Mark Prior

{{short description|American baseball player and coach (born 1980)}}

{{About|the baseball pitcher|the United States Senator|Mark Pryor}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Mark Prior

| image = Mark Prior 2006 (Cropped).jpg

| width = 250

| caption = Prior with the Chicago Cubs in 2006

| team = Los Angeles Dodgers

| number = 99

| position = Pitcher / Coach

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|9|7}}

| birth_place = San Diego, California, U.S.

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 22

| debutyear = 2002

| debutteam = Chicago Cubs

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = August 10

| finalyear = 2006

| finalteam = Chicago Cubs

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 42–29

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 3.51

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 757

| teams =

;As player

Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2006}})

;As coach

Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2018}}–present)

| awards =

All-Star (2003)
2× World Series champion ({{wsy|2020}}, {{wsy|2024}})
Golden Spikes Award (2001)
Dick Howser Trophy (2001)

}}

Mark William Prior (born September 7, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current coach. A onetime top prospect of the Chicago Cubs, he pitched for the team from 2002 to 2006 in a career that was marred by injuries. In his prime, his repertoire of pitches included a mid-90s mph fastball, a curveball, and a changeup. He is currently the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Prior engaged Tom House as his pitching tutor in high school. A career at the University of Southern California, where he won the Golden Spikes Award, saw him become one of the top prospects in the 2001 MLB draft, when he was the second overall pick by the Cubs. He made only nine appearances in the minor leagues before debuting with the team in 2002. In 2003, he finished third in National League (NL) Cy Young Award voting, ranking among the leaders with 18 wins, a 2.43 earned run average (ERA), and 245 strikeouts. Helping the Cubs win the NL Central title, he outpitched Greg Maddux in the NL Division Series and won Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, but he was on the mound for Game 6 when Steve Bartman prevented Moisés Alou from catching a foul ball.

Prior had pitched a scoreless game up to this point, but the Florida Marlins went on to win the series in seven games after an eighth inning eight-run rally in that game, in which Prior received the loss. In 2004, he was on the disabled list twice but finished the season with a 16-strikeout performance against the Cincinnati Reds. He made 27 starts with the Cubs in 2005 and finished ninth in the NL in strikeouts despite missing some time due to injury. Multiple injuries limited him to nine games in 2006, and he did not pitch at all in 2007 due to tears in his labrum, anterior capsule, and rotator cuff. After the season, the Cubs non-tendered him, letting him become a free agent.

Prior never pitched in the major leagues again after that, though he tried several times. He pitched in the minor leagues for multiple organizations over the next six years before finally retiring at the end of the 2013 season. Once touted as having "perfect" pitching mechanics by ESPN and others,{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Will |last2=Silver |first2=Nate |date=September 26, 2003 |title=Prior a definite two-year stud |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1623962 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |work=ESPN.com}} his "Inverted W" arm action has been discussed as a possible reason for his lack of durability, as well as Dusty Baker's heavy usage of him during the 2003 season, though Prior himself does not blame Baker for his injuries. Prior accepted a front office position with the San Diego Padres in 2013, then joined the Dodgers in 2018 as a bullpen coach,{{Cite web |date=2018-01-04 |title=Dodgers turn to Mark Prior as bullpen coach |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21961659/los-angeles-dodgers-hire-mark-prior-bullpen-coach |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} becoming their pitching coach in 2020. He has been a part of two World Series-winning clubs since joining the Dodgers, in both 2020 and 2024.

Amateur career

Born September 7, 1980, in San Diego, California, Prior was part of an athletic family. Jerry, his father, played college football for Vanderbilt University, and both of Mark's older siblings played sports as well. "Being the youngest of three kids, there's no room for me to step out of line," he quipped. Growing up, Prior attended the University of San Diego High School. As a sophomore, he worked with former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Tom House, who had a business of tutoring young pitchers. Using computer analysis to try to determine the ideal pitching motion, House worked with Prior on his delivery and prescribed a detailed workout regimen which the pitcher would continue to utilize as his career advanced. He was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1998 amateur draft and offered an approximately $1.5 million signing bonus, but the parties were unable to agree on a contract after negotiating all summer, and Prior chose to attend college instead, pursuing a business degree while playing college baseball.

