Cliff Lee
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1978)}}
{{Other people|Cliff Lee}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Cliff Lee
|image = Cliff Lee on June 10, 2012.jpg
|width = 225
|caption = Lee with the Phillies in 2012
|position = Pitcher
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1978|8|30}}
|birth_place = Benton, Arkansas, U.S.
|bats = Left
|throws = Left
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate = September 15
|debutyear = 2002
|debutteam = Cleveland Indians
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate = July 31
|finalyear = 2014
|finalteam = Philadelphia Phillies
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label = Win–loss record
|stat1value = 143–91
|stat2label = Earned run average
|stat2value = 3.52
|stat3label = Strikeouts
|stat3value = 1,824
|teams=
- Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2009}})
- Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2009}})
- Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2010}})
- Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2010}})
- Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2014}})
|awards=
- 4× All-Star (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
- AL Cy Young Award (2008)
- AL Comeback Player of the Year (2008)
- MLB wins leader (2008)
- AL ERA leader (2008)
}}
Clifton Phifer Lee{{cite web |title=Cliff Lee Stats, Fantasy and News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/cliff-lee-424324 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=May 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520064515/https://www.mlb.com/player/cliff-lee-424324 |url-status=live }} (born August 30, 1978) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played for 13 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Between 2002 and 2014 he played for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. During his career, Lee was a member of four All-Star teams, won the Cy Young Award, and had consecutive World Series appearances in 2009 and 2010 with the Phillies and Rangers.
Born and raised in Benton, Arkansas, Lee's {{convert|91|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} fastball attracted the attention of MLB scouts during his senior year at Benton High School in 1997, but he rejected draft offers twice in order to play college baseball for Meridian Community College and later the Arkansas Razorbacks. Lee finally came to terms with the Expos after his selection in the fourth round of the 2000 MLB Draft, and he spent two years in their farm system before a trade to Cleveland in 2002. Lee made his MLB debut with his new team that year, and made his first opening day roster in 2004. His early years in Cleveland were marked by a number of temper flares, appearing to intentionally pitch at his opponents' heads and storming off of the mound, but by 2005, he was an established part of the Indians' starting rotation. The low point of his career, when he was sent back to the minor leagues in 2007, was followed by his Cy Young-winning season, during which he led the American League with a 2.54 earned run average and all of MLB with 22 wins.
The Indians sent Lee to the Phillies at the MLB trading deadline in 2009, and he helped the team reach their second consecutive World Series. There, Lee provided the team with their only two wins, including a 10-strikeout complete game, as Philadelphia lost to the New York Yankees in six games. That offseason, Philadelphia sent Lee to the Mariners as part of a larger deal to acquire Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays. He was traded again that season, this time to the Rangers, with whom he reached another World Series. There, both of his matchups with fellow ace Tim Lincecum were losses for Lee, and the Rangers lost to the San Francisco Giants.
After the 2010 season, Lee turned down a contract offer from the Yankees in order to rejoin the Phillies, where he became part of the "Four Aces" starting rotation alongside Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. Although he received two more All-Star selections, the remainder of Lee's time in Philadelphia was marked by poor run support, and he did not reach the postseason again after 2011. In 2014, Lee suffered a torn common flexor tendon in his pitching arm and, despite hopes that he would recover without surgery, he did not pitch again. Lee's professional baseball tenure was marked by his strong pitch command despite a comparatively low velocity, as well as by his composure in high-stress situations, the latter albeit complicated by his sometimes quick temper.
Early life and college career
Clifton Phifer Lee was born on August 30, 1978, in Benton, Arkansas, to Steve and Sharon Lee. His father was a local firefighter and one-time city council member.{{cite encyclopedia |last=Pruden III |first=William H. |title=Clifton Phifer (Cliff) Lee (1978–) |url=https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/clifton-phifer-6477/ |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Arkansas |publisher=Central Arkansas Library System |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225172421/https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/clifton-phifer-6477/ |url-status=live }} He was named Clifton after his maternal grandfather, while Phifer was his mother's maiden name. Both of his parents were high school athletes: Steve was a wide receiver for the football team at Benton High School, while Sharon, despite missing one hand from a birth defect, was a pitcher for a local softball team. Although he also played football and basketball, Lee's primary focus in high school was on baseball, where his former coach described him as a hard thrower who had trouble with his pitch command. College baseball coach Norm DeBriyn referred to Lee as a "can't-miss guy" upon seeing him pitch in high school, describing him as "a big left-hander that threw hard". He was able to increase his strikeouts and decrease his walk ratio over the course of his high school career, and pitched two no-hitters as a senior.{{Cite news |last=Hagen |first=Paul |title=Introducing Cliff Lee, who makes first start at Citizens Bank Park today |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20090806_Introducing_Cliff_Lee__who_makes_first_start_at_Citizens_Bank_Park_today.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228062202/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20090806_Introducing_Cliff_Lee__who_makes_first_start_at_Citizens_Bank_Park_today.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}
That year, Lee attracted attention from professional baseball scouts for his {{convert|91|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} fastball, even after a shoulder injury forced him off of the pitcher's mound and into the outfield. He was selected out of high school by the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the eighth round (246th overall) of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft,{{Cite web |title=8th Round of the 1997 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=1997&draft_round=8&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} but failed to reach contract terms with the team and instead played college baseball for Meridian Community College. Originally, he had committed to play for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, but reneged when he learned that NCAA Division I baseball players were ineligible for the MLB draft until their junior year. Following his freshman season in Meridian, Lee was drafted again, this time by the Baltimore Orioles in the 20th round (609th overall) of the 1998 MLB draft,{{Cite web |title=20th Round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} but he again chose not to sign.{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=July 30, 2009 |title=Scout's open mind on Lee was justified by lefthander |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20090730_Scout_s_open_mind_on_Lee_was_justified_by_lefthander.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226214530/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20090730_Scout_s_open_mind_on_Lee_was_justified_by_lefthander.html |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |publisher=The Plain Dealer}} In 2000, Lee accepted a scholarship offer to play college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks as a junior. His season fell below expectations, with Lee posting a 4–3 win–loss record and a 4.46 earned run average (ERA) in 16 games (nine starts), as well as 45 hits, 77 strikeouts, and 52 walks in {{frac|64|1|3}} innings pitched. Lee also ran into issues with his pitching stamina, which forced him to occasionally pitch out of the bullpen.
Professional baseball career
= Montreal Expos organization (2000–02) =
The Montreal Expos of MLB selected Lee in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2000 MLB draft.{{cite news |last1=Clemons |first1=Jay |date=October 20, 2016 |title=The 20 greatest steals in Major League Baseball Draft history |url=https://www.foxsports.com/south/gallery/the-20-greatest-steals-in-major-league-baseball-draft-history-052915 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811144900/https://www.foxsports.com/south/gallery/the-20-greatest-steals-in-major-league-baseball-draft-history-052915 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Fox Sports}} Joe Jordan, the scout who saw Lee pitch at Arkansas, noted that he had an undeveloped pitch repertoire and a high walk rate, but was impressed by his competitive nature.{{cite news |last1=Brookover |first1=Bob |date=February 20, 2012 |title=Jordan was first to acquire Lee |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/139736853.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811144900/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/139736853.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} After signing with Montreal, Lee was assigned to the Single-A Cape Fear Crocs of the South Atlantic League, a minor-league affiliate of the Expos. There, he struck out 63 batters in {{frac|44|2|3}} innings, but an inconsistent delivery also led to 36 walks, 50 hits, and a 5.24 ERA. There were also concerns going forward about Lee's lack of stamina, which had followed from his college career.{{cite news |last1=Schoenfield |first1=David |date=July 20, 2011 |title=Rising to stardom: Cliff Lee |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/13929/rising-to-stardom-cliff-lee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811194913/https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/13929/rising-to-stardom-cliff-lee |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN}}
Lee spent the entire 2001 season with the Class A-Advanced Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League during their final year as an affiliate of the Expos.{{cite news |last1=Vierra |first1=Zac |date=August 21, 2014 |title=Creating the All-Time Hammerheads Team |url=http://archive.tcpalm.com/specialty-publications/jupiter-courier/creating-the-all-time-hammerheads-team-ep-556223977-341506981.html?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222154/http://archive.tcpalm.com/specialty-publications/jupiter-courier/creating-the-all-time-hammerheads-team-ep-556223977-341506981.html?page=1 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Jupiter Courier}} He frequently clashed with Jupiter pitching coach Ace Adams over how far he was going in games: Lee wanted to pitch a complete game in every start, and he became upset when Adams responded to Lee's arm fatigue by placing him on rest for several weeks.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=Bonnie D. |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Cliff Lee's hard-won perspective |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7040473/cliff-lee-wife-kristen-lend-quiet-support-cancer-hospital-arkansas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817043043/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7040473/cliff-lee-wife-kristen-lend-quiet-support-cancer-hospital-arkansas |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN}} Despite their disagreements, it was under Adams' tutelage that Lee developed his cut fastball, which he had not thrown before joining the Hammerheads.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Garry |date=September 29, 2011 |title=Longmeadow's Arthur "Ace" Adams imparts pitching wisdom |url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2011/09/longmeadows_arthur_ace_adams_i.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222154/https://www.masslive.com/sports/2011/09/longmeadows_arthur_ace_adams_i.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Republican}} Lee started 21 games for Jupiter, posting a 6–7 record and a 2.79 ERA while striking out 129 batters in {{frac|109|2|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=Cliff Lee Minor Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee---004cli |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004452/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee---004cli |url-status=live }} His performance with Jupiter earned Lee a promotion to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators for the 2002 season. He made 15 starts there, posting a 7–2 record and a 3.23 ERA.{{cite news |last1=Byrom |first1=Terry |date=October 29, 2009 |title=Former Senator Cliff Lee dominates the Yanks in Game 1 |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-7574228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811223717/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-7574228 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Minor League Baseball |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}
=Cleveland Indians (2002–09)=
== Early years: 2002–2004 ==
On June 27, 2002, Lee was part of a six-player trade-deadline deal between the Expos and the Cleveland Indians. The Expos, who were making a push for the 2002 MLB playoffs, acquired Cleveland ace Bartolo Colón, pitching prospect Tim Drew, and cash from the Indians, while Cleveland received Lee, minor-league shortstop Brandon Phillips, outfield prospect Grady Sizemore, and first baseman Lee Stevens.{{cite news |date=June 27, 2002 |title=Indians deal Colon for Stevens, prospects |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/0627/1399893.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522191604/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/0627/1399893.html |archive-date=May 22, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} After making only three starts with the Double-A Akron Aeros, during which he went 2–1 with a 5.40 ERA and struck out 18 batters in {{frac|16|2|3}} innings, Lee was promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons of the International League.{{cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Ryan |title=Reliving the dynamic prime of Cliff Lee |url=https://247sports.com/mlb/indians/Article/Reliving-the-dynamic-prime-of-Cliff-Lee-105503650/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=247Sports |date=February 26, 2016}}
Lee made his major-league debut on September 15, 2002, where he took the loss against the Minnesota Twins. He was able to take a shutout into the sixth inning before pitch-count limitations pulled him out of the game. The shutout bid came to an end when Cristian Guzman, who Lee had left on third base, scored on a sacrifice fly from Matt LeCroy; the Indians ultimately lost 5–0. Minnesota's victory clinched their first playoff berth since 1991.{{cite news |date=September 15, 2002 |title=Twins secure first playoff berth since 1991 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220915105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813133005/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220915105 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee had one other major-league start that season, earning a no decision after allowing one run in five innings of Cleveland's 3–2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.{{cite news |date=September 21, 2002 |title=Tucker's clutch single gives Royals a boost |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220921107 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813133004/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220921107 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} In addition to his two Cleveland starts, Lee started a total of 26 minor-league games across Harrisburg, Akron, and Buffalo. He went 12–5 in those starts with a 3.64 ERA, and struck out 153 batters in 146 innings.
