Rocky Cherry

Cherry pitched for the University of Oklahoma from 2000–2002. He was used mostly in relief his first season, but was a full-time starter by the time he finished at school. He had an overall record of 18–16 in 208 innings pitched. In 2000, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[1]

The Philadelphia Phillies chose Cherry in the 10th round of the June 2001 entry draft, but he did not sign at the time. The Chicago Cubs made him a 14th round pick the following year, and he signed with them. He was a starter his first three minor league seasons (2003–2005). Cherry's 2005 season ended after only three appearances for the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx of the Double-A Southern League, after which he had Tommy John surgery. When he returned to West Tenn in 2006, Cherry became a full-time reliever. He had a middle finger injury to his pitching hand in mid-July which also required surgery.[2]

Cherry made his major league debut on April 23, 2007 with the Cubs against the Milwaukee Brewers in a relief appearance. He wound up being the loser in his MLB debut, but got his first big league win May 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In August 2007, the Cubs traded Cherry and third baseman Scott Moore to the Orioles for starting pitcher Steve Trachsel. Cherry began 2008 on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain.[3] As of May 20, he was on rehab assignment to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. He was the last visiting pitcher ever at the old Yankee Stadium while a member of the Baltimore Orioles on September 21, 2008.

In December 2008, Cherry was selected by the New York Mets in the 2008 Rule 5 draft. He was released by the Mets on March 17, 2009, after the Baltimore Orioles declined to take him back.[4]

On March 24, 2009, Cherry signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He was released on August 18, 2009.

On August 21, 2009, Cherry signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. He was granted free agency on November 9, 2009.