As a freshman, Prior went to Vanderbilt.{{cite web|last=Olney|first=Buster|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/03/sports/baseball-cubs-prior-is-polished-beyond-his-years.html|title=Baseball; Cubs' Prior Is Polished Beyond His Years|work=The New York Times|date=April 3, 2003|access-date=August 29, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Skolnick|first=Ethan J.|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-10-08-0310080174-story.html|title=Head of the Class|work=South Florida Sun Sentinel|date=October 8, 2003|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Tim Corbin later compared him to David Price and Kris Benson.{{cite web|last=Matthews|first=Will|url=https://vucommodores.com/price-sets-all-time-vu-mark-for-strikeouts-br-i-post-game-column-by-will-matthews-i/|title=Price Sets All-Time VU Mark for Strikeouts|work=Vanderbilt University|date=April 14, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2020}} He then transferred to the University of Southern California (USC), posting a 10–7 record his sophomore year and leading the USC Trojans to the 2000 College World Series.{{cite web|url=https://lsusports.net/news/2000/6/11/160204.aspx|title=Hawpe, Hodges Lead Tigers Into CWS Driver's Seat|work=Louisiana State University|date=June 11, 2000|access-date=August 29, 2020}} USC posted a 16–game winning streak before Prior helped USC reach the College World Series again in 2001, posting a 15–1 record and a 1.69 earned run average (ERA), striking out 202 in {{frac|138|2|3}} innings while walking just 18. He won several awards that year, including the Dick Howser Trophy, the Golden Spikes Award, and the Rotary Smith Award.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3gpPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6792,2981567&dq=dick-howser+mark-prior&hl=en|title=Prior claims Howser Trophy|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Wilmington Morning Star|page=4C|date=June 9, 2001|access-date=October 1, 2012}}{{cite news|title=Prior wins Golden Spikes Award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1exVAAAAIBAJ&pg=2979,3124971&dq=golden+spikes+award&hl=en|date=December 11, 2001|page=B7|access-date=August 5, 2012|newspaper=The Beaver County Times}}{{cite web|url=https://usctrojans.com/news/2001/6/28/Mark_Prior_Wins_2001_Rotary_Smith_Award.aspx?path=baseball|title=Mark Prior Wins 2001 Rotary Smith Award|work=University of Southern California|date=June 28, 2001|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

Professional career

=Chicago Cubs=

In 2001, Prior re-entered the draft and was considered "the consensus top player", according to ESPN.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/2001mlbdraft.html|title=Twins catch Mauer with top pick|work=ESPN|date=June 4, 2001|access-date=August 30, 2020}} He was taken second overall by the Chicago Cubs, behind Joe Mauer, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins.{{cite magazine|last=Habib|first=Daniel G.|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2003/07/07/double-whammy-the-surprising-cubs-are-banking-on-mark-prior-and-kerry-wood-to-end-their-championship-drought|title=Double Whammy|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 7, 2003|access-date=August 28, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2001&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round|title=1st Round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 28, 2020}} The Cubs signed Prior to a contract for $10.5 million, the highest signing bonus for a draft pick until the Washington Nationals gave Stephen Strasburg $15 million in 2009.{{cite web|last=Witz|first=Billy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/31/sports/baseball/31prior.html|title=High Expectations Met With Similar Misfortune|work=The New York Times|date=August 30, 2010|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

After nine starts in the minors, Prior was called up to the big leagues in 2002 as a 21-year-old. He made his Major League debut on May 22 at Wrigley Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates and became one of 14 Cub pitchers since 1920 to win his first major league start by striking out 10 batters over six innings pitched in a 7–4 victory. Teammate Sammy Sosa said, "I was impressed with what he did today. Going out there in front of 40,000 people and throwing the way he did, that was a good sign."{{cite web |date=May 22, 2002 |title=Prior strikes out 10 in big-league debut |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/recap/_/id/220522116 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} On June 7, he threw 128 pitches and struck out 11 while allowing no runs in a 2–0 win over the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220607112|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407223255/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220607112|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2022|title=Sosa hits league-leading 21st homer|work=ESPN|date=June 8, 2002|access-date=August 30, 2020}} He threw his first career complete game on August 4, striking out 13, allowing one run, and throwing 136 pitches in a 4–1 win over the Colorado Rockies. "I was kind of surprised that they did send me out there," he said, when he found out he was pitching the ninth.{{cite web |date=August 4, 2002 |title=Prior needs 136 pitches for first complete game |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/recap?gameId=220804116 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} On August 15, he struck out seven hitters in a row, tying the Cubs' record shared by Jamie Moyer and Kerry Wood. In total, he struck out 12 in six innings, earning a no decision in an eventual 6–4 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220815116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921183526/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=220815116|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 21, 2023|title=Sosa hits No. 41; Prior overpowers Astros|work=ESPN|date=August 15, 2002|access-date=August 30, 2020}} During a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 31, he was removed because of a strained left hamstring.{{cite web |date=August 31, 2002 |title=Prior leaves game with strained hamstring |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/recap/_/id/220831216 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Two days later, the Cubs announced they were shutting him down for the rest of the year because of the injury.{{cite web|last=Jauss|first=Bill|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-09-03-0209030126-story.html|title=Prior done for year|work=The Chicago Tribune|date=September 3, 2002|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Prior finished his rookie campaign with a 6–6 record with a 3.32 ERA, and 147 strikeouts in {{frac|116|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priorma01.shtml|title=Mark Prior Stats|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} The Sporting News called his rookie season "stellar", and he finished seventh in National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award voting.