At the start of spring training in 2003, Lee suffered an abdominal strain that kept him from the mound through the start of the regular season. He was officially transferred to the 60-day disabled list after spring training ended and before the start of the season.{{cite news |last1=Snyder |first1=Alec |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Can Cliff Lee's Body Hold Up for His Entire Deal with Philadelphia Phillies? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1168818-philadelphia-phillies-can-cliff-lees-body-hold-up-for-his-entire-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706035117/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1168818-philadelphia-phillies-can-cliff-lees-body-hold-up-for-his-entire-deal |archive-date=July 6, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}} The strain, compounded by an additional sports hernia, kept Lee from pitching between March 28 and May 20.{{cite news |date=March 23, 2010 |title=Lee still has pain in strained muscle |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2010/news/story?id=5021875 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172830/https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2010/news/story?id=5021875 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} After undergoing a Double-A rehabilitation assignment, Lee began the 2003 season in Buffalo, with no expectation that he would rejoin the major leagues.{{cite news |last=Storm |first=Stephanie |date=June 4, 2003 |title=Recovering Lee starts for Aeros, gets no decision |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96979878/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |page=C3 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}{{cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Jim |date=June 30, 2003 |title=Wedge plans to make room for Westbrook in rotation |url=https://www.morningjournal.com/2003/06/30/wedge-plans-to-make-room-for-westbrook-in-rotation/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=The Morning Journal}} He was recalled to Cleveland for the first game of a doubleheader on June 30, 2003. He picked up his first major-league win in that game, taking a three-hitter into the seventh inning of a 10–5 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Afterwards, Lee and Brad Voyles were sent back down to Buffalo to continue their development.{{cite news |date=June 30, 2003 |title=Cleveland 10, Kansas City 5 (1st Game) |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/230630207 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813124214/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/230630207 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} He was recalled again on August 16, taking injured reliever Jason Boyd's position in the Indians' 25-man roster when Boyd suffered from shoulder tendinitis.{{cite news |date=August 16, 2003 |title=Tampa Bay 5, Cleveland 3 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/230816105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813132227/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/230816105 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee impressed in his third start of the season, allowing only two runs while striking out seven batters in eight innings of an 8–3 win against the Tampa Bay Rays. Indians manager Eric Wedge praised Lee's performance in the game, telling reporters, "He has a tremendous focus out there and on top of that he's a competitor."{{cite news |date=August 22, 2003 |title=Cleveland 8, Tampa Bay 3 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230822130 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813132226/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230822130 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee made a total of nine major-league starts in his rookie season, going 3–3 with a 3.61 ERA while striking out 44 batters in {{frac|52|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=Cliff Lee Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee---004cli |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004452/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee---004cli |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} In his 14 minor-league starts, meanwhile, he went 7–1 with a 2.82 ERA. After the MLB season ended in October, Lee underwent surgery in Philadelphia for his sports hernia. While recovering from surgery at the hospital, he met his future teammate Roy Oswalt, who was recovering from a groin injury.{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Ryan |date=March 2, 2011 |title=Phils' Oswalt, Lee found out they had much in common (With Video) |url=https://www.delcotimes.com/news/phils-oswalt-lee-found-out-they-had-much-in-common-with-video/article_41e9ca3e-38f3-5545-934a-d9b7a38e7bbb.html |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813124214/https://www.delcotimes.com/news/phils-oswalt-lee-found-out-they-had-much-in-common-with-video/article_41e9ca3e-38f3-5545-934a-d9b7a38e7bbb.html |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=Delaware County Daily Times}}
Lee began the 2004 MLB season in the Indians' starting rotation, the first time that he had made an opening-day MLB roster.{{cite magazine |last1=Warmuth |first1=Mark |date=April 23, 2020 |title=Indians Lookback: Lee Reaches the Pinnacle of Success in Time with the Indians |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/indians/opinion/indians-lookback-lee-reaches-the-pinnacle-of-success-in-time-with-the-indians |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812142637/https://www.si.com/mlb/indians/opinion/indians-lookback-lee-reaches-the-pinnacle-of-success-in-time-with-the-indians |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} He picked up his first win of the season on April 12, pitching six innings in Cleveland's 6–3 home opener against the Minnesota Twins.{{cite news |date=April 12, 2004 |title=Riske channels anger at blown saves |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240412105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812142637/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240412105 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee began the year with a 5–0 record, taking his first loss of the season on June 3, when he allowed three runs over {{frac|6|2|3}} innings of a 5–2 loss to the Anaheim Angels, raising his ERA from 2.87 to 3.27 in the process.{{cite news |date=June 7, 2004 |title=Angels deal Indians' Lee first loss |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240603103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172839/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240603103 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} In his next start on June 13, Lee was ejected in the fourth inning after throwing what home plate umpire Matt Hollowell believed was a beanball at Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds. Griffey had hit his 499th career home run off of Lee the inning prior, which Lee said made it "obviously [look] like I was throwing at him" in his next at-bat. Lee maintained that the pitch was accidental, while Griffey refused to comment on whether or not he believed Lee was intentionally throwing at his head.{{cite news |date=June 14, 2004 |title=Griffey Hits 499th Homer in Reds' Loss |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-14-sp-reds14-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812142637/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-14-sp-reds14-story.html |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press}} MLB suspended Lee for six games for the incident, a decision which Lee said he intended to appeal. At the time of the suspension, Lee had been quarantining in the team's hotel out of concern that he contracted chickenpox from his then-two-year-old son Jaxon.{{cite news |date=June 20, 2004 |title=Lee suspended for throwing behind Griffey |url=https://www.sunjournal.com/2004/06/20/lee-suspended-throwing-behind-griffey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812142638/https://www.sunjournal.com/2004/06/20/lee-suspended-throwing-behind-griffey/ |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Sun Journal |agency=Associated Press}} On the advice of Wedge, Lee ultimately agreed to drop the appeal of his suspension, as the team had a conveniently placed day off that would allow them to keep their rotation as is.{{cite news |date=June 25, 2004 |title=Lee drops appeal of suspension |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/jun/25/beltran-traded-to-houston/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812142647/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/jun/25/beltran-traded-to-houston/ |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press}}
After starting the season 10–1 in his first 19 games, Lee failed to carry his momentum through the second half of the season, falling into a six-game slump between July 21 and September 2, during which he carried a 10.51 ERA.{{cite news |last1=Colla |first1=Nino |date=July 15, 2008 |title=Cliff Lee's Chance at Redemption Has Been Well Worth the Wait |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/37926-cliff-lees-chance-at-redemption-has-been-well-worth-the-wait |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150907/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/37926-cliff-lees-chance-at-redemption-has-been-well-worth-the-wait |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}} His frustrations came to a head on August 3, when Lee allowed six runs (two earned) in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings to the Toronto Blue Jays before throwing his hat and glove into the stands and storming to the bench.{{cite news |date=August 3, 2004 |title=Frustration shows as Lee gets lit up again |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-08-03-0408030164-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172843/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Chicago Tribune |agency=Associated Press}} Lee snapped his losing streak on September 8, allowing four earned runs in five innings of a 9–5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. It was his first win in 10 starts since July 16, when Cleveland defeated Seattle 18–6.{{cite news |date=September 9, 2004 |title=Ichiro goes 1-for-5 in loss |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240908112 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150909/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240908112 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee won again on September 23, helping the Indians to a 9–7 victory over Minnesota despite allowing five runs in {{frac|5|2|3}} innings. After the game, Lee described his own season performance as going "from doing real good to real bad", and that he needed to "figure out how to cut those [losing] stretches short".{{cite news |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Lee rights self against Twins |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240923105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150907/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240923105 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} He was able to finish the season strong, winning the last game of the season 5–2 against Minnesota and tying Jake Westbrook for the most wins that season on the Indians pitching staff.{{cite news |date=October 3, 2004 |title=Broussard's two-run homer lifts Indians |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/241003109 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150907/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/241003109 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Lee finished the season 14–8 with a 5.43 ERA in 33 starts, striking out 161 batters in 179 innings while allowing 30 home runs, 108 earned runs, and 188 hits.
== Breakout seasons: 2005–2006 ==
One of the strengths the Indians boasted during the 2005 MLB season was their consistent pitching staff, both starting and in the bullpen. Lee was the No. 4 starter that season, behind Kevin Millwood, Jake Westbrook, and CC Sabathia, and ahead of Scott Elarton.{{cite magazine |last=Warmuth |first=Mark |date=April 8, 2020 |title=The 2005 Indians: A Story of a Team That Truly Was 'What If' |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/indians/opinion/the-2005-indians-a-story-of-a-team-that-truly-was-what-if |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028212717/https://www.si.com/mlb/indians/opinion/the-2005-indians-a-story-of-a-team-that-truly-was-what-if |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} A flu-like illness gripped the Indians at the start of the year, and Lee took his first win of the season by pitching seven scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals while attempting not to vomit on the mound.{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=Doug |date=April 19, 2005 |title=Lee sharp on mound for Indians |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88591972/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88591972/news-herald/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=The News-Herald |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{Free access}} The team recovered for a strong start to the season: by June 17, the Indians pitching staff had a collective 3.56 ERA, and Lee was 7–3 with a 3.09 ERA.{{Cite news |last=Reaves |first=Joseph A. |date=June 17, 2005 |title=Cleveland confidential: Indians are quietly among hottest teams |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88590797/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88590797/arizona-republic/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=The Arizona Republic |page=C4 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} He registered his first complete game that July, albeit in a five-inning rain-shortened 6–2 win over the Royals.{{cite news |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=July 19, 2005 |title=Indians beat Royals, then make trade |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88590934/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172832/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88590934/the-hays-daily-news/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=Hays Daily News |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} Lee's nine-game winning streak, beginning on July 8, was snapped on September 29, when he took the loss in a 1–0 pitchers' duel with Seth McClung of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.{{cite news |date=September 29, 2005 |title=Cleveland slipping down the stretch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88592529/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88592529/the-newark-advocate/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=The Advocate |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} Despite hopes that the team would make the postseason, a series of losses in September meant that Cleveland missed the AL Wild Card, which went to the Boston Red Sox, by only two games. Lee went 18–5 with a 3.79 ERA in 32 starts while striking out 143 batters in 202 innings. His 18 wins led all American League (AL) left-handed pitchers, while Lee led all of MLB with a .783 winning percentage.{{cite news |date=October 26, 2005 |title=Indians' Cliff Lee has hernia surgery |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/10/26/Indians-Cliff-Lee-has-hernia-surgery/85211130358694/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109045802/https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/10/26/Indians-Cliff-Lee-has-hernia-surgery/85211130358694/ |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=United Press International}} He also came in fourth in voting for the AL Cy Young Award, an honor which went to Bartolo Colón of the Anaheim Angels.{{efn|Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees and Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins were second and third in voting, respectively.}}{{cite web |title=2005 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2005.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104080234/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2005.shtml |archive-date=January 4, 2010 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} During the offseason, Lee underwent a follow-up arthroscopy for the sports hernia surgery he had undergone two years prior.{{cite news |date=October 27, 2005 |title=Tribe's Lee has surgery |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88606700/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173004/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88606700/springfield-news-sun/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=Springfield News-Sun |page=4D |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}
Lee opened the 2006 season as the Indians' No. 3 starter, behind Sabathia and Westbrook and ahead of Paul Byrd and Jason Johnson. Lee was in the final year of his contract.{{cite news |date=March 30, 2006 |title=Tribe's Sizemore signs 6-year deal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172841/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607019/news-journal/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Mansfield News Journal |page=4D |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{Free access}} That changed on August 9, when he signed a three-year, $14 million contract extension with the Indians, avoiding contract arbitration and allowing general manager Mark Shapiro to maintain control over another core player.{{cite news |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=August 9, 2006 |title=Indians lock up hurler Cliff Lee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607367/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172900/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607367/the-tribune/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Coshocton Tribune |page=3B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} What seemed poised to be another successful season for Lee took a turn after the All-Star Game break. After going 6–1 with a 3.76 ERA in eight starts from June 3 to July 19, Lee allowed six runs and seven hits in a 7–5 loss to the Angels, a loss that was part of a larger five-game losing streak for Cleveland.{{cite news |date=July 19, 2006 |title=9th inning rally no soap for free-falling Indians |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607600/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172901/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607600/telegraph-forum/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Telegraph-Forum |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Across July and August, Lee endured a 2–5 skid with three no decisions and a 4.78 ERA. He became frustrated with himself on August 28, when he allowed five runs, including three home runs, in only {{frac|5|2|3}} innings against the Tigers. In addition to being displeased with lasting fewer than six innings, he told reporters after the game that allowing so many home runs was "not acceptable".{{cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |date=August 28, 2006 |title=Lee struggles to keep ball inside the park |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607451/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173011/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607451/the-akron-beacon-journal/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |page=C7 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} Although Lee and the Indians failed to capture their previous season highs, with Cleveland finishing the year 78–84 and Lee going 14–11 in 33 starts, the pitcher did manage to register one accomplishment: on October 1, his final start of the year, Lee pitched his first nine-inning complete game, a 6–3 defeat of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.{{cite news |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=October 2, 2006 |title=Indians finish season on high note |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607868/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88607868/news-herald/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The News-Herald |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} He finished the year with a 4.40 ERA and 129 strikeouts in {{frac|200|2|3}} innings.
