Robert Nicholas Blackburn was born in Ada, Oklahoma on February 24, 1982. He graduated from Del City High School in Oklahoma City. He attended Seminole State College. Blackburn was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 34th round of the 2000 amateur entry draft. The Minnesota Twins then drafted Nick Blackburn during the 29th round of the 2001 amateur entry draft.
From 2002 to 2007, Nick pitched for the Minnesota Twins minor league system. In 138 minor league appearances he pitched 702 innings. During those games he posted a 40-40 record with 434 strikeouts and a 3.68 ERA.
Nick Blackburn started the 2007 season with the Rochester Red Wings. He pitched in 17 games with 110.2 innings posting a 7-3 record with 57 strikeouts and a 2.11 ERA. He was called up by the Minnesota Twins in September. He made his major league debut on September 3, 2007, against the Cleveland Indians. Blackburn pitched 1 inning of perfect baseball as a relief pitcher. He went on to pitch 6 games in 2007 as a relief pitcher. Through his first 4 games as a Twin he posted a 2.70 ERA.
Nick Blackburn pitched 9 innings during the 2008 Twins spring training. During those games he posted a 3.00 ERA which earned him a starting spot on the 2008 rotation. He picked up his first major league win on April 19, 2008, against the Cleveland Indians. On June 1, 2008, Blackburn was hit in the face by a line drive hit by New York Yankees outfielder Bobby Abreu. Nick did not miss any playing time from this injury. Through July 27, 2008, he has the lowest ERA for the Minnesota Twins starting pitchers with a 3.69 ERA. He finished the season with an 11-11 record, an ERA of 4.05, and 96 strikeouts.
Minnesota Twins Fans are excited to see what Nick Blackburn can do for the team this season. Buy Twins Tickets and find out!
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