In his second start of the 2003 season, Prior pitched his first career shutout, striking out 12 and allowing four hits in a 3–0 win over the Montreal Expos.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=2003|title=Mark Prior 2003 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003.shtml|title=Montreal Expos at Chicago Cubs Box Score, April 9, 2003|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} In six innings on May 12, he allowed four runs to the Milwaukee Brewers but struck out 11 and earned the victory in an 11–5 triumph.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200305120.shtml|title=Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers Box Score, May 12, 2003|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} He struck out 16 Brewers on June 26, allowing two runs in eight innings but getting a no decision in a 5–3 loss. In the second inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves on July 11, Prior had to exit after suffering a violent on-field collision with Atlanta second baseman Marcus Giles. The injury forced him to the disabled list (DL) with shoulder stiffness.{{cite news | title=Giles, Prior could miss All-Star Game after run-in | url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/allstar/2003-07-12-injuries_x.htm | newspaper = USA Today | agency = Associated Press (AP) | date = July 13, 2003 | access-date = October 11, 2016}}{{cite news | last = Sullivan | first = Paul | title = Prior on DL for shoulder: Cubs hope he'll miss only 1 start | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/07/21/prior-on-dl-for-shoulder/ | newspaper = The Chicago Tribune | date = July 21, 2003 | access-date = October 11, 2016}}{{cite news | title = Cubs' pitcher goes on DL: Prior now paying for collision | url = http://onlineathens.com/stories/072203/spo_20030722010.shtml#.V_1UU-CANBc | newspaper = Athens Banner-Herald | agency = AP | location = Athens, Georgia | date = July 22, 2016 | access-date = October 11, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161012075658/http://onlineathens.com/stories/072203/spo_20030722010.shtml#.V_1UU-CANBc | archive-date = October 12, 2016 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}{{efn|Prior and Giles had both been chosen to play in the All-Star Game, but were forced to miss the game as a result of their injuries.}} Selected as National League All-Stars in 2003,{{cite web | title = 2003 All Star Game: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 | url = https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2003-allstar-game.shtml | work = Baseball-Reference | access-date = October 11, 2016}} both Prior and fellow right-handed pitcher Kerry Wood were dubbed "Chicago Heat" by Sports Illustrated.{{cite news | title = Chicago Heat: Kerry Wood and Mark Prior Fire Up the Cubs | url = http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/july-7-2003-sports-illustrated-cover-baseball-portrait-of-news-photo/116447569#july-7-2003-sports-illustrated-cover-baseball-portrait-of-chicago-picture-id116447569 | magazine = Sports Illustrated | date = July 7, 2003 | access-date = October 11, 2016}} Sportswriter George Vecsey compared them to other famed rotation twosomes, like Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette, or Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. According to CBS Local, sportswriters and fans criticized Cubs manager Dusty Baker on the high pitch counts of the two aces.{{cite web|last=Lingebach|first=Chris|url=https://washington.cbslocal.com/2016/08/04/mark-prior-i-dont-blame-dusty-baker-for-what-happened-to-me/|title=Mark Prior: I don't blame Dusty Baker for what happened to me|work=CBS DC|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Prior averaged 113.4 pitches per starts in the regular season, that number rising to 126.1 in September and 122.7 in the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=2003|title=Mark Prior 2003 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=0&post=1|title=Mark Prior Postseason Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} However, the contributions of the two aces helped lead the Cubs to an 88-win season and an NL Central division title.{{cite news|title=Cubs Fans Have Been Close Before|newspaper=New York Times|date=October 12, 2003|page=SP5|last=Vecsey|first=George|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/12/sports/sports-of-the-times-cubs-fans-have-been-close-before.html?pagewanted=print&src=pm|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Tyler|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/list/cubs-mlb-playoffs-postseason-moments/yi9syof8o14b1xlc5j4eo0k90|title=The Cubs' most memorable postseason moments|work=The Sporting News|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003.shtml|title=2003 NL Team Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