== Minor-league setback: 2007 ==
File:Cliff Lee Follows Through.jpg
Lee began the 2007 season on the disabled list after suffering a strained right abdominal muscle during spring training.{{cite news |date=March 12, 2007 |title=Lee placed on disabled list |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87887942/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173008/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87887942/news-herald/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The News-Herald |page=B2 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} He made his first start of the year on May 3, allowing five runs over six innings in an eventual 6–5 defeat of the Toronto Blue Jays.{{cite news |date=May 3, 2007 |title=Sizemore gives Indians go-ahead en route to sweep of Jays |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270503105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028015152/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270503105 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Although the Indians told reporters that Lee had not suffered any lingering physical difficulties from his early-season injury, he struggled on the mound, going 5–8 with a 6.38 ERA in 16 starts. This included three consecutive starts where he allowed seven or more runs. On July 21, Lee came under fire for hitting Sammy Sosa of the Texas Rangers in the head during a game meant to honor Sosa's 600th home run. Catcher Victor Martinez verbally confronted Lee between innings, and the Indians held a 25-minute players-only meeting after the 8–5 loss.{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=July 22, 2007 |title=Lee-Martinez spat leads to team meeting after loss to Rangers |url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2007/07/leemartinez_spat_leads_to_team.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028015152/https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2007/07/leemartinez_spat_leads_to_team.html |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Plain Dealer}} After allowing eight runs in a 14–9 loss to the Boston Red Sox in his next start on July 26, Lee was optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.{{Cite news |last=Call |first=Andy |date=July 28, 2007 |title=Cliff Lee's pitching flops take him out of rotation |url=https://www.ardmoreite.com/article/20070728/NEWS/307289971?template=ampart |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028015153/https://www.ardmoreite.com/article/20070728/NEWS/307289971?template=ampart |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Ardmoreite}}
Lee used the demotion to retool his pitching repertoire, moving his fastball and changeup to the outside corner while developing a cutter inspired by that of Mariano Rivera.{{cite news |last=Renck |first=Troy E. |date=October 26, 2010 |title=2007 trip to the minors changed Cliff Lee into dominant pitcher |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2010/10/26/2007-trip-to-the-minors-changed-cliff-lee-into-dominant-pitcher/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028015152/https://www.denverpost.com/2010/10/26/2007-trip-to-the-minors-changed-cliff-lee-into-dominant-pitcher/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Denver Post}} He was a September call-up for Cleveland, but was relegated to the bullpen for the final month of the season,{{Cite news |last=Call |first=Andy |date=September 19, 2007 |title=Indians notebook: Betancourt's success mirrors bullpen's |url=https://www.middletowntranscript.com/article/20070919/NEWS/309199919 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028020752/https://www.middletowntranscript.com/article/20070919/NEWS/309199919 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The News Journal}} and was not included on the Indians' postseason roster. He expressed motivation to focus on improvement after seeing Cleveland drop four games to the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 American League Championship Series (ALCS), telling reporters, "I would have liked to have had a shot at one of those last three games, but we lost them all and I didn't pitch in any of them."{{Cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Jim |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Cliff Lee reflects on Indians stint |url=https://www.news-herald.com/2013/05/01/cliff-lee-reflects-on-indians-stint/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028020751/https://www.news-herald.com/2013/05/01/cliff-lee-reflects-on-indians-stint/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The News-Herald}} Lee went 5–8 in 20 appearances (16 starts) for the Indians, posting a 6.29 ERA and striking out 66 batters in {{frac|97|1|3}} innings. He also pitched in 10 minor-league games, going 2–3 with a 3.00 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 48 innings.
== Cy Young Award and aftermath: 2008–2009 ==
To prepare for the 2008 season, Lee spent time training with the Indians' pitching coach, Carl Willis, at the latter's offseason home in Raleigh, North Carolina. After honing his mechanics there and impressing during spring training, Lee beat out Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey for the fifth spot in the Cleveland starting rotation.{{cite news |last1=Holt |first1=Bob |title=All-out attack: Slow to develop, Lee became best in the game |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/jul/10/all-out-attack/ |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109204438/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/jul/10/all-out-attack/ |url-status=live }} His first start of the season was a marked departure from the year prior: going toe-to-toe with Oakland Athletics ace Joe Blanton, Lee allowed only four hits and one unearned run in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings of the 2–1 victory.{{cite news |date=April 7, 2005 |title=Tribe salvages finale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88608331/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172841/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88608331/news-journal/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The News-Journal |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} He pitched his first MLB complete-game shutout with a 2–0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on April 25, throwing 120 pitches and dropping to a 0.28 ERA.{{Cite news |date=April 25, 2008 |title=Lee strikes out nine, lowers ERA to 0.28 in Indians' win |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280424307 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172902/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280424307 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} With a 5–0 record and 32 strikeouts in April, Lee was named the AL Pitcher of the Month.{{cite news |last=Kampf |first=John |date=May 4, 2008 |title=Lee named AL Pitcher of the Month |url=https://www.news-herald.com/2008/05/04/lee-named-al-pitcher-of-the-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173010/https://www.news-herald.com/2008/05/04/lee-named-al-pitcher-of-the-month/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The News-Herald}} By mid-May, his ERA was only 0.67, and Lee faced the first challenge of his season with a 6–4 loss to Edinson Volquez and the Cincinnati Reds. Lee took the setback poorly, telling reporters, "Everything that happened in the past doesn't really matter ... I made a couple of bad pitches and we lost."{{cite news |last=Lopresti |first=Mike |date=May 19, 2008 |title=Duel a dud |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88608456/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172935/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88608456/the-newark-advocate/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Advocate |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}
File:Cliff Lee - Rubenstein - 2008 All Star Game Red Carpet Parade.jpg
With a 12–2 record and 2.31 ERA by July, Lee was not only named to his first MLB All-Star Game in 2008, but was given the nod to start the game as the AL pitcher.{{cite news |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Lee expected to start for AL in All-Star game |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/lee-expected-to-start-for-al-in-all-star-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172909/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/lee-expected-to-start-for-al-in-all-star-game/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Everett Herald |agency=Associated Press}} He pitched the first two innings, striking out three and giving up only one hit, a single to Chipper Jones.{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=July 16, 2008 |title=Lee works two scoreless innings in All-Star start |url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/07/lee_works_two_scoreless_inning.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173022/https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2008/07/lee_works_two_scoreless_inning.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Plain Dealer}} Lee continued to dominate over the second half of the season. His 19th win of the season, a 10–4 victory over the Tigers on August 26, broke his previous season high,{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2008 |title=Lee handles Tigers as Indians win ninth straight |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280826106 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172843/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280826106 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} and on September 1, he became the first Indian to win 20 games in one season since Gaylord Perry in 1974.{{cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Jim |date=September 1, 2008 |title=Gaylord Perry's workload in '74 worth two pitchers |url=https://www.news-herald.com/2008/09/01/gaylord-perrys-workload-in-74-worth-two-pitchers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172910/https://www.news-herald.com/2008/09/01/gaylord-perrys-workload-in-74-worth-two-pitchers/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The News-Herald}} With a 22–2 record on September 13, Lee became the first pitcher whose win–loss differential for a season was +20 since Bob Welch went 27–6 for Oakland in 1990. At that point, he had not lost a game since July 11.{{cite news |date=September 13, 2008 |title=Indians' Lee prevails to lift record to 22–2 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-sep-13-sp-algame13-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172912/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-sep-13-sp-algame13-story.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press}} Despite Lee leading the AL in ERA and all of MLB in wins,{{cite web |title=2008 American League Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2008-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102184941/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2008-pitching-leaders.shtml |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}{{cite web |title=2008 Major League Baseball Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2008-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019155126/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2008-pitching-leaders.shtml |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} the Indians finished in third place in the AL Central and did not reach the playoffs.{{cite news |date=September 23, 2008 |title=Champion Red Sox grasp playoff berth, earn chance to defend title |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280923102 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172937/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280923102 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}
Had Lee not lost his last start of the year, he would have become the first (and to date, only), pitcher ever with at least a .900 winning percentage, and at least 20 wins in a season.{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Jim |date=August 31, 2013 |title=The 10 coolest pitcher won-loss records ever |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2013/8/31/4678072/pitcher-won-lost-records-coolest-max-scherzer |website=SB Nation}} With a 22–3 record and 2.54 ERA in 31 starts, including four complete games and two shutouts, as well as 170 strikeouts in {{frac|223|1|3}} innings, Lee capped off the 2008 season with a number of awards. First, the Indians gave him both the BBWAA Man of the Year Award and the Gordon Cobbledick Golden Tomahawk Award. After the Sporting News named Lee their AL Pitcher of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, he also picked up Players Choice Awards for both Outstanding Pitcher and Comeback Player.{{cite news |last1=Weir |first1=Josh |date=October 25, 2008 |title=The Sporting News names All-Star Team |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2008/10/25/the-sporting-news-names-all/48564741007/ |access-date=November 11, 2021 |work=The Repository |location=Canton, OH}}{{Cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=October 23, 2008 |title=Cliff Lee named AL Comeback Player of the Year |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2008/10/cliff_lee_named_al_comeback_pl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172915/https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2008/10/cliff_lee_named_al_comeback_pl.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Plain Dealer}} MLB also awarded Lee with their Comeback Player of the Year award for going from a 6.29 to a 2.54 ERA between 2007 and 2008.{{cite news |date=September 30, 2008 |title=Cliff Lee, Brad Lidge win comeback player awards |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2008/09/30/cliff-lee-brad-lidge-win-comeback-player-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172844/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2008/09/30/cliff-lee-brad-lidge-win-comeback-player-awards/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Oakland Press |agency=Associated Press}} Finally, on November 13, Lee received the AL Cy Young Award, following CC Sabathia as the second Indians left-hander in a row to take home the award.{{Cite news |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Lee is second consecutive Cleveland pitcher to win Cy Young Award |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3700686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418031016/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3700686 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}
Following his Cy Young-winning year, as well as the offseason departure of Sabathia, Lee entered the 2009 MLB season as Cleveland's ace, anchoring a rotation that also included Roberto Hernández (then known as Fausto Carmona), free-agent newcomer Carl Pavano, and rookies Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes.{{cite news |date=March 26, 2009 |title=Lewis, Reyes fill out Indians' rotation |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2009/03/26/Lewis-Reyes-fill-out-Indians-rotation/stories/200903260074 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027230338/https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2009/03/26/Lewis-Reyes-fill-out-Indians-rotation/stories/200903260074 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Blade |agency=Associated Press}} There was some concern about Lee's spring-training performance, during which he allowed 46 hits in {{frac|21|2|3}} innings for a 12.46 ERA.{{cite news |last=Weir |first=Josh |date=April 6, 2009 |title=Indians 2009: Storylines to follow |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/x1931060107/Indians-2009-Storylines-to-follow |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027230337/https://www.cantonrep.com/x1931060107/Indians-2009-Storylines-to-follow |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Repository}} His struggles continued into the opening-day game against the Texas Rangers, when Lee allowed seven runs in five innings of a 9–1 loss.{{cite news |title=Rangers beat Lee, Indians in opener |url=https://www.dispatch.com/article/20090407/SPORTS/304079459 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |date=April 7, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027230336/https://www.dispatch.com/article/20090407/SPORTS/304079459 |url-status=live }} His wins with Cleveland came on roughly a monthly basis: April 16 against the Yankees, May 13 against the Chicago White Sox,{{cite news |date=May 14, 2009 |title=Cliff Lee, Indians shut out White Sox |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88588549/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172845/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88588549/chillicothe-gazette/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=Chillicothe Gazette |page=2B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} June 14 against the St. Louis Cardinals, and July 16 against the Seattle Mariners. Most of Lee's difficulties came not from his own pitching, but from poor run support: in 11 of his first 20 starts for the season, the Indians scored three or fewer runs.{{cite news |date=July 17, 2009 |title=Cliff Lee pitches Indians past Mariners |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88588639/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173009/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88588639/lancaster-eagle-gazette/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette |page=1B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} In his June 14 start, Lee carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before Yadier Molina recorded a double.{{cite news |date=June 15, 2009 |title=Tribe's Lee blanks Cardinals on three hits |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88589131/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173038/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88589131/the-news-messenger/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=The News-Messenger |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} {{free access}} He made 22 starts for the Indians in 2009, during which he went 7–9 with a 3.14 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 152 innings.
