John Means (baseball)

Means attended Gardner Edgerton High School in Gardner, Kansas. He played for the school's baseball team, but was not recruited by any NCAA Division I college baseball program.{{cite news|author=Ruiz, Nathan|title='This is still your path': Orioles' John Means skyrockets from edge of retirement to All-Star|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-all-star-profile-20190706-story.html|date=July 8, 2019|pages=Sports 1 and 5|access-date=July 9, 2019}} The Atlanta Braves selected him in the 46th round of the 2011 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=https://gardnernews.com/pitcher-means-selected-in-major-league-baseball-draft/|title=Pitcher Means selected in Major League Baseball draft – Gardner News|work=Gardner News |date=July 13, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2018}} He intended to sign with the Braves, but was injured when a Braves scout visited him, and the scout recommended he go to college. Means enrolled at Fort Scott Community College and played baseball at the junior college level for one year, before he transferred to West Virginia University to play for the West Virginia Mountaineers.{{cite web|url=https://gardnernews.com/john-means-signs-letter-to-play-baseball-at-west-virginia-university/|title=John Means signs letter to play baseball at West Virginia University – Gardner News|work=Gardner News |date=August 28, 2012|access-date=September 9, 2018}} In 2013, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=437260&seasonid=21954 |title=#25 John Means |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=September 25, 2019}} In 2014, his junior year at West Virginia, he went 6–2 with a 3.13 ERA in 12 starts.

The Orioles selected Means in the 11th round, with the 331st overall selection, of the 2014 MLB draft.{{cite web|author=TOD PALMERThe Kansas City Star |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/article501186/Olathe-Northwest-trio-picked-on-third-day-of-baseball-draft.html |title=| The Kansas City Star |publisher=Kansascity.com |date=June 7, 2014 |access-date=September 9, 2018}}{{cite web |author=Matt Hauswirth |url=https://www.wvillustrated.com/news/john-means-among-several-%E2%80%98eers-excelling-in-the-minors/865610278 |title=John Means Among Several 'Eers Excelling in the Minors |publisher=Wvillustrated.com |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He pitched for the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Single–A South Atlantic League in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2015/06/07/shorebirds-diamond-rough/28661057/ |title=Shorebirds' pitcher proving to be diamond in rough |publisher=Delmarvanow.com |access-date=September 9, 2018}} He threw a no-hitter for Delmarva in July.{{cite web|url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/sports/five-questions-with-john-means-keys-left-handed-pitcher/article_fc8e7950-3ca7-5e7c-9d50-77d3cfa01b94.html |title=Five questions with John Means, Keys left-handed pitcher | Sports |publisher=fredericknewspost.com |date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2018}} He pitched for the Frederick Keys of the High–A Carolina League in 2016, before receiving a midseason promotion to the Bowie Baysox of the Double–A Eastern League. He returned to Bowie in 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-minor-league-report-0430-20170429-story.html |title=Orioles minor league report: Bowie's John Means off to another strong start |publisher=Baltimore Sun |access-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910014813/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-minor-league-report-0430-20170429-story.html |url-status=dead }} In 2018, he was promoted to the Norfolk Tides of the Triple–A International League.{{cite web|url=https://pilotonline.com/sports/baseball/norfolk-tides/article_ed7e81cc-9b42-11e8-acd3-2772361c3870.html |title=Once overlooked, Tides lefty John Means edging close to majors | Norfolk Tides |work=The Virginian-Pilot |publisher=pilotonline.com |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=September 9, 2018}}

The Orioles promoted Means to the major leagues on September 24, 2018.{{cite web|last=Kubatko |first=Roch |url=http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2018/09/orioles-summon-john-means-to-boston.html |title=Orioles summon John Means to Boston – School of Roch |publisher=Masnsports.com |date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2019}} After a competition in spring training, the Orioles named Means to the team's Opening Day roster as a relief pitcher for the 2019 season.{{cite web|last=Kubatko |first=Roch |url=http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2019/03/jackson-martin-and-means-on-first-opening-day-experiences.html |title=Jackson, Martin and Means on first opening day experiences – School of Roch |publisher=Masnsports.com |date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=April 28, 2019}} After three appearances out of the bullpen, pitching to a 1.59 ERA in 5{{frac|2|3}} innings, Means was moved into the Orioles' starting rotation.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-whitesox-john-means-20190424-story.html |title=Orioles rookie John Means' breakout April continues in 4–3 victory over White Sox |date=April 24, 2019 |publisher=Baltimore Sun |access-date=April 28, 2019}}