Against his hometown San Diego Padres on August 5, Prior returned from the DL, allowing two hits and no runs in six inning and earning the victory in a 3–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230805125|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925213134/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230805125|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2022|title=Throws six shutout innings in return from DL|work=ESPN|date=August 6, 2003|access-date=August 30, 2020}} After his return, he compiled a 10–1 record, striking out 13, 14, and 10 in his final three starts of the season. On September 27, he gave up two runs and struck out 10 in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates for the win in Game 1 of a doubleheader. That win brought the Cubs' magic number to one for the division title, and they won the second game to win the division for the first time since 1989.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200309271.shtml|title=Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs Box Score, September 27, 2003|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230927316|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516233848/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230927316|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2019|title=Chicago Cubs 7, Pittsburgh Pirates 2 (2nd Game)|work=ESPN|date=September 27, 2003|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Tied for the second most wins as a NL pitcher with Woody Williams in 2003, Prior finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting after compiling an 18–6 win–loss record. His 2.43 ERA was third in the NL (behind Jason Schmidt's 2.34 and Kevin Brown's 2.39), his 245 strikeouts were topped only by Wood's 266, and his .750 winning percentage was tied with three others for second in the NL behind Schmidt's .773.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003-pitching-leaders.shtml|title=2003 NL Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

In the NL Division Series, the Cubs faced Atlanta, and Prior started Game 3 against former Cub Greg Maddux. Prior allowed two hits and one run, throwing a complete game and striking out seven as the Cubs won 3–1. With a five-game series win over the Braves, the Cubs faced the Florida Marlins in the NL Championship Series.{{cite news|title=Wood, Cubs finish off Braves; Chicago to face Florida in NLCS after 5-1 victory|last=Johnson|first=Chuck|newspaper=USA Today|date=October 6, 2003|page=1C}} Prior pitched into the eighth inning in Game 2, allowing three runs (two earned) and striking out five in a 12–3 victory, before taking the mound again in Game 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200310080.shtml|title=2003 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 2, Marlins at Cubs, October 8|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} For seven innings, he threw scoreless ball, allowing just three hits as the Cubs took a 3–0 lead. When Mike Mordecai flew out against him to start the eighth, the Cubs were five outs away from playing in their first World Series since 1945. Then, Juan Pierre hit a double, bringing up Luis Castillo, who hit a foul ball down the left field line that outfielder Moisés Alou gave chase to. The ball came down at the edge of the stands, and Steve Bartman, a fan, reached for it, preventing Alou from making the catch. Castillo went on to walk, and Prior and the Cubs never recovered from the incident. Prior struggled with his command and gave up the lead with the aid of poor defensive play, most notably a booted ground ball by shortstop Alex Gonzalez that might have resulted in a double play. After Derrek Lee hit an RBI double off him that tied the game and put runners at second and third, Prior was removed from the game and replaced with Kyle Farnsworth. The Marlins went on to score eight runs that inning, and Prior was charged with the loss in the 8–3 defeat. The Cubs went on to lose Game 7, and their 94-year-long World Series drought continued.{{cite news|title=Game 6 collapse will define this team|last=Morrissey|first=Rick|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|date=October 16, 2003|page=4}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200310140.shtml|title=2003 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 6, Marlins at Cubs, October 14|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

Prior was forced to miss the first two months of the 2004 season due to an achilles tendon injury and elbow soreness.{{cite web |date=June 4, 2004 |title=Prior retires first 13 batters |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/recap?gameId=240604116 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} In his return on June 4, he struck out eight Pirates, allowing two hits and no runs in six innings, though the Cubs lost 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200406040.shtml|title=Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs Box Score, June 4, 2004|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 29, 2020}} His ERA went up to 5.05 after he gave up seven runs over three innings in an 8–6 loss to San Diego on August 10, and Ramon Hernandez of the Padres noticed a difference. "When I faced Prior the first time in my life he was throwing 96, 97. Today he was throwing 91-94 and he was a little wild and out of the zone. He was hurt for a long time. It might take a little bit of time for him to be the Prior that everybody has seen."{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=2004|title=Mark Prior 2004 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240810116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202005232/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240810116|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 2, 2021|title=Padres trim wild-card lead to one game|work=ESPN|date=August 10, 2004|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Prior posted a 3.06 ERA after that, and in his last three games of the season, he allowed just two runs in {{frac|24|1|3}} innings. He tied a career-high by striking out 16 Cincinnati Reds over nine innings in his "best game of the season" according to ESPN, though the Cubs went on to lose 2–1 in the 12th inning.{{cite web |date=September 30, 2004 |title=Chicago's dumped five of last six |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/recap?gameId=240930116 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Prior finished 2004 with a 6–4 record and a 4.02 ERA in 21 starts, striking out 139 in {{frac|118|2|3}} innings.

Elbow inflammation caused Prior to start the 2005 season on the disabled list, though he was activated on April 12.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250412116|title=San Diego at Chicago Cubs, Postponed (Rain)|work=ESPN|date=April 12, 2005|access-date=August 29, 2020}} He won his first three starts and posted a 2.93 ERA through May 27.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=2005|title=Mark Prior 2005 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 29, 2020}} However, against the Rockies that day, Prior was hit on his right (pitching) elbow by a 117-mph comeback line drive off the bat of Brad Hawpe, giving him a compression fracture. This sent him to another stint on the DL. Coincidentally, Hawpe had hit a three-run home run off Prior in the 2000 College World Series while playing for the Louisiana State University Tigers.

