Philip Humber

Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, Humber was raised in Carthage, Texas. Living in an area with an abundance of baseball fields, Humber grew up with a batting cage in his backyard. At the age of 11, Humber visited the Chicago White Sox during spring training in Florida as the guest of Robert Ellis, a family friend of the Humbers, who then was a minor league baseball pitcher for the White Sox.{{cite news |last=Haugh |first=David |date=June 11, 2011 |title=Phil Humber humble in wake of recent success |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/06/11/humber-humble-about-recent-success/ |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226194209/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-06-11/sports/ct-spt-0612-haugh-phil-humber-white-s20110611_1_sox-farmhand-ozzie-guillen-sox-uniform |url-status=live }}

Carthage was a Texas anomaly, its baseball athletes being the most admired role models rather than its football players.{{cite news|title=Baseball: A winner at every level, Humber eyes big-league future |date=April 25, 2004|work=Longview News-Journal|last=Stallard|first=Jack}} As of 2004, the Panola County Dixie League teams had won 15 state championships in the preceding 20 years and Humber played for three state champions.

Humber attended Carthage High School.{{cite news |last=Swierc |first=Coleman |date=February 12, 2012 |title=East Texas Aces |work=KLTV |url=http://www.kltv.com/story/16919003/east-texas-aces |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503074013/http://www.kltv.com/story/16919003/east-texas-aces |url-status=live }} The Carthage Bulldogs had won the state title in 1990 and been one of the final four teams in the state tournament in 1994. Humber was promoted from junior varsity midway through his sophomore season. He compiled a 4–0 win–loss record with a low 1.09 earned run average (ERA). He went 7–2 as a junior, and posted a 13–1 record with a 0.90 ERA and 146 strikeouts as a senior. A capable batter, he also had a .371 batting average with six home runs. Humber threw a shutout in the Texas University Interscholastic League Class 4A semifinals against Cedar Park High School in 2001, his senior season.{{cite news |date=June 8, 2001 |title=H.S. baseball state tournament |newspaper=The Victoria Advocate |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=COtHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N4AMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5324,2011693 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |via=Google News |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045927/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=COtHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N4AMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5324,2011693 |url-status=live }} Although Carthage lost the state championship to Western Hills High School in baseball that year,{{cite news |title=Baseball Playoff Results – Text Format (1983–2000) |work=University Interscholastic League |url=http://www2.uiltexas.org/athletics/archives/baseball/playoff_text/index.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423174010/http://www2.uiltexas.org/athletics/archives/baseball/playoff_text/index.html |archive-date=April 23, 2012}} Humber was named Texas High School Class 4A Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association.{{cite news |date=April 22, 2012 |title=Humber's game works perfectly: Unheralded pitcher overwhelms Mariners for rare gem |newspaper=Temple Daily Telegram |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.tdtnews.com/index/sports/show/86908?title=Humber%27s+game+works+perfectly:+Unheralded+pitcher+overwhelms+Mariners+for+rare+gem |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913032048/http://www.tdtnews.com/index/sports/show/86908?title=Humber's+game+works+perfectly:+Unheralded+pitcher+overwhelms+Mariners+for+rare+gem |archive-date=September 13, 2012}}{{cite news |author=Hale |first=Joe |date=June 14, 2003 |title=ETBaseball: Former Carthage standout, Owls open CWS play today |work=Longview News-Journal}} According to former Major League Baseball prospect and East Texas native Alan Move: "Back in high school, he (Humber) threw harder than everyone else and changed speeds pretty well and that's all you need in high school."

Humber was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 29th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. As the 875th pick overall,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rounds-26-30-2022610.php|title=Rounds 26–30|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 6, 2001|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044117/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rounds-26-30-2022610.php|url-status=live}} he described himself as "more of a draft-and-follow" prospect. The Yankees made Humber an offer in an attempt to lure him away from his college scholarship, but he did not sign, choosing instead to attend Rice University in order to play college baseball for the Rice Owls baseball team, competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) of NCAA Division I.{{cite news |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=April 25, 2011 |title=Phil Humber, a former draft pick of both Yankees and Mets, arrives in New York with gem vs. Bombers |newspaper={{!}}New York Daily News |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/phil-humber-draft-pick-yankees-mets-arrives-new-york-gem-bombers-article-1.116272 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072306/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/phil-humber-draft-pick-yankees-mets-arrives-new-york-gem-bombers-article-1.116272 |url-status=live }}