= Philadelphia Phillies (2009) =
File:Cliff Lee, philly crop.jpg
On July 29, two days before the MLB trading deadline, the Indians traded Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for four prospects: Carlos Carrasco, Jason Knapp, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald. The Phillies had previously attempted to trade for Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays, but were unwilling to part with the players that Toronto was asking for in return.{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=July 29, 2009 |title=Phillies get Lee from Indians |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4363553 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107163613/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4363553 |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=ESPN}} In his first start for his new team, Lee carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished with a complete-game 5–1 victory over the San Francisco Giants.{{Cite news |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |title=Cliff Lee's NL debut not a good thing for Giants |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2009/07/31/cliff-lees-n-l-debut-not-a-good-thing-for-giants/ |work=The Mercury News |date=July 31, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510091833/http://www.mercurynews.com/2009/07/31/cliff-lees-n-l-debut-not-a-good-thing-for-giants/ |url-status=live }} Although he was dominant in his first five starts, taking the win in all and dropping his ERA down to 0.68, Lee struggled through his next seven appearances with Philadelphia, going 2–4 with a 6.13 ERA.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Jim |title=Up first for Phillies: Ace Cliff Lee |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2009/10/06/up-first-for-phillies-ace-cliff-lee/ |work=The Denver Post |date=October 6, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109153836/https://www.denverpost.com/2009/10/06/up-first-for-phillies-ace-cliff-lee/ |url-status=live }} Lee finished out the regular season with 12 National League (NL) starts, including three complete games, during which he went 7–4 with a 3.39 ERA and 74 strikeouts in {{frac|79|2|3}} innings.
The Phillies clinched their third consecutive NL East title and playoff berth on September 30 with a 10–3 victory over the Houston Astros.{{cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |title=Phillies Clinch Title, but Worries Abound |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/sports/baseball/01phillies.html |work=The New York Times |date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118104732/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/sports/baseball/01phillies.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} Lee was selected over fellow ace Cole Hamels to start Game 1 of the 2009 National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies. He pitched a six-hit complete game in the 5–1 victory, striking out five, walking none, and getting a hit of his own.{{cite news |last=Narducci |first=Marc |date=October 7, 2009 |title=Lee stymies Rockies in Game 1 |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20091007_Lee_stymies_Rockies_in_Game_1.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109174413/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20091007_Lee_stymies_Rockies_in_Game_1.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} Lee got the start again in Game 4 for a rematch against Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez. Although Lee pitched {{frac|7|1|3}} innings, he was pulled in favor of Ryan Madson with the score 2–1 after a walk and an error put Dexter Fowler in scoring position. Madson allowed three runs but was credited with the win following a late-game Philadelphia rally. The Phillies won 5–4 to advance to the NL Championship Series (NLCS), where they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite news |last=Branch |first=John |date=October 12, 2009 |title=Phillies Top a Late Rally With One of Their Own |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/sports/baseball/13rockies.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109144114/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/sports/baseball/13rockies.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} The Phillies took Game 3 11–0 behind a standout performance from Lee, who went eight innings without issuing a run or walk and allowed only three hits.{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=October 18, 2009 |title=L.A. meets its match in NLCS Game 3 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=4576108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109174415/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=4576108 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=ESPN}}{{cite web |title=Cliff Lee Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=leecl02&t=p&year=0&post=1 |access-date=February 25, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}} By the time the Phillies clinched their second consecutive appearance in the World Series,{{cite news |last=Hernandez |first=Dylan |title=Phinished Again |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-22-sp-dodgers-phillies22-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109144109/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-22-sp-dodgers-phillies22-story.html |url-status=live }} Lee had a 0.74 ERA through {{frac|24|1|3}} innings in the first three postseason starts of his career.{{cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=October 19, 2009 |title=Lee and Phillies Rout Dodgers and Take Series Lead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/sports/baseball/19nlcs.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109144116/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/sports/baseball/19nlcs.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}
== 2009 World Series ==
{{main|2009 World Series}}
Lee opened the 2009 World Series with a matchup against his former teammate, CC Sabathia, who was now playing with the New York Yankees. Missing the team bus, Lee was nearly late to the game, with his taxi stuck in New York City traffic, and ended up taking the New York City Subway to Yankee Stadium. However, Lee was unfazed and only allowed six hits and one unearned run in a 10-strikeout complete game that the Phillies won 6–1.{{cite web | url=https://www.thegoodphight.com/2023/5/11/23716360/all-the-pretty-pitches-reflections-on-an-ace-named-cliff-lee | title=All the pretty pitches: Reflections on an ace named Cliff Lee | date=May 11, 2023 }}{{cite news |last=Salisbury |first=Jim |title=From Joe Maddon's lasagna to Pat Burrell's snoring dog, retiring Phillies official Frank Coppenbarger is well equipped with memories |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/joe-maddons-lasagna-pat-burrells-snoring-dog-retiring-phillies-official-frank-coppenbarger |work=NBC Sports Philadelphia |date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001161656/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/joe-maddons-lasagna-pat-burrells-snoring-dog-retiring-phillies-official-frank-coppenbarger |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=October 28, 2009 |title=Lee Outpitches Sabathia in Game 1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/sports/baseball/29series.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109144324/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/sports/baseball/29series.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} His feat lowered his postseason ERA to 0.54, dropping below Mariano Rivera's 0.77 record, and Lee became the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out 10 batters while issuing no walks or earned runs in a World Series game.{{efn|The Yankees' one run came on an error from shortstop Jimmy Rollins.{{cite news |last=Costa |first=Brian |title=For Philadelphia Phillies' ace Cliff Lee, shutting down NY Yankees was child's play |url=https://www.nj.com/phillies/2009/10/for_philadelphia_phillies_ace.html |work=The Star-Ledger |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109174413/https://www.nj.com/phillies/2009/10/for_philadelphia_phillies_ace.html |url-status=live }}}}{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=October 28, 2009 |title=Lee takes over Yankee Stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=4604436 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108110215/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=4604436 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=ESPN}} Lee took the win again in Game 5, outpitching A. J. Burnett, who lasted only two innings, but ran into struggles of his own by giving up five runs in seven innings of the Phillies' 8–6 win.{{cite news |last=Wojciechowski |first=Gene |date=November 3, 2009 |title=Short rest leads to Burnett's short start |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&sportCat=mlb&id=4618452 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109174419/https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&sportCat=mlb&id=4618452 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=ESPN}}{{cite news |date=November 3, 2009 |title=Chase Utley, Cliff Lee help Phillies stave off World Series elimination with 8–6 win over Yankees |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/2009/11/utley_lee_help_phils_stave_off.html |access-date=February 25, 2022 |work=The Ann Arbor News |agency=Associated Press}} The Phillies battled the Yankees to six games, but ultimately lost Game 6 by a score of 7–3.{{cite news |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Mike |date=November 4, 2009 |title=New York Yankees win 2009 World Series |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2009/11/04/new-york-yankees-win-2009-world-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172947/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2009/11/04/new-york-yankees-win-2009-world-series/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=East Bay Times |agency=Associated Press}}
=Seattle Mariners (2010)=
On December 16, 2009, the Phillies traded Lee to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for three prospects: right-handed pitchers Phillippe Aumont and J. C. Ramírez, and outfielder Tyson Gillies.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 2009 |title=Phillies complete Halladay deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4748216 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424181724/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4748216 |archive-date=April 24, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} The Mariners had devoted their offseason to acquiring a strong starting pitcher, and had initially pursued Rich Harden, who was acquired as a free agent by the Texas Rangers. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. offered to trade Lee to Seattle if he and the Phillies could successfully acquire Halladay from the Blue Jays.{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Geoff |title=It's a done deal{{snd}}Mariners acquire Cliff Lee |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/its-a-done-deal-8212-mariners-acquire-cliff-lee/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Seattle Times |date=December 16, 2009 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811193931/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/its-a-done-deal-8212-mariners-acquire-cliff-lee/ |url-status=live }} Lee was taken by surprise upon hearing of the trade, which had occurred amidst talks of a contract extension with the Phillies, but said he understood why Philadelphia would take "an opportunity to get the best pitcher in baseball" instead. The Halladay—Lee switch was the first time in MLB history that two Cy Young-winning pitchers had been traded on the same day.{{cite news |date=December 17, 2009 |title=Lee: I thought I'd finish career in Philly |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4753045 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107163559/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4753045 |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} That February, Lee underwent foot surgery to remove a bone spur that had broken loose. The surgery was considered minor, and Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik expressed confidence that it would not impede Lee's preparation for the upcoming season.{{cite news |date=February 10, 2010 |title=Baseball Notes: Lee's surgery not a big deal, Seattle GM says |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20100210_Baseball_Notes__Lee_s_surgery_not_a_big_deal__Seattle_GM_says.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811193931/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20100210_Baseball_Notes__Lee_s_surgery_not_a_big_deal__Seattle_GM_says.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}
Lee's notorious short temper appeared to return during spring training, when he was suspended for five regular-season games after throwing a fastball over the head of opposing pitcher Chris Snyder during an exhibition game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 15. Zduriencik told reporters that he expected Lee, who the Mariners intended to pair with ace Felix Hernandez at the top of the starting rotation, would appeal the decision.{{cite news |date=March 17, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee suspended first 5 games of season |url=https://www.mcall.com/sports/penn-state/mc-xpm-2010-03-17-all-spo-cliff-lee-suspended-031710-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720042101/https://www.mcall.com/sports/penn-state/mc-xpm-2010-03-17-all-spo-cliff-lee-suspended-031710-story.html |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Morning Call |agency=Associated Press}} Upon appeal, the suspension and fine were rescinded on April 21, with Lee and the Mariners' head athletic trainer successfully arguing that the throw was not intentional. Rather, Lee's recovery from foot surgery, as well as the abdominal strain that he had suffered earlier in the game during a collision with Snyder, had caused Lee to throw a wild pitch.{{cite news |last=Divish |first=Ryan |date=April 21, 2010 |title=Coming soon to a mound near you... |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96710345/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The News Tribune |page=B3 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Free access}} Lee had been placed on the 15-day disabled list for the abdominal strain on April 4, retroactive to March 26, causing him to miss the start of the 2010 MLB season.{{cite news |date=April 21, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee's suspension rescinded |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20100421_Cliff_Lee_s_suspension_rescinded.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126025721/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20100421_Cliff_Lee_s_suspension_rescinded.html |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} He returned to the mound on April 30, 2010, earning a no decision by striking out eight Rangers in seven innings. The game went into extra innings before Elvis Andrus scored on a wild pitch from Mariners reliever Brandon League, allowing Texas to take the game 2–0 in the 12th inning.{{cite news |date=May 1, 2010 |title=Mariners waste Lee's debut in 12-inning loss to Rangers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300430112 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811193930/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300430112 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press}} Lee's first win with the Mariners came on May 11, when he allowed one run in {{frac|7|1|3}} innings of a 5–1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite news |date=May 11, 2010 |title=Seattle 5, Baltimore 1: Cliff Lee gets first win with Mariners |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/mlb/2010/05/seattle_5_baltimore_1_cliff_le.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811193932/https://www.oregonlive.com/mlb/2010/05/seattle_5_baltimore_1_cliff_le.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Oregonian |agency=Associated Press}}