Returning from the DL on June 26, Prior limited the Chicago White Sox to one hit in six innings, earning the win in a 2–0 triumph.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200506260.shtml|title=Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox Box Score, June 26, 2005|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 29, 2020}} He remained in the team's rotation the rest of the year, not having to miss time with any other injuries. Against the Pirates on July 14, he allowed two hits and one unearned run in eight innings, earning the win in a 5–1 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200507140.shtml|title=Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs Box Score, July 14, 2005|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Prior finished the 2005 season with an 11–7 record in 27 starts, striking out 188 in {{frac|166|2|3}} innings. His 188 strikeouts were the ninth-most in the NL, despite his time missed due to injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2005-pitching-leaders.shtml|title=2005 NL Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

File:Mark Prior.jpg

During the 2005 off-season, after Nomar Garciaparra left the Cubs via free agency, Prior was mentioned by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports as part of a possible deal for Baltimore Orioles's shortstop Miguel Tejada, but this trade did not come to pass.{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Ken|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5189112|title=Cubs after Tejada, could move Prior|work=Fox Sports|date=December 22, 2005|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204001330/http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5189112|archive-date=February 4, 2006}} As in 2005, Prior started the 2006 season on the disabled list. This time, though, it was because of a strained right shoulder, and the injury caused him to miss the first two months of the 2006 season. His debut came on June 18, when he had what ESPN called "one of the worst outings of his career" against the Detroit Tigers, giving up six runs in the first inning and lasting just {{frac|3|2|3}} innings before being pulled.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260618116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119015241/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260618116|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2021|title=Tigers tie club record with eight HRs as Rogers wins No. 200|work=ESPN|date=June 18, 2006|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Prior was 0–4 in four starts with a 7.71 ERA, until he was once again put on the disabled list on July 14, after straining his left oblique muscle while taking batting practice on July 8.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=priorma01&t=p&year=2006|title=Mark Prior 2006 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web |date=July 14, 2006 |title=Trachsel wins seventh straight start as Mets dump Cubs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260714116 |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Since he had not pitched since July 4, he was eligible to return on July 21 against the Nationals. He pitched only {{frac|3|1|3}} innings before he was pulled out of the game, allowing four runs and taking a no decision in an eventual 7–6 loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260721120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224060234/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260721120|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2023|title=Nats' owners finish sale; players close out Cubs' Prior|work=ESPN|date=July 21, 2006|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Against the Brewers on August 10, Prior's pitch speed slowed in the third inning of his start. He was replaced by Juan Mateo in the fourth inning, having allowed six runs (five earned) in an eventual 8–6 defeat.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200608100.shtml|title=Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers Box Score, August 10, 2006|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2547933|title=Prior on DL again, return this year 'questionable'|work=ESPN|date=August 12, 2006|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Two days later, he was placed on the disabled list (tendinitis) for the third time that season, missing the remainder of the year. He finished the 2006 season with a 1–6 record and a 7.22 ERA in nine starts, striking out 38 against 28 walks in {{frac|43|2|3}} innings.

Eligible for arbitration, Prior asked for a pay raise from his 2006 salary of $3.65 million to $3.875 million for 2007. The Cubs avoided arbitration with Prior when he settled for a one-year $3.575 million contract for 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2749694|title=Cubs, Prior agree to one-year deal|work=ESPN|date=January 31, 2007|access-date=September 3, 2010}} Prior found himself competing with Wade Miller to be the Cubs' fifth starter in 2007, and he was optioned to the minor leagues before the season began.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2849094|title=Prior out for season after shoulder surgery|work=ESPN|date=April 25, 2007|access-date=August 30, 2020}} After one start in the minors, in which he gave up three runs and got the win, Prior received exploratory surgery on his right shoulder by James Andrews, a noted orthopedic surgeon;{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_3/ai_81826833 |title=Blading for real: Dr. James Andrews "the surgeon to the superstars" talks about how he puts all your favorite wrestlers back together again |first=Steve |last=Anderson |year=2002 |work=Wrestling Digest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922230914/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_3/ai_81826833 |archive-date=September 22, 2007 |access-date=August 30, 2020}} the procedure showed evidence of vast structural damage. There were tears in Prior's labrum, anterior capsule, and rotator cuff. As a result, Prior missed the rest of the 2007 season. Cubs general manager (GM) Jim Hendry said that anything provided by Prior or Wood would be "gravy" and he hoped that this would come to fruition. The Associated Press reported that the injury was not expected to be career-ending. Prior was non-tendered on December 12, 2007, ending his tenure with the Cubs.{{cite web|last=Muskat|first=Carrie|url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2324381&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc|title=Cubs decide to non-tender Prior|work=MLB.com|date=December 13, 2007|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629030223/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2324381&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc|archive-date=June 29, 2008}}