At Rice, Humber was coached by Wayne Graham.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/WAC-Notebook-Second-seed-is-Lady-Owls-closing-2067255.php|title=WAC Notebook: Second seed is Lady Owls' closing goal|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=February 19, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044132/http://www.chron.com/default/article/WAC-Notebook-Second-seed-is-Lady-Owls-closing-2067255.php|url-status=live}} Humber's first home appearance at Reckling Park was in the annual Rice Alumni game in February 2002. After retiring his first two batters in relief, Humber faced a pair of Major League Baseball players. José Cruz Jr. bounced the baseball off of the wall in center field and then Lance Berkman hit the ball over the scoreboard.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Freshman-pitcher-Humber-blossoming-for-Rice-2062449.php|title=Freshman pitcher Humber blossoming for Rice|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=April 25, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=April 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429065100/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Freshman-pitcher-Humber-blossoming-for-Rice-2062449.php|url-status=live}} After his inauspicious debut, he became a dominant pitcher during his three college seasons for the Rice Owls, stepping into the nationally ranked Owls' starting rotation as a freshman. Humber finished his freshman season in 2002 with an 11–1 win–loss record, a 2.78 ERA, and a WAC-leading 130 strikeouts in {{frac|110|2|3}} innings, earning National Freshman Player of the Year honors from Collegiate Baseball and All-America honors from several publications—Collegiate Baseball (Second Team), Baseball America (Second Team) and Baseball Weekly (Third Team).{{cite press release |title=Mets sign first round draft pick Philip Humber |url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20050111&content_id=929804&vkey=pr_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |publisher=New York Mets |date=January 11, 2005 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502214145/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20050111&content_id=929804&vkey=pr_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |df=mdy-all}} Humber's strikeout total was the most for an Owl freshman since 1976. That season, Rice reached the 2002 College World Series, but lost its first two games and was eliminated. Nonetheless, Humber earned an invitation to USA Baseball's national team trials.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Disappointed-Rice-ponders-its-future-2071294.php|title=Disappointed Rice ponders its future|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 19, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044126/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Disappointed-Rice-ponders-its-future-2071294.php|url-status=live}} He was the scheduled starter in the second of the two games, which was against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on June 17,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/With-top-notch-pitching-Owls-try-to-defy-odds-2092630.php|title=With top-notch pitching, Owls try to defy odds: Rice well-armed for a recovery|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 17, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044116/http://www.chron.com/default/article/With-top-notch-pitching-Owls-try-to-defy-odds-2092630.php|url-status=live}} but the team could not hold a 3–2 lead in the bottom of the ninth. He then competed for the United States national baseball team at the 2002 World University Baseball Championship, which was held in Messina, Sicily. On August 7, he earned a victory for the United States in a game against the South Korean team.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Sports-notebook-2117880.php|title=Sports notebook: Baseball: Rice's Humber gets win for U.S. team|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=August 8, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044124/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Sports-notebook-2117880.php|url-status=live}} The United States won the silver medal in the tournament.{{cite news |last=Griffin |first=Tim |date=February 10, 2003 |title=Owls eye return trip to Omaha: Rice reloads after last season's early College World Series exit |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SAEC&p_theme=saec&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F920F552E0043F6&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |access-date=April 23, 2012 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621021202/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SAEC&p_theme=saec&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F920F552E0043F6&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}{{Subscription required|date=April 2012}}