Lee proved an overall success in Seattle, posting an 8–3 record and 2.34 ERA in 13 starts, as well as 0.5 walks per nine innings.{{cite news |last1=Rosener |first1=Ben |date=November 6, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee Trades: Did Cleveland, Philadelphia, or Seattle See the Best Return? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2258482-cliff-lee-trades-which-team-received-the-best-return |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926185817/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2258482-cliff-lee-trades-which-team-received-the-best-return |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}} His longevity on the mound proved to be a particular asset; on June 30, with a 7–4 defeat of the New York Yankees, Lee pitched his third complete game in a row. He was the first MLB pitcher to do so since his former teammate CC Sabathia in 2008, and the first Mariner since Randy Johnson in 1998.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Larry |date=June 29, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee pitches Mariners past Yankees |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/cliff-lee-pitches-mariners-past-yankees-7-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813154255/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/cliff-lee-pitches-mariners-past-yankees-7-4/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |date=June 30, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee stymies Yankees yet again |url=https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Cliff-Lee-stymies-Yankees-yet-again-12090297.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813154253/https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Cliff-Lee-stymies-Yankees-yet-again-12090297.php |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=The Register Citizen |agency=Associated Press}} That month, he received his second career AL Pitcher of the Month title.{{cite news |date=August 2, 2012 |title=Jason Vargas of the Seattle Mariners named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/vargas-of-the-mariners-named-the-al-pitcher-of-the-month/c-36010644 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172849/https://www.mlb.com/news/vargas-of-the-mariners-named-the-al-pitcher-of-the-month/c-36010644 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Despite his prowess on the mound, Seattle quickly fell behind in the AL West. By June 18, the Mariners were 16 games under .500 and {{frac|12|1|2}} games behind in the pennant race.{{cite news |title=Seattle's struggles have Lee back in trade talk |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jun/18/seattles-struggles-have-lee-back-trade-ta-20100618/?print |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |date=June 18, 2010 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813154256/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jun/18/seattles-struggles-have-lee-back-trade-ta-20100618/?print |url-status=live }}
= Texas Rangers (2010) =
As the Mariners' season broke down, with the team 13 games behind in the AL West by mid-June, Lee became an acquisition target for multiple teams trying to improve their starting pitching before the MLB trading deadline.{{cite news |last1=Stone |first1=Larry |date=June 17, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee's days with the Mariners could be waning |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/cliff-lees-days-with-mariners-could-be-waning/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812045337/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/cliff-lees-days-with-mariners-could-be-waning/ |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Seattle Times}} The New York Yankees were in talks to acquire Lee by sending catcher Jesus Montero, second baseman David Adams, and pitching prospect Zach McAllister to Seattle. The deal fell through, however, after Adams suffered a sprained ankle.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jamie |title=Yankees out of running for Mariners' Cliff Lee |url=https://www.silive.com/yankees/2010/07/yankees_out_of_running_for_mar.html |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Staten Island Advance |date=July 9, 2010 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812045353/https://www.silive.com/yankees/2010/07/yankees_out_of_running_for_mar.html |url-status=live }} The Mariners used the injury to attempt to restructure the trade package, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman refused, effectively killing the trade.{{cite news |last1=Marcus |first1=Steven |date=February 16, 2011 |title=Cashman on Cliff Lee: 'I had him' |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cashman-on-cliff-lee-i-had-him-1.2690635 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812045337/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cashman-on-cliff-lee-i-had-him-1.2690635 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=Newsday}} On July 9, 2010, the same day negotiations fell through with the Yankees, the Texas Rangers reached an agreement to trade first baseman Justin Smoak, prospects Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, and Matthew Lawson, and $2.25 million to Seattle in exchange for Lee.{{cite news |date=July 9, 2010 |title=Rangers acquire left-hander Lee |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5367615 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812045337/https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5367615 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=ESPN}}
Although Lee had been selected to appear in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game with the Mariners, the timing of his trade meant that he represented the Rangers when he pitched for the AL team on July 13, retiring Martin Prado, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Howard in a six-pitch fourth inning.{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Adam J. |date=July 5, 2011 |title=Counting down Ranger All Star performances{{snd}}#8, Cliff Lee |url=https://www.lonestarball.com/2011/7/5/2258313/counting-down-ranger-all-star-performances-8-cliff-lee/comment/71251771 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824173323/https://www.lonestarball.com/2011/7/5/2258313/counting-down-ranger-all-star-performances-8-cliff-lee/comment/71251771 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2021 |work=Lone Star Ball |publisher=SB Nation}} Shortly afterwards, on August 6, Lee went eight innings in a 5–1 victory over the Oakland Athletics before Frank Francisco relieved him for a scoreless ninth inning.{{cite news |last1=Steward |first1=Carl |title=Oakland A's talk walk on quiet side against Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/08/06/oakland-as-talk-walk-on-quiet-side-against-texas-rangers-ace-cliff-lee/ |access-date=August 24, 2021 |work=East Bay Times |date=August 6, 2010 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824171825/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/08/06/oakland-as-talk-walk-on-quiet-side-against-texas-rangers-ace-cliff-lee/ |url-status=live }} He started a total of 15 regular-season games for the Rangers, going 4–6 with an ERA of 3.98 and striking out 96 batters in {{frac|108|2|3}} innings of work. In addition to his performance on the mound, Lee's teammates and managers told The Athletic that they appreciated his clubhouse presence. Teammate Colby Lewis referred to the back half of the season as "relaxed fun", as the addition of Lee gave them confidence that "If we lost one or two, it was like, 'So what? Who cares? We're gonna go win the next seven.'"{{cite news |last1=Weaver |first1=Levi |last2=Newberg |first2=Jamey |title='We're good': The definitive history of Cliff Lee's amazing 2010 Rangers season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2119498/2020/10/13/were-good-the-definitive-history-of-cliff-lees-amazing-2010-rangers-season/ |access-date=August 24, 2021 |work=The Athletic |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824173323/https://theathletic.com/2119498/2020/10/13/were-good-the-definitive-history-of-cliff-lees-amazing-2010-rangers-season/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}
The Rangers clinched the AL West title and their first postseason berth in 11 years on September 25, 2010, in a 4–3 defeat of the Athletics.{{cite news |date=September 25, 2010 |title=Rangers Clinch First Playoff Spot in 11 Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/sports/baseball/26bats.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215710/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/sports/baseball/26bats.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press}} The Rangers faced the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 American League Division Series (ALDS), with Lee starting Game 1 against Tampa Bay ace David Price. Lee was dominant in the seven innings he pitched of the 5–1 victory, striking out 10 while allowing only five hits, including a Ben Zobrist solo home run.{{cite news |date=October 6, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee leads Rangers to 5–1 victory over Rays in Game 1 of ALDS |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2010/10/cliff_lee_leads_rangers_to_5-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215710/https://www.nj.com/sports/2010/10/cliff_lee_leads_rangers_to_5-1.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=NJ.com |agency=Associated Press}} Although he had previously said he would use a three-person starting rotation "if we think we need [Lee]", Ron Washington ultimately opted not to let his ace pitch on short rest, instead starting Tommy Hunter for Game 4.{{cite news |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=October 1, 2010 |title=Rangers won't use Cliff Lee on short rest in ALDS |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2010/10/01/rangers-wont-use-cliff-lee-on-short-rest-in-alds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215712/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2010/10/01/rangers-wont-use-cliff-lee-on-short-rest-in-alds/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=NBC Sports}} Instead, Game 5 proved a rematch between Lee and Price, with Lee striking out 11 and allowing only one unearned run in a complete game 5–1 victory that allowed the Rangers to capture a playoff series for the first time in franchise history.{{cite news |date=October 13, 2010 |title=Tampa Bay Rays fall short as Texas Rangers advance to ALCS |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/article/20101013/SPORTS/801243030 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027230041/https://www.jacksonville.com/article/20101013/SPORTS/801243030 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Florida Times-Union |agency=Associated Press}} The Rangers faced the Yankees in the 2010 American League Championship Series (ALCS). Lee started Game 3, striking out 13 and allowing only two hits in eight innings of an 8–0 rout of New York and Andy Pettitte. It was only the second time in postseason history that the Yankees' opposing pitcher gave up two or fewer hits while pitching eight or more innings; Warren Spahn did the same in Game 4 of the 1958 World Series.{{cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=October 18, 2010 |title=Against Lee, Yankees Swing and Miss, Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/sports/baseball/19yankees.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215710/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/sports/baseball/19yankees.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} The Rangers defeated the Yankees in six games, leading to their first franchise World Series appearance.{{cite news |last=Caple |first=Jim |date=October 22, 2010 |title=Yankees' season ends with a big thud |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=5715890 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215712/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=5715890 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=ESPN}}
== 2010 World Series ==
{{main|2010 World Series}}
Pitching on eight days' rest following the ALCS, Lee was given the start for Game 1 of the 2010 World Series.{{cite news |last1=Hawkins |first1=Stephen |date=October 24, 2010 |title=Texas Rangers lefty ace Cliff Lee to start World Series Game 1 on eight days' rest |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2010/10/24/texas-rangers-lefty-ace-cliff-lee-to-start-world-series-game-1-on-eight-days-rest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215710/https://www.mercurynews.com/2010/10/24/texas-rangers-lefty-ace-cliff-lee-to-start-world-series-game-1-on-eight-days-rest/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Mercury News |agency=Associated Press}} The game, in which Lee faced Giants ace Tim Lincecum, was predicted to be a pitchers' duel. Instead, the Giants won 11–7, with the teams combining for 18 runs, 25 hits, 10 extra-base hits, and 6 errors. A total of 12 pitchers made an appearance in Game 1.{{cite news |last1=Stark |first1=Jayson |date=October 28, 2010 |title=Giants' bats make surprise appearance |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5736331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215710/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5736331 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=ESPN}} Lee lasted only {{frac|4|2|3}} innings, giving up seven runs on 104 pitches in the process. As a batter, he also scored an RBI double in the second inning, giving the Rangers an early 2–0 lead that they were unable to hold. It was the first time in nine games that Lee's team had lost one of his postseason starts. He expressed frustration with his own performance, telling reporters after the game, "I was missing on everything. It's unacceptable."{{cite news |last1=Shaikin |first1=Bill |date=October 27, 2010 |title=Giants get to Rangers' Cliff Lee to win World Series opener, 11–7 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-oct-27-la-sp-1028-giants-rangers-20101028-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811212630/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-oct-27-la-sp-1028-giants-rangers-20101028-story.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times}}
With the Rangers down 3–1 in the series, Game 5 proved to be a rematch between Lincecum and Lee, with the latter terming the match "a chance to redeem [himself]".{{cite news |date=November 1, 2010 |title=Rangers put their hopes in Cliff Lee in Game 5 of the World Series |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2010/11/01/rangers-put-their-hopes-in-cliff-lee-in-game-5-of-the-world-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811213126/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2010/11/01/rangers-put-their-hopes-in-cliff-lee-in-game-5-of-the-world-series/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News |agency=Associated Press}} Lee and Lincecum held each other's teams scoreless for six innings, with Nelson Cruz robbing Buster Posey of a home run in the process. In the seventh inning, however, Lee allowed both Cody Ross and Juan Uribe to single before Edgar Renteria hit a three-run home run. Those were the only runs allowed by the Rangers, who scored once on a solo home run from Cruz, but the Giants defeated the Rangers 3–1 for their first World Series title since 1954.{{cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=November 1, 2010 |title=Giants Win First World Series for San Francisco |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/sports/baseball/02series.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027213853/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/sports/baseball/02series.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}
= Second stint in Philadelphia (2011–2014)=
== "Four Aces" lineup: 2011 ==
File:Cliff Lee at ESPN Weekend.jpg