=Other organizations, comeback attempts=

==San Diego Padres (2008-09)==

On December 26, 2007, Prior agreed to a $1 million, one-year, incentive-laden contract with the San Diego Padres.{{cite web|last=Olney|first=Buster|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3168825|title=Padres add Prior to pitching mix|work=ESPN|date=December 26, 2007|access-date=July 21, 2010}} Prior had hoped to pitch again by May or June of the 2008 season, but another tear of his right anterior capsule during his rehab in May 2008 required surgery on June 4 that forced him to miss his second consecutive season.{{cite web|last=Booth|first=Tim|url=https://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2008May16/0,4675,BBNPadresPrior,00.html|title=Padres' Mark Prior has another shoulder injury|work=Fox News|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=August 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/prior-signs-minor-league-deal-with-padres/1878762/|title=Prior Signs Minor League Deal With Padres|work=NBC San Diego|date=January 14, 2009|access-date=August 30, 2020}} On January 13, 2009, Prior agreed to another one-year contract with the Padres, this one a minor league deal, which included a $1 million option if Prior pitched in the major leagues in 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3831086&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines|title=San Diego Padres agree to deals with RHP Mark Prior, INF|first=Buster|last=Olney|work=ESPN|date=January 13, 2009|access-date=July 21, 2010}} He was released from his contract on August 1, 2009, after the team was disappointed by a lack of progress in his rehab.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Aug04/0,4670,BBNPadresPrior,00.html|title=Padres release Mark Prior after slow rehab|work=Fox News|date=August 4, 2009|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

==Orange County Flyers (independent), Texas Rangers (2010)==

By November 2009, throwing a ball 30 feet resulted in pain for Prior. That month, he hired Jackson Crowther, a former minor league pitcher who had also attended USC, to help him with his rehab. They focused on trying to grow muscle groups in the shoulder region, in hopes of helping stabilize the joint. On June 30, 2010, Prior returned to USC to perform a workout for major league scouts,{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-latest-news-from-June-052910|title=June's latest MLB news and notes - MLB News - FOX Sports on MSN|publisher=Msn.foxsports.com|date=June 30, 2010|access-date=September 3, 2010|archive-date=September 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924160941/http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-latest-news-from-June-052910}} but the workout was judged as "just all right" by an unnamed veteran scout.{{cite web|url=http://digitalsportsdaily.com/mlb/2079-mark-prior-workout-just-alright-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704043556/http://www.digitalsportsdaily.com/mlb/2079-mark-prior-workout-just-alright-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 4, 2010 |title=Mark Prior workout "just alright" |publisher=Digitalsportsdaily.com |date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=July 21, 2010 }}

Unable to sign with a major league team, Prior agreed to an independent league contract with the Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League on August 3, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/3/former-ace-mark-prior-signs-with-minor-league-team/|title=Former ace Mark Prior signs with minor league team|work=The Washington Times|date=August 3, 2010|access-date=August 30, 2020}} Used out of the bullpen for the team, he posted an 0.82 ERA in nine games, striking out 22 hitters in 11 innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=prior-001mar|title=Mark Prior Minor & Independent League Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 30, 2020}} On September 3, he signed with the Texas Rangers on a minor league contract.{{cite web|last=Durrett|first=Richard|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5529159 |title=Rangers agree with Mark Prior |work=ESPN |date=September 3, 2010 |access-date=2013-03-05}} He pitched one scoreless inning for their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City RedHawks.{{cite web|last=Borzi|first=Pat|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/sports/baseball/01yankees.html|title=His Health Back, Yankees' Prior Can Focus on Pitching|work=The New York Times|date=February 28, 2011|access-date=August 30, 2020}}

==New York Yankees (2011)==

File:Mark Prior with the Tampa Yankees in 2011 (Cropped).jpg in 2011.]]

Prior signed a one-year minor league contract with the New York Yankees for the 2011 season, though he was an unlikely candidate to make the Yankees' roster because their only projected vacancy was for a long reliever.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101214&content_id=16320654&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Prior signs one-year deal with Yankees | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=2013-03-05}} Prior was assigned to start the year with the Single-A advanced Tampa Yankees in Florida rather than joining the colder weather Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in order to work on his transition to a relief pitcher.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/recap?gameId=310328110|title=Rays-Yankees game canceled by rain|work=ESPN|date=March 28, 2011|access-date=August 31, 2020}} After just four games, he was promoted to Scranton on April 20 but promptly placed on the disabled list with a groin injury.{{cite web|last=Gleeman|first=Aaron|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/20/yankees-promote-mark-prior-to-triple-a-and-put-him-on-dl/ |title=Yankees promote Mark Prior to Triple-A … and put him on DL |work=NBC Sports |date=April 20, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2013}} Ultimately, Prior would make 11 appearances in the minor leagues for the Yankees, only one of which was at Triple-A. He was granted free agency on November 2, 2011.{{cite web|last=Collins|first=Donnie|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58640006/mark-prior/|page=B4|title=Free agency means roster to look different in 2012|work=The Times-Tribune|date=November 18, 2011|access-date=September 5, 2020}}

