FALL OF A PHENOM
For star-crossed Joba, bizarre accident likely spells end
Joba Chamberlain, already recovering from Tommy John surgery, has much bigger problems after dislocating ankle in freak accident.
June 6, 2006:
Drafted 41st
overall by the Yankees after leading Nebraska to College World
Series title.
Oct. 5, 2007:
Attacked by swarm of small midges while on the mound in Cleveland during Game 2 of the ALDS. Throws a wild
pitch that leads to the
tying run. Cleveland wins game, 2-1, and
takes series in four games. Chamberlain pitches 3.2 innings in series, walks three,
strikes out four and gives
up two runs.
Oct. 18, 2008:
Arrested in Nebraska for DUI, speeding and having an open container of Crown Royal whiskey in the passenger seat of his car. He later pleads guilty to DUI charge.
At age of 21, wows with 100-mph fastball and two scoreless innings in his major league debut as Yankees beat Blue Jays in Toronto, 9-2. Launches a season defined by controversial Joba Rules — where strict innings count dictates his use. Posts 0.38 ERA in 24 innings as setup man, leading to talk that he could be Mariano Rivera’s eventual successor as Yankees closer.
Aug. 7, 2007:
June 3, 2008:
Makes first career start after being transitioned from bullpen, beginning a 12-start stint in the rotation. Posts 3-1 record and 2.76 ERA before being shifted back to bullpen for rest of season due to innings limitations.
May 4, 2009:
Chamberlain's mother, Jacqueline Standley, is arrested in Nebraska for selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer. She is sentenced to four years of probation for a felony drug charge.
Nov. 4, 2009:
Following a return to the bullpen, he throws a scoreless inning to help the Yankees win the World Series — finishing the postseason with a 2.84 ERA.
July 10, 2010:
Allows four runs over an inning or less for the third time on the season. He finishes with a 4.40 ERA over 73 appearances out of the bullpen.
June 10, 2011:
Diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow, resulting in Tommy John surgery that shuts him down for the season.
March 22, 2012:
Dislocates his ankle in a gruesome accident that threatens his career. Yankees sources say their initial concern was for his life due to severe blood loss.