Despite being offered a seven-year, $150 million contract with the New York Yankees, Lee opted to sign with the Phillies on December 14, 2010, taking their offer of five years at a total of $120 million.{{cite news |last=Friedman |first=Uri |title=Cliff Lee Spurns Yankees for Phillies |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/12/cliff-lee-spurns-yankees-for-phillies/343032/ |work=The Atlantic |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174756/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/12/cliff-lee-spurns-yankees-for-phillies/343032/ |url-status=live }} The decision came as a surprise to many baseball analysts, who did not expect Lee to turn down an additional $30 million to return to Philadelphia.{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=December 14, 2010 |title=Cliff Lee's return simply stunning |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/hotstove10/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5918008 |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=ESPN}}{{Cite news |last=Sheridan |first=Phil |date=December 14, 2010 |title=Phil Sheridan: Lee's return is a great Philadelphia story |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20101214_Lees_return_is_a_great_Philadelphia_story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} Throughout the 2010 Winter Meetings, Lee had been approached by the Rangers and the Yankees, but he told his agent Derek Braunecker that he desired an offer from the Phillies. Braunecker met with Philadelphia assistant general manager Scott Proefrock, who agreed on the condition that Lee's interest in rejoining the team was genuine and not a tool to increase Lee's offers from other teams. Braunecker asked Proefrock if the Phillies would be willing to offer his client a five-year contract, saying, "We'll entertain anything".{{cite news |last=Zolecki |first=Todd |date=December 7, 2017 |title=Phils used 2010 Meetins to build epic rotation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-re-sign-cliff-lee-at-2010-meetings-c263069896 |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} In an interview shortly after re-signing with the Phillies, Lee told The New York Times that his decision was "kind of a no-brainer", and that he "never wanted to leave in the first place".{{Cite news |last=Longman |first=Jere |title=Lee Returns, Saying He 'Never Wanted to Leave' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/sports/baseball/16phillies.html |work=The New York Times |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=March 5, 2022 |url-access=limited}}
He became part of a rotation known as the "Four Aces", consisting of Lee, Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt.{{efn|The team's fifth starter that season was Joe Blanton, who took his exclusion from the "Four Aces" lineup with humor. He told The Philadelphia Inquirer during spring training, "Hopefully the other lineup falls asleep and thinks they have to face these four guys, and I'll just kind of slip right in."{{cite news |last1=Gelb |first1=Matt |title=Phillies Notes: For the Phillies: Four Aces and a joker |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20110215_Phillies_Notes__For_the_Phillies__Four_Aces_and_a_joker.html |access-date=October 13, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029170751/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20110215_Phillies_Notes__For_the_Phillies__Four_Aces_and_a_joker.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}}}{{cite news |last=Jordan |first=Pat |title=The Phillies' Four Aces |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/magazine/mag-03Phillies-t.html |work=The New York Times Magazine |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303003648/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/magazine/mag-03Phillies-t.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} The rotation operated with only a loose order, with manager Charlie Manuel telling reporters, "We're going to have a No. 1 starter every day, so it really doesn't matter."{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=February 14, 2011 |title=Four Aces at Phillies' Camp |url=https://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/four-aces-at-phillies-camp/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616054916/https://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/four-aces-at-phillies-camp/ |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} In his first game back with the Phillies, Lee, who received a standing ovation from fans before taking the mound, had 11 strikeouts in seven innings of a 9–4 defeat of the Astros.{{Cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=April 2, 2011 |title=Cliff Lee strikes out 11 as Phillies pound Astros, 9–4 |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20110402_Cliff_Lee_strikes_out_11_as_Phillies_pound_Astros__9-4.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109185431/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20110402_Cliff_Lee_strikes_out_11_as_Phillies_pound_Astros__9-4.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} He was named the NL Pitcher of the Month that June after going 5–0 with a 0.21 ERA and pitching all but three innings in those five starts. He also outscored his opponents as a batter, recording two runs batted in (RBI) but allowing only one run.{{Cite news |date=July 6, 2011 |title=Lee is National League pitcher of the month for June |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20110706_Lee_is_National_League_pitcher_of_the_month_for_June.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172941/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20110706_Lee_is_National_League_pitcher_of_the_month_for_June.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} Those were not the only offensive moments of Lee's season. He hit his first major-league home run on July 9, against Tommy Hanson of the Atlanta Braves. Although the Phillies lost 4–1, Lee's home run was the first by a Philadelphia pitcher since Chan Ho Park two years prior.{{cite news |date=July 9, 2011 |title=Cliff Lee Is Awesome, Adds Home Run Hitter to Resume |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/cliff-lee-awesome-adds-home-run-hitter-resume |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173054/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/cliff-lee-awesome-adds-home-run-hitter-resume |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=NBC Sports Philadelphia}} He homered again on August 9, this time scoring the go-ahead run against Ted Lilly in a 2–1 defeat of the Dodgers.{{cite news |last=Peltz |first=Jim |date=August 9, 2011 |title=Phillies' Cliff Lee beats Dodgers on mound and at plate |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-aug-09-la-sp-0810-dodgers-phillies-20110810-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109183934/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-aug-09-la-sp-0810-dodgers-phillies-20110810-story.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times}}
Lee and Halladay were both selected for the 2011 All-Star Game, combining for nearly four perfect innings before Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox hit a solo home run against Lee.{{Cite news |last=Sheinin |first=Dave |title=2011 All-Star Game: Nationals' Tyler Clippard earns the victory in three pitches |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/2011-all-star-game-nationals-tyler-clippard-earns-the-victory-in-three-pitches/2011/07/12/gIQAW6LhBI_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714024518/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/2011-all-star-game-nationals-tyler-clippard-earns-the-victory-in-three-pitches/2011/07/12/gIQAW6LhBI_story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} With 39 strikeouts, a 0.45 ERA, and only two earned runs over {{frac|39|2|3}} innings in August, Lee notched his second NL Pitcher of the Month title and became the first pitcher in MLB history to have two months of five wins, no losses, and a sub-0.50 ERA.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Brad |title=Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee named National League Pitcher of the Month for August |url=https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2011/09/philadelphia_phillies_cliff_le_2.html |work=The Express-Times |date=September 7, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173024/https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2011/09/philadelphia_phillies_cliff_le_2.html |url-status=live }} Lee and the Phillies continued their dominant run through the remainder of the season, and on September 26, Lee took the win in their 100th game of the season, a 4–2 defeat of the Braves. It was only the third time in franchise history that the Phillies had won 100 or more games in a season.{{cite news |last=Newberry |first=Paul |title=Phillies reach 100 wins for 3rd time |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-phillies-reach-100-wins-for-3rd-time-2011sep26-story.html |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172853/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-phillies-reach-100-wins-for-3rd-time-2011sep26-story.html |url-status=live }} He finished the year with a 17–8 record, 2.40 ERA, and 1.027 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) in {{frac|232|2|3}} innings. His six shutouts tied Randy Johnson's 1998 season for the second-highest in MLB history.{{Cite news |last=Salisbury |first=Jim |date=May 11, 2020 |title=The pitch that might have cost Cliff Lee a Cy Young |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-alternate-universe-cliff-lee-7th-shutout-jose-lopez |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613082101/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-alternate-universe-cliff-lee-7th-shutout-jose-lopez |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=NBC Sports Philadelphia}} Lee finished third in NL Cy Young voting with 90 points and no first-place votes, behind winner Clayton Kershaw, who received 207 points and 27 first-place votes, and Halladay, who recorded 133 points and four first-place votes. Rotation mate Hamels followed in fifth place with 17 points, while Oswalt and Blanton were not finalists.{{Cite web |title=2011 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2011.shtml |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}
With 102 regular season wins and their strong pitching staff, the Phillies entered the 2011 postseason as heavy World Series favorites.{{Cite news |last=Sheinin |first=Dave |date=September 29, 2011 |title=Phillies' aces set them apart, even in a strong postseason field |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/phillies-aces-set-them-apart-even-in-a-strong-postseason-field/2011/09/29/gIQA09tM8K_story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320125054/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/phillies-aces-set-them-apart-even-in-a-strong-postseason-field/2011/09/29/gIQA09tM8K_story.html |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} They were upset, however, by the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the 2011 National League Division Series.{{cite news |last=Nightengale |first=Bob |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Game in '11 'changed everything' for two teams |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/09/26/2011-nlcs-cardinals-philles-shaped-two-teams/2880587/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109184106/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/09/26/2011-nlcs-cardinals-philles-shaped-two-teams/2880587/ |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=USA Today}} Lee took the loss in his Game 2 start, blowing a four-run lead by allowing five runs and a career-high 12 hits in the 5–4 defeat. Lee said he took "full responsibility" for the loss, telling reporters, "They were hitting good pitches. They were hitting bad pitches. They were hitting."{{cite news |last=McCullough |first=Andy |date=October 3, 2011 |title=Cliff Lee, Phillies fall to Cardinals in Game 2 of NLCS |url=https://www.nj.com/mets/2011/10/cliff_lee_phillies_fall_to_car.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109183935/https://www.nj.com/mets/2011/10/cliff_lee_phillies_fall_to_car.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Star-Ledger}}
== Difficulties with run support: 2012–2013 ==
Oswalt was replaced with Vance Worley for the Phillies' 2012 starting rotation, but the Four Aces remained otherwise intact, with Lee as the No. 2 starter behind Halladay.{{cite news |last=Pouliot |first=Matthew |date=March 23, 2012 |title=Phillies make Cole Hamels their No. 4 starter |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2012/03/23/phillies-make-cole-hamels-their-no-4-starter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019162757/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2012/03/23/phillies-make-cole-hamels-their-no-4-starter/ |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=NBC Sports}} Although Lee personally pitched well, he struggled to win games through the first half of the 2012 season, beginning with his first start, when he pitched 10 innings but took the loss in a 1–0 defeat to the San Francisco Giants. As of {{currentyear}}, Lee remains the most recent MLB pitcher to pitch more than nine innings in a game.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/starting-pitchers-who-have-gone-more-than-nine-innings-in-a-game|title=A 10-inning start? It's been 10 years|first=Matt|last=Kelly|website=MLB.com|date=April 17, 2022|accessdate=January 26, 2025}} Some of his struggles came from poor run support, as the otherwise productive Phillies offense did not hit well when he was on the mound.{{cite news |last=Bialik |first=Carl |title=Cliff Lee's Bizarre Winless Streak |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/BL-DFB-18662 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109172832/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/BL-DFB-18662 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} He also faced pitch-count difficulties for the first time in his Philadelphia career: in one outing against the Boston Red Sox, Lee had thrown 66 pitches by the end of the third inning, as the Red Sox' hitters had fouled off a high percentage of his pitches.{{cite news |last=Housenick |first=Mandy |date=May 20, 2012 |title=Even without run support, Lee shoulders blame |url=https://www.mcall.com/sports/ironpigs-phillies/mc-xpm-2012-05-20-mc-phillies-cliff-lee-redsox-0520-20120520-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720121834/https://www.mcall.com/sports/ironpigs-phillies/mc-xpm-2012-05-20-mc-phillies-cliff-lee-redsox-0520-20120520-story.html |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Morning Call}} Both Lee and Manuel expressed confusion over Lee's struggles, and by the end of June, though was healthy and pitching well, he was allowing nine hits per nine innings.{{cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=June 30, 2012 |title=What's wrong with Cliff Lee? Don't ask the Phillies |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Whats-wrong-with-Cliff-Lee-Dont-ask-the-Phillies.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109172927/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Whats-wrong-with-Cliff-Lee-Dont-ask-the-Phillies.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} His first win of the season did not come until July 4, his last start before the All-Star break, when he allowed two runs on nine hits in eight innings of the Phillies' 9–2 win over the New York Mets. All nine of the Phillies' runs came in the final three innings of the game. His run of 13 starts without a win was the longest of any reigning Cy Young winner since Greg Maddux in 2008.{{cite news |last=Berman |first=Zach |date=July 4, 2012 |title=Phillies' Lee Stops Mets for First Win This Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/sports/baseball/cliff-lee-earns-first-victory-3-months-into-season.