==Boston Red Sox (2012)==

Unsigned to begin the 2012 season, Prior secured a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on May 2 and pitched in their extended spring training program.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/7883877/boston-red-sox-sign-mark-prior-minor-league-deal |title=Boston Red Sox sign Mark Prior to minor league deal |last=Krasner |first=Steven |date=May 3, 2012 |work=ESPN |access-date=March 5, 2013}} Later joining the Pawtucket Red Sox, he provided the Triple-A team with "stellar" pitching, according to Teddy Mitrosilis of ESPN, though he was walking too many hitters.{{cite web|last=Mitrosilis|first=Terry|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8174177/mark-prior-transformed-pitcher-pawtucket-red-sox|title=Mark Prior's pitching transformation|work=ESPN|date=July 21, 2012|access-date=August 31, 2020}} In 19 games for Pawtucket (all in relief), Prior had a 1–0 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 38 strikeouts in 25 innings, though he walked 23. He was released by the Red Sox on August 17 in order to make room for a newly acquired prospect on the roster.

==Cincinnati Reds (2013)==

In February 2013, Prior called Baker, now manager of the Reds, to see if Cincinnati was interested in signing him. The Reds gave him a physical, and when he passed, they signed him to a minor league contract on March 1, 2013.{{Cite web |last=Schatz|first=Gary|url=https://apnews.com/4bb39d0c4fe2414a93470ff362a3afef |title=Reds sign RHP Mark Prior to minor league contract |website=AP NEWS |date=March 2013 |access-date=2020-01-07}} He made seven appearances for the Triple-A Louisville Bats but was placed on the disabled list in April with a shoulder injury. On June 28, the Reds released Prior. He announced his retirement from baseball in December.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10114185/mark-prior-retiring-injury-filled-career |title=Ex-Cubs phenom Mark Prior retires |date=December 10, 2013 |work=ESPN |access-date=December 11, 2013}}

Pitching style

File:Mark-prior delivery chicago 07-30-2004.jpg

In his prime, Prior's repertoire of pitches included a mid-90s mph fastball, a curveball, and a changeup. The fastball reached speeds of up to 97 miles per hour, at its fastest, while the curve featured a sharp, downward break, travelling about 10 miles per hour slower. Teammate Kerry Wood praised his fearlessness and control: ""He's not worried about throwing an inside fastball to a Jeff Bagwell with men on second and third...If that's the pitch he needs to make, he'll make it." Damian Miller, his catcher with the Cubs in 2003, compared him to Curt Schilling, noting that both pitchers threw a lot of high fastballs. Daniel Habib of Sports Illustrated called him "fundamentally sound", also praising his "sophisticated approach" to hitters.

Early in Prior's career, his pitching mechanics were touted as "perfect", according to The Sporting News.{{cite web|last=Fagan|first=Ryan|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/what-if-with-mark-prior-and-kerry-wood-cubs-fans-still-wonder-what-might-have-been/rgpjq6btzvl41nl250so2004y|title=What if? With Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, Cubs fans still wonder what might have been|work=The Sporting News|date=May 25, 2019|access-date=August 29, 2020}} House tried to help him develop a mechanically efficient and sound delivery. Sports reporter Buster Olney called his mechanics "smooth, fluid, consistent," opining that his delivery made him less of an injury-risk than teammate Wood. House said that same year, "He's up there with Nolan Ryan...he has better mechanics than Roger Clemens, if only by percentage points. He has Greg Maddux mechanics with a Kerry Wood/Nolan Ryan type of arm. He's going to, with maturity, get bigger and stronger, too. It's a gene-pool thing." House also labelled Prior a "can't-miss" prospect.

