Early life

Hammaker was born in Carmel, California, on January 24, 1958, the son of Charles and Miyake Hammaker. Hammaker is a middle child; he has one older brother, Aldine, and one younger sister, Charlene. He is half Japanese and half German. Hammaker grew up living in many different locations due to his father's career in the United States Army. He attended Mount Vernon High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, where he played basketball, football, and baseball. After suffering a knee injury in football his sophomore year, Hammaker began focusing on basketball. He received a full basketball scholarship to East Tennessee State University (ETSU). After being talked to and convinced by the coaches at ETSU, Hammaker decided to change his focus to baseball. He attended a summer league in Alaska. From there, he was chosen as the number one draft pick to pitch for the Kansas City Royals.

Career

In 1983, Hammaker's best season, he led the National League with an ERA of 2.25, a WHIP of 1.039, BB/9IP of 1.67, and strikeout to walk ratio of 3.97. That year Hammaker won 10, lost 9, and made the National League All-Star team.

1983 All-Star Game

Hammaker made the National League All-Star team in 1983, but did not fare well, surrendering seven earned runs in 0.2 inning pitched; and he gave up the only grand slam in All-Star Game history, to Fred Lynn.

1987 NLCS

In Game 7 of the 1987 NLCS, Hammaker, pitching for San Francisco, gave up a 3-run homer to José Oquendo, a utility infielder who had hit only one previous homer that season. The Cardinals went on to win that game 6-0 to advance to the World Series.

Personal life

Hammaker is married and lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his wife. He is the father of five daughters. His second daughter, Jenna, is married to major league player Yan Gomes.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]