File:John_Means.jpg

On June 28, 2019, Means was selected to his first All-Star Game, his 2.50 ERA ranking second among American League pitchers for the first half of the season. Starting in 27 of 31 pitching appearances, he completed his rookie campaign at 12–11 with a 3.60 ERA.[https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-wins-final-start-of-strong-rookie-season Trezza, Joe. "Means puts pin in impressive rookie campaign," MLB.com, Saturday, September 28, 2019.] Retrieved September 28, 2019 He finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-rookie-of-the-year-20191111-alaw46kcj5c7fcqdmsdj66p3ya-story.html|title=Orioles' John Means finishes second in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Astros' Yordan Álvarez|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=December 13, 2019}} In the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Means pitched to a 4.53 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a 2–4 record over {{frac|43|2|3}} innings pitched in 10 games pitched, all starts.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/john-means-607644 |title=John Means Stats, Fantasy & News |work=MLB.com |date= |accessdate=2021-06-19}}

The Orioles selected Means as their Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2021 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-opening-day-starter-20210319-2gkl4bbypnelfj2wyqpumerrxm-story.html|title=Orioles name All-Star left-hander John Means as Opening Day starter|first=Nathan|last=Ruiz|website=baltimoresun.com|date=March 19, 2021 }} On May 5, 2021, he threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners, striking out 12 batters while facing the minimum of 27 batters. His only baserunner, Sam Haggerty, reached on a dropped third strike in the third inning and was subsequently caught trying to steal second base. It was the first no-hitter for the Orioles since 1991 and the first solo no-hitter since Jim Palmer no-hit the Oakland Athletics on August 13, 1969.{{cite web|last=Callihan |first=Schuyler |url=https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/mountaineers-in-the-pros/breaking-wvu-alum-john-means-throws-no-hitter-vs-seattle-mariners |title=BREAKING: WVU Alum John Means Throws No-Hitter vs Seattle Mariners – Sports Illustrated West Virginia Mountaineers News, Analysis and More |publisher=Si.com |date=2021-05-05 |accessdate=2021-06-19}} It was also the first no-hitter in MLB history where the only baserunner reached base on an uncaught third strike.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Trezza|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/john-means-throws-unique-no-hitter|title=27 up, 27 down but NOT perfect? Here's how|website=MLB.com|date=May 5, 2021|access-date=May 6, 2021}} On May 10, Means was named the AL Player of the Week for week of May 3 to May 9.{{cite news |title=John Means, Wade Miley named Players of the Week presented by Chevrolet |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-john-means-wade-miley-named-players-of-the-week-presented-by-chevr |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=May 10, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Sepe-Chepuru |first1=Shanthi |title=Means, Miley earn Player of the Week honors |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/john-means-wade-miley-win-players-of-week |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=May 10, 2021}} On June 6, Means went onto the 10-day injured list with a strained shoulder.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/orioles/orioles-ace-john-means-placed-10-day-injured-list-shoulder-strain |title=Orioles ace John Means placed on 10-day Injured List with shoulder strain | RSN |publisher=Nbcsports.com |date=2021-06-06 |accessdate=2021-06-19}} Means was activated on July 20, after missing over a month of action.{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Nathan |title=John Means struggles in return from injured list as Orioles lose to Rays 9–3 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-rays-july20-20210721-xqfrxqrazvbxdbmp2bednkjok4-story.html |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=July 20, 2021}}

Means was named the Opening Day starter for the 2022 season,{{cite magazine |last1=Callihan |first1=Schuyler |title=John Means Named Opening Day Starter for Baltimore Orioles |url=https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/mountaineers-in-the-pros/john-means-named-opening-day-starter-for-baltimore-orioles |access-date=April 18, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 3, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Silver |first1=Zachary |title=O's go to Means as Opening Day starter |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/john-means-named-orioles-opening-day-starter |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=March 31, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Nathan |title=John Means to start Orioles' opener for second straight season |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-opening-day-starter-john-means-20220331-hyuwfyl7yzaafmzt4wy7kfpu4m-story.html |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=March 31, 2022}} and pitched on April 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays. On April 13, Means pitched four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers before his removal from the game.{{cite news |last1=Silver |first1=Zachary |title=Means exits start vs. Crew with left forearm tightness |url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-exits-with-injury-vs-brewers |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=April 13, 2022}} He was diagnosed with elbow strain two days later and placed on the 10-day injured list.{{cite news |title=Baltimore Orioles put left-hander John Means on IL, more tests on elbow expected |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33746684/baltimore-orioles-put-left-hander-john-means-il-more-tests-elbow-expected |access-date=April 18, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=April 15, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Nathan |title=Orioles put left-hander John Means on 10-day injured list with left elbow strain |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-injured-list-20220415-zsk3iuvqpndddecgiai2427boq-story.html |work=Baltimore Sun |date=April 15, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Trezza |first1=Joe |last2=Silver |first2=Zachary |title=Means (elbow) could miss rest of 2022 |url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-has-left-elbow-strain |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2022}} Means was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 17.{{cite news |title=Baltimore Orioles transfer John Means to 60-day injured list with sprained elbow |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33756178/baltimore-orioles-transfer-john-means-60-day-il-sprained-elbow |access-date=April 18, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=April 17, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Kostka |first1=Andy |title=Orioles place John Means on 60-day injured list as they seek second opinion |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-elbow-testing-question-mark-20220416-i7plhls4yncj3iowaicxgzvgke-story.html |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=April 17, 2022}} Doctors determined that Means needed Tommy John surgery, which prematurely ended his 2022 season.{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Nathan |title=Orioles ace Means to have Tommy John surgery, miss remainder of 2022 season: 'It's obviously a blow' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-johns-means-tommy-john-surgery-20220423-npzinat2sbdzdbgmvl7we26a7m-story.html |access-date=April 25, 2022 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=April 23, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Silver |first1=Zachary |last2=Evans |first2=Luca |title=O's ace Means to have Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-to-have-tommy-john-surgery |access-date=April 25, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=April 23, 2022}} He underwent surgery on May 11, 2022. On May 21, Means agreed to a two-year, $5.925 million contract with the Orioles to avoid arbitration.{{Cite web|title=Orioles' John Means: Avoids arbitration|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/orioles-john-means-avoids-arbitration/amp/|access-date=2023-02-08|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

Means spent the majority of the 2023 season rehabilitating from surgery. The Orioles activated him from the injured list on September 12, 2023, and he pitched the first five innings in a 5–2 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals later that same night.{{Cite web|title=Orioles Activate John Means|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/09/orioles-activate-john-means-tommy-john-surgery.html|access-date=September 12, 2023|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=September 12, 2023 |language=en}}[https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-goes-five-innings-in-return-from-tommy-john-surgery Rill, Jake. "Means' return encouraging as O's fall to Cards," MLB.com, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.] Retrieved September 12, 2023. Means earned his first win in two years two starts later in a 2–1 road victory over the Cleveland Guardians on September 23 in which he pitched {{frac|8|1|3}} innings including the first {{frac|7|2|3}} without allowing a hit.[https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/john-means-flirts-with-no-hitter-in-orioles-win-vs-guardians Rill, Jake. "Means flirts with no-no as O's reduce AL East magic number to 5," MLB.com, Saturday, September 23, 2023.] Retrieved September 23, 2023.

After missing a short time in 2024 due to injury, Means returned to make four starts and compile a 2.61 ERA with 16 strikeouts across {{fraction|20|2|3}} innings pitched. On May 31, 2024, it was announced that Means would be undergoing season-ending surgery to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament.{{Cite web|title=John Means, Tyler Wells To Undergo UCL Surgery|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/john-means-tyler-wells-to-undergo-ucl-surgery.html|access-date=May 31, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 31, 2024 |language=en}} On June 3, Means underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time, effectively ending his season.{{cite web | url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/norby-in-orioles-lineup-for-series-opener-in-toronto | title=Norby in Orioles' lineup for series opener in Toronto (With note on Means' surgery) | date=June 3, 2024 }}

On February 19, 2025, Means signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians that included a 2026 club option.{{cite news |title=John Means, recovering from Tommy John surgery, joins Guardians |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43922335/john-means-recovering-tommy-john-surgery-joins-guardians |access-date=February 20, 2025 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=February 19, 2025}}

Means' father Alan worked with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for more than 30 years. Alan was the Local 41 (Kansas City, Missouri) Secretary/Treasurer just before his death from pancreatic cancer at age 57 on August 5, 2020.[https://www.teamsters41.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&homeID=832404 "Death Notice – Alan Means," International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 41 (Kansas City, Missouri), Friday, August 07, 2020.] Retrieved March 30, 2022. His younger brother Jake played college baseball at Indiana State University before being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round (475th overall) of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft.[https://gosycamores.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-means/5232 Jake Means (profile) – Indiana State University Athletics.] Retrieved March 30, 2022.

Means is married to former professional soccer player Caroline Stanley.{{cite web|url=https://www.theknot.com/us/caroline-and-john-means-nov-2019|title=Caroline and John Means's Wedding Website|website=The Knot|access-date=April 8, 2020}} They had their first child, a son, in 2020.{{Cite web | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-means-20210218-6thaouieanewnejfgv5wgaraiu-story.html | title=Orioles pitcher John Means found his best form to end 2020, so the only change is his mustache | date=February 18, 2021 }}

{{Portal|Baseball}}

• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{baseballstats|mlb=607644|espn=39948|br=m/meansjo01|fangraphs=16269|brm=means-000joh}}

• {{Twitter|JMeans25}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{succession box

| title = No-hitter pitcher

| before = Carlos Rodón

| years = May 5, 2021

| after = Wade Miley

}}

{{s-end}}

{{Cleveland Guardians roster navbox}}

{{Baltimore Orioles Opening Day starting pitchers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Means, John}}

Category:Living people

Category:1993 births

Category:Sportspeople from Olathe, Kansas

Category:Baseball players from Kansas

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:American League All-Stars

Category:Baltimore Orioles players

Category:Falmouth Commodores players

Category:Fort Scott Greyhounds baseball players

Category:West Virginia Mountaineers baseball players

Category:Aberdeen IronBirds players

Category:Delmarva Shorebirds players

Category:Frederick Keys players

Category:Bowie Baysox players

Category:Norfolk Tides players