However, after Prior's rash of injuries, people reexamined his delivery. His throwing motion drew criticism from "armchair biomechanists", according to Yahoo.com.{{cite web|last=Passan|first=Jeff|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/pristine-mechanics-caused-prior-pain-164500267--mlb.html|title=Pristine mechanics caused Prior pain|work=Yahoo Sports|date=March 12, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Chris O'Leary speculated that some of the trouble was due to Prior's "Inverted W" arm action, in which he lifted his elbows above and behind the level of his shoulders, with the forearm pointing down.{{cite web|url=http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/RethinkingPitching/Essays/DeathToTheInvertedW.html|title=Inverted W|publisher=Chrisoleary.com|date=July 26, 2007|access-date=2010-09-03}} According to O'Leary, this created a timing problem that placed an undue stress on the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder and elbow because the arm got up to the "cocked position" too late.{{cite web|url=http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/rethinkingpitching/Essays/MarkPriorPitchingMechanics_ADifferentPerspective.html |title=Mark Prior's Pitching Mechanics: A Different Perspective |publisher=Chrisoleary.com |access-date=July 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725064224/http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/RethinkingPitching/Essays/MarkPriorPitchingMechanics_ADifferentPerspective.html |archive-date=July 25, 2010 }} Similarly, Dick Mills, a former major league pitcher and co-author of The Science and Art of Baseball Pitching and Pitching.com, speculated that Prior's injuries were a result of scapular loading, a movement in which a pitcher's shoulder blades are pinched together and elbows are taken behind, and sometimes above, their shoulders.{{cite web|last=Mills|first=Dick|url=http://www.pitching.com/articles/view/mark-priors-shoulder-surgery-did-the-towel-drill-and-scap-loading-ruin-his/|title=Mark Prior's Shoulder Surgery: Did The Towel Drill And "Scap Loading" Ruin His Career?|work=Pitching.com|date=April 24, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317233231/http://www.pitching.com/articles/view/mark-priors-shoulder-surgery-did-the-towel-drill-and-scap-loading-ruin-his/|archive-date=March 17, 2009}}

On the other hand, Ryan Fagan of The Sporting News speculated that Prior's injuries may have been the result of manager Dusty Baker overusing him in his early career, also pointing to his shoulder injury after running into Giles as a potential source of the trouble. Critics made Baker their "scapegoat", according to Jason Buckland of the New York Times, blaming him for overusing his young pitcher.{{cite web|last=Buckland|first=Jason|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/sports/baseball/prior-is-fighting-his-body-to-get-back-to-the-majors.html|title=Prior Is Fighting His Body to Get Back to the Majors|work=The New York Times|date=July 20, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Prior himself speculated that the Giles injury and Hawpe's line drive were big factors. He said "I don't blame Dusty for what happened to me," observing that Baker had to balance how often to use the pitchers with making decisions that would help the Cubs win.{{cite magazine|last=Prior|first=Mark|url=https://www.si.com/the-cauldron/2016/08/04/mark-prior-chicago-cubs-no-regrets|title=Mark Prior: I have no regrets, no one to blame|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2020}}

Coaching career

After his playing career ended, Prior accepted a front office position with the Padres in 2013 as an assistant in the team's baseball operations department, in a capacity designed to acquaint him with how a baseball front office worked.{{cite web|last=Brock|first=Corey|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mark-prior-reflects-on-career-transitions-to-san-diego-padres-front-office/c-69073042|title=Prior reflects on career, transitions to front office|work=MLB.com|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=August 31, 2020}} In 2015, he became San Diego's minor league pitching coordinator, serving in that capacity for three seasons.

Prior was hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as their bullpen coach for the 2018 season. In 2018, MLB columnist Tim Brown speculated that the Dodgers might groom Prior to take over as their pitching coach when Rick Honeycutt eventually retired.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-dodgers-hire-mark-prior-bullpen-coach-020013755.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=tw|title=Sources: Dodgers hire Mark Prior as bullpen coach|work=Yahoo Sports|first=Tim|last=Brown|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=January 2, 2018}} After Honeycutt was reassigned in 2020, the Dodgers ended up making Prior their pitching coach.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-reassign-pitching-coach-rick-183641385.html|title=Dodgers to reassign pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, Mark Prior to take over|work=Yahoo Sports|first=Craig|last=Calcatera|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 14, 2019}} Prior received World Series rings as a member of the Dodgers organization in both 2020 and 2024.

Personal life

Prior married Heather Gora on November 15, 2003.{{cite web|last=Downey|first=Mike|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-11-15-0311150193-story.html|title=3rd place is money in the bank for Prior|work=The Chicago Tribune|date=November 15, 2003|access-date=August 30, 2020}} The couple have three children: Amanda, Caitlin, and Matthew.{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/la/roster/coach/407578/mark-prior|title=Mark Prior Coach Bio|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215190500/http://m.mlb.com/la/roster/coach/407578/mark-prior|archive-date=February 15, 2020}} After becoming a professional baseball player, Prior continued his education on a part-time basis and received a business degree from the USC Marshall School of Business in 2004.{{cite web|last=Muskat |first=Carrie |title=Notes: Prior gets business degree |url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040514&content_id=743589&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |work=MLB.com |access-date=11 December 2013 |date=14 May 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213141911/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040514&content_id=743589&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }}