who have reached that plateau, further cementing his legacy in DBL history.

Congratulations to José DeLeón on achieving 2,500 career strikeouts.