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909114334/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/sports/baseball/cliff-lee-earns-first-victory-3-months-into-season.html |archive-date=September 9, 2018 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The New York Times}} Through those 13 starts, Lee posted a 0–5 record, and a difficult June in which he allowed 20 runs in {{frac|24|2|3}} innings had lifted him from a 2.92 to 4.13 ERA.{{cite news |last=Short |first=D. J. |date=June 30, 2012 |title=Yep, Cliff Lee is still winless |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2012/06/30/yep-cliff-lee-is-still-winless/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |work=NBC Sports}} He seemed to recover through August and September, recording the 1,500th strikeout of his MLB career, also against the Mets, on September 17.{{cite news |title=Backed by homers, Lee stymies Mets |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/mlb/backed-by-homers-lee-stymies-mets/65-368621845 |work=WUSA |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172923/https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/mlb/backed-by-homers-lee-stymies-mets/65-368621845 |url-status=live }} Despite finishing the season with a 3.16 ERA, 207 strikeouts and a 7.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 211 innings, Lee went only 6–9 in his 30 starts, becoming the first pitcher in history to win fewer than eight games with 200 or more strikeouts and a 3.20 or below ERA.{{cite news |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Hopefully Cliff Lee realizes wins are a dumb stat for pitchers |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2012/10/03/hopefully-cliff-lee-realizes-wins-are-a-dumb-stat-for-pitchers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908010206/http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2012/10/03/hopefully-cliff-lee-realizes-wins-are-a-dumb-stat-for-pitchers/ |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=November 9, 2012 |work=NBC Sports}} Despite Lee's hopes that the team would "win this division, make the post-season, and win the World Series", the Phillies missed the playoffs in 2012 with a 2–1 loss to the Miami Marlins on September 29,{{cite news |date=September 29, 2012 |title=Phillies out of playoff hunt, lose to Marlins |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/philadelphia-phillies-eliminated-postseason-hunt-miami-marlins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173000/https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/philadelphia-phillies-eliminated-postseason-hunt-miami-marlins/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Sportsnet |agency=Associated Press}} the 158th game of the season.{{cite web |title=2012 Philadelphia Phillies Schedule |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2012-schedule-scores.shtml |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}
File:Cliff Lee (7356074946).jpg
Lee entered the 2013 season as the Phillies' No. 3 starter behind Hamels and Halladay, and secured the team's first win of the year with eight scoreless innings in a 2–0 win over the Braves on April 4.{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Cliff Lee blanks Braves for Phillies' first win |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/04/04/cliff-lee-phillies-shutout-braves-first-win/2055153/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028034413/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/04/04/cliff-lee-phillies-shutout-braves-first-win/2055153/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} His streak of 45 innings and 169 plate appearances without issuing a walk, dating back to July 2012, came to an end on April 15 when he walked Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Ryan |date=April 15, 2013 |title=Reds' victory over Phillies a walk in park |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20130416_Reds__victory_over_Phils_a_walk_in_park.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028034412/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20130416_Reds__victory_over_Phils_a_walk_in_park.html |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=Philadelphia Daily News}} By mid-June, Lee, who was 8–2 with a 2.55 ERA but once again receiving little run support from his teammates, was beginning to show his frustration. When asked if he wanted to stay in Philadelphia, he told reporters, "I definitely want to win."{{cite news |last=Deitch |first=Dennis |title=Phils manage to scrape past Twins |url=https://www.dailylocal.com/2013/06/13/phils-manage-to-scrape-past-twins/ |work=Daily Local News |date=June 13, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172857/https://www.dailylocal.com/2013/06/13/phils-manage-to-scrape-past-twins/ |url-status=live }} Amidst a number of trade rumors, Lee made his fourth All-Star Game appearance,{{cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Lee shrugs off trade talk at All-Star Game |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/gallery/20130716_Lee_shrugs_off_trade_talk_at_All-Star_Game.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109192807/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/gallery/20130716_Lee_shrugs_off_trade_talk_at_All-Star_Game.html |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} joining Domonic Brown as the Phillies' All-Star representatives.{{cite news |last=Chappelear |first=Scott |title=Cliff Lee, Domonic Brown selected to All-Star Game for National League |url=https://www.nj.com/phillies/2013/07/cliff_lee_domonic_brown_selected_to_all-star_game_for_national_league.html |work=South Jersey Times |date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172954/https://www.nj.com/phillies/2013/07/cliff_lee_domonic_brown_selected_to_all-star_game_for_national_league.html |url-status=live }} He missed two weeks after the All-Star break with a stiff neck, and upon his August 4 return, lasted only five innings, allowing four runs on eight hits in a 4–1 loss to the Braves.{{Cite news |last=Narducci |first=Marc |date=August 4, 2013 |title=Lee struggles as Phillies get swept by Braves |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20130805_Lee_struggles.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110054552/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20130805_Lee_struggles.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}
The height of Lee's season came on September 16, when, in a 12–2 rout of the Miami Marlins, he crossed the 200-inning mark and the 200-strikeout mark for the third consecutive season and became the first Philadelphia pitcher to record 14 strikeouts in one game since Curt Schilling in 1997.{{cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=September 16, 2013 |title=Lee fans 14 and collects 4 RBIs as Phillies roll |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/gallery/20130917_Utley_and_Lee_carry_Phillies_in_rout.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172857/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/gallery/20130917_Utley_and_Lee_carry_Phillies_in_rout.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} In his last start of the season, Lee struck out another 13 batters but still took the loss in a 1–0 defeat at the hands of Craig Kimbrel and the Braves. Despite becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out 50 or more batters in a month while walking only one, Lee expressed disappointment at another year away from the postseason, and told reporters that he wanted "to finish strong and take it to the house".{{Cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=September 28, 2013 |title=Lee strikes out 13 and still loses |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20130928_Lee_strikes_out_13_and_still_loses.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172958/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20130928_Lee_strikes_out_13_and_still_loses.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} In 31 starts for the Phillies that year, including two complete games, Lee went 14–8 with a 2.87 ERA and 222 strikeouts in {{frac|222|2|3}} innings.
== Injury and end of career: 2014–2015 ==
File:Sarge interviewing Cliff Lee after the game.jpg in 2011]]
After Cole Hamels suffered a preseason injury, Lee was tapped to serve as the Phillies' 2014 opening-day starter, the second time in his career he'd earned the opening day nod.{{cite news |date=March 17, 2014 |title=Lee to start Phils' opener at Texas on March 31 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/03/17/lee-to-start-phils-opener-at-texas-on-march-31/6529613/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813155953/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/03/17/lee-to-start-phils-opener-at-texas-on-march-31/6529613/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} Facing Yu Darvish and the Rangers, Lee became the eighth pitcher in the live-ball era to be credited with a win despite giving up eight or more earned runs.{{efn|The other seven are Petie Behan in 1923, Ray Kremer in 1930, Lee Pfund in 1945, Rick Rhoden in 1977, Cal Eldred in 1997, Woody Williams in 2001, and Andy Pettitte in 2007.}}{{cite news |last1=Deitch |first1=Dennis |title=Cliff Lee makes Opening Day history for Philadelphia Phillies |url=https://www.timesherald.com/sports/cliff-lee-makes-opening-day-history-for-philadelphia-phillies/article_7743d94a-34c2-50e5-9b28-206b2bff0647.html |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=The Times Herald |date=March 31, 2014 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813155953/https://www.timesherald.com/sports/cliff-lee-makes-opening-day-history-for-philadelphia-phillies/article_7743d94a-34c2-50e5-9b28-206b2bff0647.html |url-status=live }} He gave up eight earned runs in five innings of the Phillies' 14–10 victory, a game which saw 31 hits between the two teams, and exited the game with a 14.40 ERA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX201403310.shtml|title=Philadelphia Phillies vs Texas Rangers Box Score: March 31, 2014|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} After throwing 116 pitches against the Cincinnati Reds on May 18, Lee began to complain of elbow soreness, and was diagnosed with a strained pronator teres muscle in his left arm.{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=July 8, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee to return after break |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11190267/cliff-lee-philadelphia-phillies-return-dl-all-star-break |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222354/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11190267/cliff-lee-philadelphia-phillies-return-dl-all-star-break |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=ESPN}} Lee later said that he had begun to feel pain after throwing a career-high 128 pitches in a game against the Braves that April, but that it had mostly abated before the Reds game.{{cite news |last=Wine |first=Steven |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Phillies' Cliff Lee has mild elbow strain |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-phillies-cliff-lee-undergoes-mri-on-elbow-2014may20-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222108/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-phillies-cliff-lee-undergoes-mri-on-elbow-2014may20-story.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press}} It was the first arm injury of Lee's baseball career, professional or otherwise.{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Ryan |date=June 11, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee plays catch for first time in 3 weeks |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/sports/phillies/Cliff-Lee-plays-catch-for-first-time-in-3-weeks.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222106/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/sports/phillies/Cliff-Lee-plays-catch-for-first-time-in-3-weeks.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} He was meant to return to the mound on July 18 after a series of rehabilitation games for the Class-A Clearwater Threshers, but manager Ryne Sandberg chose to push Lee's return to July 21, which would give him seven days' rest rather than five.{{cite news |title=Phils give Cliff Lee a little extra rest |url=https://www.delcotimes.com/2014/07/18/phils-give-cliff-lee-a-little-extra-rest/ |work=Delaware County Daily Times |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222108/https://www.delcotimes.com/2014/07/18/phils-give-cliff-lee-a-little-extra-rest/ |url-status=live }} He struggled in this first start back, allowing six runs and a career-tying 12 hits in {{frac|5|2|3}} innings against the Giants.{{cite news |last=Short |first=D. J. |date=July 21, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee struggles in first start back from disabled list |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2014/07/21/cliff-lee-struggles-in-first-start-back-from-disabled-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222108/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2014/07/21/cliff-lee-struggles-in-first-start-back-from-disabled-list/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=NBC Sports}}
On July 31, Lee left his start against the Washington Nationals in the third inning with a recurrence of the muscle strain.{{cite news |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee leaves start against Nationals in 3rd |url=https://www.thereporteronline.com/2014/07/31/cliff-lee-leaves-start-against-nationals-in-3rd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222108/https://www.thereporteronline.com/2014/07/31/cliff-lee-leaves-start-against-nationals-in-3rd/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=The Reporter |agency=Associated Press}} On August 7, the Phillies shut Lee down for the season, in the hopes that he would be able to rest the elbow and return in time for spring training the following year.{{cite news |date=August 7, 2014 |title=Cliff Lee to miss rest of season |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11320175/cliff-lee-phillies-shut-remainder-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222108/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11320175/cliff-lee-phillies-shut-remainder-season |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Pitching only {{frac|81|1|3}} innings in 2014, Lee went 4–5 with a 3.65 ERA. It was the first time in six years that Lee had not crossed the 200-inning mark in a season.{{cite news |last=Deitch |first=Dennis |title=Phillies lose Lee to elbow injury in win over Nationals |url=https://www.pottsmerc.com/2014/07/31/phillies-lose-lee-to-elbow-injury-in-win-over-nationals/ |work=The Mercury |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222107/https://www.pottsmerc.com/2014/07/31/phillies-lose-lee-to-elbow-injury-in-win-over-nationals/ |url-status=live }} His elbow continued to bother him after the conclusion of the 2014 season, and he was diagnosed during the offseason with a tear in his left common flexor tendon, a career-threatening injury for the 36-year-old pitcher.{{cite magazine |last1=Jaffe |first1=Jay |date=March 11, 2015 |title=For Phillies ace Cliff Lee, elbow injury could spell end of stellar career |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/03/11/cliff-lee-philadelphia-phillies-elbow-injury |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821163707/https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/03/11/cliff-lee-philadelphia-phillies-elbow-injury |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} On March 16, 2015, the Phillies placed Lee on the 60-day disabled list, and he returned home to Arkansas for rehabilitation. While doctors recommended surgery for the injury, Lee elected to make a third non-surgical rehabilitation attempt, in order to avoid the six to eight-month recovery time that a more intensive procedure would entail.{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=Jake |date=March 16, 2015 |title=Cliff Lee goes on 60-day DL, will try to avoid elbow surgery |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/Cliff-Lee-placed-on-disabled-list-season-in-question.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821163708/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/Cliff-Lee-placed-on-disabled-list-season-in-question.html |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} Lee did not pitch professionally at all in 2015, and at the end of the season, the Phillies, who had the option of retaining him for another year at $27.5 million, bought out the remainder of his contract for $12.5 million.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Randy |date=November 3, 2015 |title=Phillies officially cut cord with Cliff Lee by paying megabucks buyout |url=https://www.nj.com/phillies/2015/11/phillies_cut_cord_with_cliff_lee_by_paying_megabuc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821192841/https://www.nj.com/phillies/2015/11/phillies_cut_cord_with_cliff_lee_by_paying_megabuc.html |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=NJ.com}}
= Retirement =
After the 2014 season, Lee had said that he would retire at the end of his contract with the Phillies.{{cite news |date=September 28, 2013 |title=Cliff Lee says he'll retire at end of contract as Phillies fall to Braves, 1–0 |url=https://www.nj.com/phillies/2013/09/cliff_lee_says_hell_retire_at_end_of_contract_as_phillies_fall_to_braves_1-0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028034012/https://www.nj.com/phillies/2013/09/cliff_lee_says_hell_retire_at_end_of_contract_as_phillies_fall_to_braves_1-0.html |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=NJ.com |agency=Associated Press}} While waiting to hear whether his elbow injury would require surgery, he voiced concerns to Meghan Montemurro of USA Today that he might never pitch again.{{cite news |last=Montemurro |first=Meghan |date=March 9, 2015 |title=Cliff Lee acknowledges career may be over |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/03/09/cliff-lee-career-ending-elbow-injury/24648865/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225172438/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/03/09/cliff-lee-career-ending-elbow-injury/24648865/ |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=USA Today}} By December 2015, however, Lee had received medical clearance to play baseball, and his agent, Darek Braunecker, told reporters that he would pitch in the 2016 MLB season if he found "the right fit".{{cite news |last1=Lancaster |first1=Marc |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Cliff Lee eyeing MLB comeback in 2016, report says |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/cliff-lee-comeback-elbow-injury-mlb-rumors-phillies-hot-stove/1kvsgs2fybg3q1vaarxa1qihet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821192841/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/cliff-lee-comeback-elbow-injury-mlb-rumors-phillies-hot-stove/1kvsgs2fybg3q1vaarxa1qihet |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=The Sporting News}} The following month, Braunecker clarified that Lee was adjusting to full-time fatherhood, but that he retained an interest in pitching professionally again.{{cite news |last1=Baer |first1=Bill |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Cliff Lee would need a 'perfect fit' to pitch in 2016 |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2016/01/03/cliff-lee-would-need-a-perfect-fit-to-pitch-in-2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821192842/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2016/01/03/cliff-lee-would-need-a-perfect-fit-to-pitch-in-2016/ |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=NBC Sports}} On February 23, 2016, Braunecker announced that Lee would not pitch during the 2016 season. While not an official retirement, the announcement appeared to signal the end of Lee's professional baseball career. In his 13 seasons in MLB, Lee posted a 143–91 record with a 3.52 ERA, and struck out 1,824 batters.{{cite news |date=February 24, 2016 |title=Left-hander Cliff Lee not expected to pitch this season, agent says |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/14834974/cliff-lee-not-expected-pitch-2016-agent-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173040/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/14834974/cliff-lee-not-expected-pitch-2016-agent-says |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=ESPN}}
Lee was one of 18 new nominees on the 2020 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.{{cite news |date=November 18, 2019 |title=Derek Jeter Among 18 Newcomers on 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/11/18/2020-hall-of-fame-ballot-announced-derek-jeter |access-date=February 11, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press}} He appeared on two out of 397 ballots, falling short of the 5-percent voting threshold required to appear on subsequent ballots.{{cite web |title=2020 Hall of Fame Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2020.shtml |access-date=February 11, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}
Pitching style
By the end of his career, Lee had a four-pitch repertoire consisting of a fastball, cutter, changeup, and curveball. Of these, he considered his curveball to be his most effective pitch, but used it only sparingly, as he had better command of his other pitches. He also employed a slider, although he rarely included that pitch in discussions of his repertoire.{{cite news |last=Branch |first=Chris |title=Lee says his curveball is his best pitch |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/philledin/2014/03/04/lee-says-his-curveball-is-his-best-pitch/6041209/ |work=The News Journal |date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028164948/https://www.delawareonline.com/story/philledin/2014/03/04/lee-says-his-curveball-is-his-best-pitch/6041209/ |url-status=live }} David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News described Lee's slider interchangeably with his cutter as one primary type of breaking ball.{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=David |date=October 29, 2009 |title=A statistical breakdown of Cliff Lee's performance |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies/A_statistical_breakdown_of_Cliff_Lees_performance.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211194310/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies/A_statistical_breakdown_of_Cliff_Lees_performance.html |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |access-date=February 11, 2022 |work=Philadelphia Daily News}} He was not known as a power pitcher: in 2010, Lee's average fastball velocity was only {{convert|91.3|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. in line with the MLB average from 2008 to 2015.{{cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Speed trap: How velocity has changed baseball |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/increase-in-hard-throwers-is-changing-mlb-c170046614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314193359/https://www.mlb.com/news/increase-in-hard-throwers-is-changing-mlb-c170046614 |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} Instead, he preferred to focus on accuracy and command, throwing the majority of his pitches for strikes. In 2012, Lee threw a strike on the first pitch to 71 percent of the batters that he faced, and he had the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio of any pitcher over the age of 33 since Curt Schilling in 2001 and 2002.{{cite news |last=Gelb |first=Matt |date=February 26, 2013 |title=Cliff Lee and the importance of throwing strike one |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Cliff-Lee-and-the-importance-of-throwing-strike-one.html |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173028/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Cliff-Lee-and-the-importance-of-throwing-strike-one.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} His fastball in particular was difficult to hit, landing on the low inside corner of the strike zone. After his 2007 demotion to the minor leagues, Lee told Joe Jordan, then a scouting director for the Baltimore Orioles, that he had adopted a philosophy of throwing "Three pitches for strikes every night. That's the key."{{cite news |last=Sielski |first=Mike |date=February 24, 2016 |title=Cliff Lee's Phillies legacy: He wanted to pitch here |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20160225_Cliff_Lee_s_Phillies_legacy__He_wanted_to_pitch_here.html |url-access=limited |access-date=February 11, 2022 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}
In addition to his command of multiple varieties of pitch, Lee was also known for his consistent and methodical approach on the mound. Rangers reliever Darren O'Day referred to Lee as a "technician", because he would not become emotional or alter his rhythm under high-stress situations, such as when multiple runners were on base.{{cite news |last=Crasnick |first=Jerry |date=October 26, 2010 |title=Caution: Pitching 'technician' at work |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=5728522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028164947/https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=5728522 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |work=ESPN}} His Phillies teammates and general manager both noted Lee's composure on the mound as one of his strengths, as it allowed him to retain control of the game.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Benjamin |title=Keeping It Simple: The Pitching and Personality of Cliff Lee |url=https://sjmagazine.net/october-2011/cliff-lee |work=SJ Magazine |date=October 2011 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225195343/https://sjmagazine.net/october-2011/cliff-lee |url-status=live }} Despite this, Lee's stubborn personality sometimes led to a short temper, such as when he appeared to intentionally hit Sammy Sosa with a pitch or would argue with his catcher mid-game.
Having spent significant time in both leagues, Lee told reporters after his retirement that he preferred playing in the National League, in which the pitcher batted (at that time) instead of being replaced by a designated hitter. This preference was both because Lee enjoyed hitting, despite his career batting average of .175, and because he preferred games where he faced the opposing team's pitcher.{{cite news |last=Holt |first=Bob |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Lee sad pitchers won't take cuts |url=https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/jul/20/lee-sad-pitchers-wont-take-cuts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172947/https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/jul/20/lee-sad-pitchers-wont-take-cuts/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette}}
Personal life
Lee met his future wife Kristen when they were in middle school, he in the seventh grade and she in the sixth. While the pair were high school acquaintances, they did not start dating until Lee was in college.{{cite news |last=Townsend |first=Brad |date=October 18, 2010 |title=Meet Cliff Lee: The man who saved the Rangers (and his wife likes being close to Texas) |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2010/10/18/meet-cliff-lee-the-man-who-saved-the-rangers-and-his-wife-likes-being-close-to-texas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172905/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2010/10/18/meet-cliff-lee-the-man-who-saved-the-rangers-and-his-wife-likes-being-close-to-texas/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News}} They married in 2000, and have two children together, son Jaxon, followed by daughter Maci.{{cite news |last=O'Keeffe |first=Michael |title=Cliff Lee, MLB's hottest free agent, still has deep ties to hometown of Benton in Arkansas |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cliff-lee-mlb-hottest-free-agent-deep-ties-hometown-benton-arkansas-article-1.451147 |work=New York Daily News |date=November 14, 2010 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202115919/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/cliff-lee-mlb-hottest-free-agent-deep-ties-hometown-benton-arkansas-article-1.451147 |url-status=live }} Jaxon was diagnosed with infant leukemia when he was four months old. In 2010, the Lees donated $1 million to establish an endowed chair in pediatric hematology and oncology at the Arkansas Children's Hospital, where Jaxon was treated.
Off the field, Lee is known for having an introverted personality; an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette wrote that he "would rather cut off his pitching arm than call attention to himself". Although he had little trouble with the attention that pitching brought, Lee was uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups of people. After leaving MLB, he has made few public appearances, notably missing a 2009 Phillies team reunion during Bobby Abreu's Wall of Fame induction ceremony.{{cite news |last=Seidman |first=Corey |date=August 3, 2019 |title=As Phillies' storied 2009 team reunites, one can't help but wonder where Cliff Lee might be |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-storied-2009-team-reunites-one-cant-help-wonder-where-cliff-lee-might-be |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126205058/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-storied-2009-team-reunites-one-cant-help-wonder-where-cliff-lee-might-be |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |work=NBC Sports Philadelphia}} His activities outside of baseball include hunting, fishing, and online chess.
Career highlights
= Awards =
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#ccf;"| Award
!style="background:#ccf;"| Season(s) !style="background:#ccf;"| Ref. |
|---|
| colspan="3"|MLB |
| AL All-Star |
| NL All-Star |
| AL Cy Young Award
| 2008 |
| AL Comeback Player of the Year Award
| 2008 |
| AL Pitcher of the Month
| April 2008, June 2010 |
| NL Pitcher of the Month
| June 2011, August 2011 |
| MLB Players Choice Awards AL Outstanding Pitcher
| 2008 |
| MLB Players Choice Awards AL Comeback Player
| 2008 |
| Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award
| 2008 |
| Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award
| 2008 |
| colspan="3"| Philadelphia Phillies |
| Pitcher of the Year
| 2011, 2013 |
| colspan="3"| Cleveland Indians |
| BBWAA Man of the Year Award
| 2008 |
| Gordon Cobbledick Golden Tomahawk Award
| 2008 |
= League leader =
See also
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{baseballstats|mlb=424324|espn=5353|br=l/leecl02|fangraphs=1636|brm=lee—004cli|retro=L/Plee-c003}}
:
- [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/cliff-lee-2/ Cliff Lee] at SABR Bio Project
{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}}
{{succession box|before=Fausto Carmona (September 2007)
Jon Lester|title=American League Pitcher of the month|years=April 2008
August 2008|after=Scott Kazmir
Jon Lester}}
{{succession box|before=Dan Haren|title=American League All-Star Game Starting Pitcher|years=2008|after=Roy Halladay}}
{{succession box|before=CC Sabathia|title=Players Choice AL Outstanding Pitcher|years=2008|after=Zack Greinke}}
{{succession box|before=Carlos Peña|title=Players Choice AL Comeback Player of the Year|years=2008|after=Aaron Hill}}
{{s-end}}
{{AL Cy Young}}
{{AL Comeback Players of the Year}}
{{Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year Award}}
{{AL MLB Comeback Players of the Year}}
{{AL wins champions}}
{{AL ERA champions}}
{{Cleveland Indians Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Cliff}}
Category:Benton High School (Arkansas) alumni
Category:Cleveland Indians players
Category:Philadelphia Phillies players
Category:Seattle Mariners players
Category:Texas Rangers players
Category:American League All-Stars
Category:American League ERA champions
Category:American League wins champions
Category:Arkansas Razorbacks baseball players
Category:Baseball players from Arkansas
Category:Cy Young Award winners
Category:Meridian Eagles baseball players
Category:Major League Baseball pitchers
Category:People from Benton, Arkansas
Category:Cape Fear Crocs players
Category:Jupiter Hammerheads players
Category:Harrisburg Senators players
Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players
Category:Kinston Indians players
Category:Tacoma Rainiers players