Entering his sophomore season, he was expected to be a key part of the starting pitching rotation.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-WAC-notebook-Win-schedule-inspire-hopes-of-2119552.php#page-2|title=Rice/WAC notebook: Win, schedule inspire hopes of contending|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=October 8, 2002|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520212303/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-WAC-notebook-Win-schedule-inspire-hopes-of-2119552.php#page-2|url-status=live}} The 2003 season saw the development of Rice's "Big Three" rotation, featuring Humber and sophomore classmates Wade Townsend and Jeff Niemann.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-s-pitching-short-on-age-long-on-talent-2118615.php|title=Rice's pitching short on age, long on talent: Rice's pitching triumvirate short on age, long on talent|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=May 29, 2003|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520212319/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-s-pitching-short-on-age-long-on-talent-2118615.php|url-status=live}} Humber developed a curveball that season, to augment his arsenal that included a fastball, changeup and split-finger fastball. During the season, Humber achieved his 17th consecutive win in WAC play. He was recognized as a Third Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball and was a First Team All-Western Athletic Conference honoree. The trio entered the 2003 College World Series with gaudy numbers — Niemann (16–0, 1.63 ERA) and Townsend (10–1, 1.90 ERA) complementing Humber — and with Humber scheduled for the third game, if necessary.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-Owls-headed-to-College-World-Series-2116799.php|title=Rice Owls headed to College World Series|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 9, 2003|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522000211/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-Owls-headed-to-College-World-Series-2116799.php|url-status=live}} Humber finished with an 11–3 win–loss record with a 3.30 ERA, as Rice won its first national championship in any team sport.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Returning-pitchers-give-Rice-a-chance-at-repeat-2109258.php|title=Returning pitchers give Rice a chance at repeat|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 25, 2003|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520212316/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Returning-pitchers-give-Rice-a-chance-at-repeat-2109258.php|url-status=live}} He pitched a complete game in the decisive third game of the series, a 14–2 win over the Stanford Cardinal.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/24/sports/college-baseball-rice-rips-stanford-to-take-the-title.html|title=College Baseball; Rice Rips Stanford to Take the Title|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 24, 2003|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Borzi|first=Pat|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517114404/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/24/sports/college-baseball-rice-rips-stanford-to-take-the-title.html|url-status=live}} The game established a College World Series record for largest title game margin of victory.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/From-start-to-finish-Rice-s-season-memorable-2111151.php#page-2|title=From start to finish, Rice's season memorable|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 29, 2003|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522000207/http://www.chron.com/default/article/From-start-to-finish-Rice-s-season-memorable-2111151.php#page-2|url-status=live}} During the season, Rice established a school record 30-game winning streak.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Notebook-Quality-arms-net-UH-share-of-C-USA-lead-2116313.php|title=Notebook: Quality arms net UH share of C-USA lead|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=April 11, 2003|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=McTaggart|first=Brian|archive-date=May 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522000203/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Notebook-Quality-arms-net-UH-share-of-C-USA-lead-2116313.php|url-status=live}} Upon his becoming the College World Series hero, June 26, 2003 was declared 'Philip Humber Day' in his hometown of Carthage, Texas in his honor. Following the season, all three pitchers competed in collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League; Humber pitched for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox.{{cite web |title=2003 Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/summer_stats/2003~yarmouth-dennis_red_sox~CapeCod/ |access-date=September 23, 2021 |website=The Baseball Cube |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072306/https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/summer_stats/2003~yarmouth-dennis_red_sox~CapeCod/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Humber, ChiSox hold off Red Sox |newspaper=Cape Cod Times |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110601/SPORTS/110539934/-1/NEWS |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115425/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20110601%2FSPORTS%2F110539934%2F-1%2FNEWS |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |df=mdy-all}} Baseball America rated Humber as the seventh-best prospect in the Cape Cod League.{{cite web |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=August 15, 2003 |title=Wareham, Rice dominate Cape Top 30 |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/NCAA/030815capetop30.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030816135102/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/NCAA/030815capetop30.html |archive-date=August 16, 2003 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}}

In his junior season of 2004, Humber compiled a 13–4 win–loss record and 2.27 ERA. He struck out 154 batters and issued only 37 walks in 115 innings. He also set the Rice single-game record for strikeouts when he struck out 17 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hitters on March 20, 2004.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Niemann-strikes-out-12-as-Rice-downs-Fresno-State-1956426.php|title=Niemann strikes out 12 as Rice downs Fresno State: Niemann leads winning charge: Rice starter strikes out 12 in 6–1 victory over Fresno State|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=March 27, 2004|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=Manfull|first=Megan|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044119/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Niemann-strikes-out-12-as-Rice-downs-Fresno-State-1956426.php|url-status=live}} Rice entered the 64-team NCAA Baseball tournament as one of the eight national seeds.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-Texas-among-elite-in-NCAA-baseball-1656625.php|title=Rice, Texas among elite in NCAA baseball: Last 2 champs rated near top for baseball playoffs|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 1, 2004|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=Murphy|first=Michael|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044121/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Rice-Texas-among-elite-in-NCAA-baseball-1656625.php|url-status=live}} In the first game of the regional round of the tournament, Rice was upset by the Texas Southern Tigers.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/TSU-pulls-a-miracle-with-upset-of-Rice-1966843.php|title=TSU pulls a miracle with upset of Rice: Tigers shock defending NCAA champion Rice|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 5, 2004|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=Murphy|first=Michael|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044138/http://www.chron.com/default/article/TSU-pulls-a-miracle-with-upset-of-Rice-1966843.php|url-status=live}} Humber entered the next game against the Texas A&M Aggies with the bases loaded and surrendered a first-pitch grand slam to Justin Ruggiano.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Grand-slam-for-Aggies-foils-Owls-hopes-of-repeat-1972883.php|title=Grand slam for Aggies foils Owls' hopes of repeat: Ruggiano's slam for Aggies foils Owls' hopes of title repeat|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 7, 2004|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|last=Murphy|first=Michael|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044139/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Grand-slam-for-Aggies-foils-Owls-hopes-of-repeat-1972883.php|url-status=live}} For the season, Humber totaled 154 strikeouts in 115 innings pitched.

Humber finished his three-year career with a 35–8 win–loss record and 2.80 ERA, striking out 422 in 354 innings pitched. Humber's totals rank him with the third most wins in Rice baseball history and second most strikeouts. Among his honors for the season were selection to the 2004 Louisville Slugger All-America team by Collegiate Baseball and the 2004 USA TODAY/Sports Weekly All-America team. During the inaugural year for the Roger Clemens Award, which designates the top college pitcher, he was one of 10 named semifinalists. He was also among the 10 finalists for the Dick Howser Trophy in 2004, in recognition of his performance as one of college baseball's top players.

Following the early exit in the Houston Regional due to the upset by the Aggies, Humber looked forward to the Major League Baseball Draft. Niemann, and Townsend were all selected along with Humber in the first eight picks of the 2004 MLB Draft — the first time three teammates had ever gone so early in the same draft.{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Michael |date=June 8, 2004 |title=Three Owls' aces among first 8 draftees: 3 aces a Rice winner |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Three-Owls-aces-among-first-8-draftees-1636559.php |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044129/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Three-Owls-aces-among-first-8-draftees-1636559.php |url-status=live }} Only twice had three teammates been taken in the first round, most recently when Steve Hosey, Tom Goodwin and Eddie Zosky of the Fresno State Bulldogs were selected in the first round of the 1989 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite news |date=June 7, 2004 |title=3 Rice pitchers picked in MLB draft's top ten |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/3-Rice-pitchers-picked-in-MLB-draft-s-top-ten-1633620.php |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621044114/http://www.chron.com/default/article/3-Rice-pitchers-picked-in-MLB-draft-s-top-ten-1633620.php |url-status=live }} Teammate David Aardsma, a relief pitcher, was also selected in the first round.{{cite news |url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20100617/CWS/706179732 |title=Bruins to make a pitch for title |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |first=Steven |last=Pivovar |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907095359/http://www.omaha.com/article/20100617/CWS/706179732 |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}

The New York Mets chose Humber out of Rice University with their first-round pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft, the third overall selection.{{cite news |last=Rubin |first=Adam |date=June 8, 2004 |title=Mets In Quick Pitch Use No. 3 Pick On Rice Ace Humber |newspaper=New York Daily News |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2004-06-08/sports/18256047_1_mets-hope-gm-jim-duquette-scott-kazmir |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708215937/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2004-06-08/sports/18256047_1_mets-hope-gm-jim-duquette-scott-kazmir |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2012}} The Mets chose Humber over Jered Weaver and Stephen Drew, who also received consideration, as they considered Humber to be the "safe" selection.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Kevin T. |date=June 7, 2004 |title=Mets take Humber with top pick |work=New York Mets |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/nym/y2004/m06/d07/c763442.jsp |url-status=dead |access-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518073224/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/nym/y2004/m06/d07/c763442.jsp |archive-date=May 18, 2015}} They also scouted Justin Verlander, who the Detroit Tigers had chosen with the second overall pick.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/sports/baseball/philip-humber-pitcher-of-perfect-game-was-mets-pick.html?_r=1|title=In the 21st Perfect Game, Another Sigh for the Mets|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=April 21, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|archive-date=May 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519002259/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/sports/baseball/philip-humber-pitcher-of-perfect-game-was-mets-pick.html?_r=1|url-status=live}} It was reported that the Mets preferred Verlander, and would have chosen him if the Tigers had selected Drew.{{cite web |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=June 6, 2004 |title=Padres Could Turn To Bush At No. 1 |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/2004draft/040606chaos.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040614205743/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/2004draft/040606chaos.html |archive-date=June 14, 2004 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}}

On January 11, 2005, Humber and the Mets agreed to a five-year contract, ending a long holdout the day before the Mets began their two-day minicamp in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Humber and the Mets were motivated to complete a deal due to a change in federal tax law that made signing bonuses subject to Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Social Security taxes.{{cite web |last=Manuel |first=John |date=January 11, 2005 |title=Humber Signing Could Break Logjam |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/050111humber.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050112160450/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/050111humber.html |archive-date=January 12, 2005 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}} There is some discrepancy about the value of the contract. According to MLB.com, Humber received a combined $3.7 million signing bonus and contract from the Mets.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Kevin T. |date=May 28, 2004 |title=Mets sign first-round pick Humber: Hurler will report to minicamp on Wednesday |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050110&content_id=929422&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023053731/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050110&content_id=929422&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} The Houston Chronicle reported the contract to be a $4.2 million deal with a $3 million signing bonus and that Humber would fly to minicamp.{{cite news |author=McTaggart |first=Brian |date=January 12, 2005 |title=Humber finally strikes lucrative deal with Mets |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Humber-finally-strikes-lucrative-deal-with-Mets-1953943.php |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518222406/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Humber-finally-strikes-lucrative-deal-with-Mets-1953943.php |url-status=live }} Six months later, Lee Jenkins of The New York Times also reported the signing bonus to be $3 million, but he claimed the contract was for $5 million in total.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CEEDF1530F931A25754C0A9639C8B63|title=Baseball; 16-Year-Old Dominican Prospect Gets $1.4 Million From the Mets|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=July 12, 2005|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Jenkins|first=Lee|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101328/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CEEDF1530F931A25754C0A9639C8B63|url-status=live}} John Manuel of Baseball America reported the contract was worth a maximum of $5.116 million, with $4.2 million guaranteed.

File:PhillipHumber.jpg in 2007 spring training]]

Baseball America rated Humber as the 50th-best prospect in baseball heading into the 2005 season.{{cite web |title=All-Time Top 100 Prospects |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/all-time.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205093509/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/all-time.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}} Humber entered spring training in 2005 with the Mets.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Kevin T. |date=March 6, 2005 |title=Humber ready to pay his dues |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050306&content_id=958926&vkey=spt2005news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023053735/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050306&content_id=958926&vkey=spt2005news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} There, he clashed with Mets' pitching coach Rick Peterson, who wanted Humber to adopt a different training regimen and change the manner with which he threw the ball to the plate. The Mets front office supported Humber, telling him to pitch how he felt comfortable.

After the brief stint in spring training, the Mets assigned Humber to start his professional career with the St. Lucie Mets of the Class-A Advanced Florida State League, where, in 14 starts, he posted a 2–6 win–loss record and a 4.99 ERA.{{Cite web |title=Philip Humber Minor, Fall, Winter & Korean Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=humber001phi |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072312/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=humber001phi |url-status=live }} Humber was then promoted to the Double-A Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League.{{Cite news |date=2005-07-11 |title=B-Mets to gain 2 top prospects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-b-mets-to-gain-2/163485288/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=Press & Sun-Bulletin |page=D1 |publication-place=Binghamton, New York |via=Newspapers.com}} In one start, Humber gave up three earned runs in four innings.{{Cite news |date=2005-07-12 |title=Humber lasts just four innings as B-Mets get swept by Navigators |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-humber-lasts-just/163485320/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=Press & Sun-Bulletin |page=D1 |publication-place=Binghamton, New York |via=Newspapers.com}} Humber left the game early due to elbow pain caused by bone spurs, which required ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (more commonly known as Tommy John surgery) to repair a torn ligament in his elbow.{{Cite news |last=Lauber |first=Scott |date=2005-07-20 |title=Humber done for season |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-humber-done-for-s/163485344/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=Press & Sun-Bulletin |page=B1 |publication-place=Binghamton, New York |via=Newspapers.com}} The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews of the American Sports Medicine Institute. His Rice pitching teammates Townsend (Tommy John surgery) and Niemann (arthroscopic shoulder surgery) also endured major surgeries that year.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/18/sports/baseball/18rice.html?_r=1|title=Celebration to Surgery For Three College Pitching Stars|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=June 18, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Borzi|first=Pat|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045928/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/18/sports/baseball/18rice.html?_r=1|url-status=live}} Rice coach Graham, who also coached MLB starters such as Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte in college, shied away from any blame, noting that all three missed out on fall league play by holding out. In spite of his arm surgery, Humber was named the 20th-best prospect in the Florida State League by Baseball America,{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=J. J. |date=September 28, 2005 |title=2005 Top 20 Prospects: Florida State League |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/05league20s/fsl.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051106015304/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/05league20s/fsl.html |archive-date=November 6, 2005 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}} which ranked him as the fifth-best prospect in the Mets organization following the season.{{cite web |last=Meyers |first=Matt |date=November 11, 2005 |title=Top Ten Prospects: New York Mets |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/05top10s/mets.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124153544/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/05top10s/mets.html |archive-date=November 24, 2005 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}}

On March 8, Humber was assigned to the Mets minor league camp.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDE1231F93BA35750C0A9609C8B63|title=Transactions|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=March 8, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090800/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDE1231F93BA35750C0A9609C8B63|url-status=live}} After rehabilitating from surgery, he resumed pitching with St. Lucie in 2006, posting 3–1 record with a 2.37 ERA in seven starts. On July 31, 2006, a year after his surgery, Humber was once again promoted to Binghamton,{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05EEDB103FF931A3575BC0A9609C8B63|title=Baseball: Mets Notebook; Sánchez Has Surgery Sooner Than Expected|first=Ben|last=Shpigel|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=August 2, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101347/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05EEDB103FF931A3575BC0A9609C8B63|url-status=live}} where he was 2–2 with a 2.88 ERA in six starts. He was an early September call-up when the Major League rosters expanded on September 1.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D06EFDA1631F935A3575AC0A9609C8B63|title=Transactions|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=September 6, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101345/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D06EFDA1631F935A3575AC0A9609C8B63|url-status=live}} However, Humber did not make his Major League Baseball debut until September 24, 2006.{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Brian |date=September 25, 2006 |title=Warm Welcome — Humber Has Hot Stuff In MLB Debut |newspaper=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2006/09/25/warm-welcome-humber-has-hot-stuff-in-mlb-debut/ |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072306/https://nypost.com/2006/09/25/warm-welcome-humber-has-hot-stuff-in-mlb-debut/ |url-status=live }} He made two appearances for the Mets as a relief pitcher, pitching two innings. However, Humber was unable to obtain his pre-surgery velocity. That fall, he began play in the Arizona Fall League but his participation was discontinued when he endured shoulder tendinitis.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E3DC103FF930A35752C1A9609C8B63|title=Baseball; Top Prospects Shut Down|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=November 3, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101349/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E3DC103FF930A35752C1A9609C8B63|url-status=live}}

Before the 2007 season, Baseball America rated Humber as the fourth-best prospect in the Mets organization.{{cite web |last=Meyers |first=Matt |date=January 8, 2007 |title=Top Ten Prospects: New York Mets |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2007/263075.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203152117/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2007/263075.html |archive-date=December 3, 2009 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}} That year, the Mets had nine pitchers competing for five spots in the starting rotation in spring training camp.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/05/sports/baseball/05mets.html?_r=1|title=Contrasting Auditions for Spot in Mets' Rotation|first=Pat|last=Borzi|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 5, 2007|access-date=April 23, 2012|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135415/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/05/sports/baseball/05mets.html?_r=1|url-status=live}} Óliver Pérez, Tom Glavine, Orlando Hernández, and John Maine were the favorites for the spots in the rotation. Veterans Aaron Sele, Chan Ho Park and Jorge Sosa were also invited to camp so that the team could be patient with former first round draft choices Humber and Mike Pelfrey, who were considered the most promising pitchers in camp.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0DE7DF1E3EF935A15751C0A9619C8B63|title=Baseball; The Fine Art of Developing Talent|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=February 26, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517122426/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0DE7DF1E3EF935A15751C0A9619C8B63|url-status=live}} Rated the 73rd-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America prior to the 2007 season, Humber competed for a spot on the Mets roster in spring training. However, Humber was optioned to the minor leagues on March 16.{{Cite news |last=Delcos |first=John |date=2007-03-16 |title=Mets' Humber, Vargas optioned to minors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-mets-humber-vargas-o/163485366/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=Asbury Park Press |page=C7 |via=Newspapers.com}} Assigned to the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Humber had an 11–9 record and 4.27 ERA in 25 starts. He allowed 129 hits and walked 44 while striking out 120 batters in 139 innings. For the season, Humber finished tied for fourth in the PCL in wins and had the tenth-best ERA. He had started the season by earning the PCL Pitcher of the week for the week ending April 22.{{cite web |title=POW Archive |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-148670 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110061959/http://www.milb.com/news/page.jsp?ymd=20061214&content_id=148670&vkey=news_l112&fext=.jsp&sid=l112 |archive-date=January 10, 2013 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |website=Minor League Baseball}} That week, he allowed two earned runs in 13 innings of work over two starts, earning a win on April 16 against the Nashville Sounds with six innings of work and suffering a blown save after seven innings against the Albuquerque Isotopes on April 21.{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2007 |title=Zephyrs Avoid Sweep, Hand Sounds 10-2 Loss |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/zephyrs-avoid-sweep-hand-sounds-10-2-loss/n-3454480 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=OurSports Central |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072312/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/zephyrs-avoid-sweep-hand-sounds-10-2-loss/n-3454480 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2007 |title='Topes walk off with 4-3 win over Zephyrs |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/topes-walk-off-with-4-3-win-over-zephyrs/n-3457547 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=OurSports Central |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072323/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/topes-walk-off-with-4-3-win-over-zephyrs/n-3457547 |url-status=live }} He flirted with a no-hitter with the Zephyrs on August 22 when he entered the ninth inning without giving up a hit to the Iowa Cubs.{{cite news |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Mets Recall Pelfrey, Humber |work=KETV |agency=The Sports Network |url=http://www.ketv.com/r/14028344/detail.html |access-date=April 23, 2012}}{{dead link|date=January 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2007 |title=Zephyrs Fall To Iowa Cubs 9-8 |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-291312 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Minor League Baseball |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072307/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-291312 |url-status=live }} In his subsequent start, he allowed only an unearned run on two hits over five innings,{{cite news |date=August 28, 2007 |title=Zephyrs Defeat Oklahoma RedHawks 6–4 |work=New Orleans Zephyrs |publisher=Minor League Baseball |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-295725 |url-status=live |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517153425/http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070828&content_id=295725&vkey=news_t588&fext=.jsp&sid=t588 |archive-date=May 17, 2014}} but he was removed from the game when a batted ball hit him in the shoulder.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/30/sports/baseball/30shea.html|title=Martínez to Audition for Mets' Brain Trust|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=August 30, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|archive-date=May 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514075347/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/30/sports/baseball/30shea.html|url-status=live}}

Humber was promoted to the Mets, again as a September call-up, on September 2.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/NL-NOTES-Taveras-activated-from-15-day-DL-1839631.php|title=NL Notes: Taveras activated from 15-day DL|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=September 2, 2007|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726161502/http://www.chron.com/default/article/NL-NOTES-Taveras-activated-from-15-day-DL-1839631.php|url-status=live}} Though the Mets considered inserting him into the starting rotation immediately,{{cite news |last=Noble |first=Marty |date=August 29, 2007 |title=Notes: Pedro could debut September 8 or 9 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2177656&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023053742/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2177656&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} they chose to start Pelfrey. Humber made two relief appearances for the Mets, on September 5 and 11.{{cite news |date=September 24, 2007 |title=Humber Is Set to Start Wednesday |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A00E0DD1F3EF937A1575AC0A9619C8B63 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726135224/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A00E0DD1F3EF937A1575AC0A9619C8B63 |url-status=live }} The Mets, having lost eight of their previous 12 games and seen their lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East division race decrease from seven games to two, removed Pelfrey from the final rotation to give an extra day of rest to pitchers Pérez, Maine, and Pedro Martínez, and gave Humber his first Major League start on September 26, 2007, against the Washington Nationals, choosing him over Dave Williams.{{cite news |last=Nobles |first=Charlie |date=September 23, 2007 |title=Notes: Humber the man on Wednesday |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070923&content_id=2225240&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023053746/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070923&content_id=2225240&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} Although the Mets raced out to a 6–2 lead, Humber allowed five runs in four-plus innings, receiving a no decision in a game the Mets eventually lost, 9–6.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Marty |date=September 27, 2007 |title=Mets stumbling toward finish line |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231159&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328115549/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231159&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |archive-date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=New York Mets |publisher=MLB.com}} The decision to start Humber was seen as emblematic of the Mets' desperation. As George Vecsey wrote in The New York Times, "How did it come to this? How did the entire Mets' season come to depend so much on a young pitcher, Philip Humber, who had never started in the major leagues until last night?"{{cite news |last=Vecsey |first=George |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EED91631F934A1575AC0A9619C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=Sports of the Times — For a Team in a Swoon, Humber Isn't Enough |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110121808/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EED91631F934A1575AC0A9619C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |url-status=live }} He concluded his three MLB appearances (one start) in the 2007 season with a 7.71 ERA.{{cite news |date=February 25, 2008 |title=Live from Fort Myers: February 24 |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=15930537 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302052147/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=15930537 |archive-date=March 2, 2008}}

Following the 2007 season, the Mets began to discuss trading Humber to the Minnesota Twins in a package of prospects to acquire two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Johan Santana. Eligible to become a free agent after the 2008 season, Santana had rejected a proposed four-year, $80 million contract extension from the Twins. Assuming that he was unlikely to resign with Minnesota, the Twins began to shop him to other MLB teams.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/sports/baseball/06meetings.html?ref=baseball|title=Patiently, Twins Size Up Santana Suitors|first=Jack|last=Curry|author-link=Jack Curry|date=December 6, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=April 23, 2012|archive-date=August 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810051435/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/sports/baseball/06meetings.html?ref=baseball|url-status=live}}

File:AAAA8462 Philip Humber.jpg in 2008]]

On February 2, 2008, the Mets traded Humber, along with outfielder Carlos Gómez and pitchers Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra, to the Twins for Santana.{{cite press release |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080202&content_id=2362622&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |title=Twins acquire Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra from the New York Mets |publisher=Minnesota Twins |date=February 2, 2008 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023014806/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080202&content_id=2362622&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} At the time Baseball America ranked Guerra, Gomez, Mulvey and Humber the second, third, fourth and seventh-best prospects in the Mets organization, respectively.{{cite news |last=Hartman |first=Sid |date=January 13, 2008 |title=Sid Hartman: Give Monson credit for recruiting guards |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/featuredColumns/13737086.html |access-date=April 23, 2012 |quote=Baseball America recently ranked the New York Mets' top 10 prospects. Here is where the Mets prospects most frequently mentioned to be part of a trade with the Twins for Johan Santana rank: outfielder Fernando Martinez is first, righthander Deolis Guerra second, outfielder Carlos Gomez third, righthander Kevin Mulvey fourth and righthander Philip Humber seventh. |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045930/https://www.startribune.com/give-monson-credit-for-recruiting-guards/13737086/ |url-status=live }}

During spring training, the Twins assigned Humber to Santana's former place in the Twins' clubhouse.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Dave |date=February 18, 2008 |title=Ex-Mets prospects in spotlight this spring for Twins after Johan Santana trade |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-02-18-995884977_x.htm |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045928/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-02-18-995884977_x.htm |url-status=live }} While trying to earn a spot in the rotation, Humber compiled 11 consecutive scoreless innings in the Grapefruit League.{{cite news |last=Christensen |first=Joe |date=March 18, 2008 |title=With opener near, rotation still unclear |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=16801456 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621015741/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=16801456 |archive-date=June 21, 2015}} By late March, Humber had a spring training ERA of 1.29.{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |date=March 23, 2008 |title=Humber gets good reviews as the outs keep coming |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=16942836 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621015749/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=16942836 |archive-date=June 21, 2015}}

Humber spent most of the 2008 season assigned to the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. He started off slowly with an 0–5 record and a 5.83 ERA in his first nine starts.{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |date=May 24, 2008 |title=Twins minor league report: Ward's career mirrors player he was traded for |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179495660.html |url-status=dead |url-access= |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329103835/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179495660.html |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |via=HighBeam Research}} With Rochester, Humber eventually compiled a 10–8 record with a 4.56 ERA in 31 games (23 starts). He finished with a 6–1 win–loss record and a 2.67 ERA in the second half.{{cite news |date=September 1, 2008 |title=A look at the callups |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=27750729 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224233135/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=27750729 |archive-date=December 24, 2014}} His 4–1 win–loss record with a 2.74 ERA in August earned him the Minor League Pitcher of the Month Award.{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |date=September 6, 2008 |title=Baker gets past rough stretch |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=27959254 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224233648/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=27959254 |archive-date=December 24, 2014}} The Twins promoted Humber in August 2008, and he appeared in five games for the Twins, all in relief. Humber pitched {{frac|11|2|3}} innings, and posted a 4.63 ERA and six strikeouts for the Twins.{{cite news |last=McNabb |first=Kevin |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Royals vs. Oklahoma City, 6:35 pm at Rosenblatt |work=Minor League Baseball |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-9765042 |url-status=live |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224233702/http://www.milb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100503&content_id=9765042&vkey=news_t541&fext=.jsp&sid=t541 |archive-date=December 24, 2014}} Following the 2008 season, Humber was out of options, and could not be sent to the minor leagues without first being subjected to waivers, where other teams could claim him.{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |date=December 8, 2008 |title=Baseball Insider: Twins might be forced to roll the dice in Vegas |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=35634039 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211004429/http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_This_Story?sid=35634039 |archive-date=December 11, 2008}}

Humber made the Twins' Opening Day roster in 2009 as a long reliever.{{cite press release |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090818&content_id=6477584&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |title=Twins place Liriano on DL; select contract of Humber |publisher=Minnesota Twins |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=April 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621011806/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090818&content_id=6477584&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |df=mdy-all}} Humber struggled at the start of the 2009 season, pitching to a 12.46 ERA over {{frac|4|1|3}} innings, while giving up 11 hits and walking four batters. The Twins designated Humber for assignment on April 17, 2009 to make room on their roster for Juan Morillo, whom the Twins had claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Dave |date=April 17, 2009 |title=Twins designate struggling Humber for assignment |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-04-17-1631812547_x.htm |access-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045928/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-04-17-1631812547_x.htm |url-status=live }} Humber cleared waivers and the Twins assigned him to Rochester.{{cite news |last=Winston |first=Lisa |date=April 21, 2009 |title=Humber outrighted to Rochester |work=Minnesota Twins |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090421&content_id=4358400&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621060356/http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/4358400/ |archive-date=June 21, 2015}} The Twins recalled Humber in August 2009 due to an injury to Francisco Liriano,{{cite news |date=August 18, 2009 |title=Twins recall RHP Humber to take Liriano's spot |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-08-18-2320974512_x.htm |access-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045929/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-08-18-2320974512_x.htm |url-status=live }} but outrighted him to the minor leagues ten days later.{{cite news |last=Mandelaro |first=Jim |date=August 28, 2009 |title=Twins return Humber to Red Wings |newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/democratandchronicle/access/1852462121.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Aug+28%2C+2009&author=Jim+Mandelaro&pub=Rochester+Democrat+and+Chronicle&desc=Twins+return+Humber+to+Red+Wings&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715200800/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/democratandchronicle/access/1852462121.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Aug+28,+2009&author=Jim+Mandelaro&pub=Rochester+Democrat+and+Chronicle&desc=Twins+return+Humber+to+Red+Wings&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2012 }}{{subscription required|date=April 2012}} Humber was granted free agency after the 2009 season.{{cite web |last=Eddy |first=Matt |date=October 12, 2009 |title=Minor League Transactions |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2009/10/minor-league-transactions-124/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414220931/http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2009/10/minor-league-transactions-124/ |archive-date=April 14, 2011 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |work=Baseball America}}

On December 15, 2009, Humber signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, receiving an invitation to spring training.{{cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=December 15, 2009 |title=Royals add Humber via Minors deal |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091215&content_id=7814284&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023014809/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091215&content_id=7814284&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} After he pitched to an 11.74 ERA in four spring training games, the Royals reassigned Humber to their minor league camp on March 22.{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=March 23, 2010 |title=Royals reassign three to Minors camp |work=Kansas City Royals |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100323&content_id=8889248&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121156/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100323&content_id=8889248&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |df=mdy-all}}

{{quote box

| align = right

| width = 25%

| quote = "A couple of years ago I didn't even know if I'd get a major league win."

| source =  – Humber after throwing a perfect game on April 21, 2012

}}

Humber was assigned to start the year with the Triple-A Omaha Royals of the PCL. On June 10, 2010, while pitching in a game for Omaha, Humber was hit in the face on a line drive by Luis Cruz. After lying on the mound for a few minutes, he was able to get up and walk on his own to the dugout. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he received eighteen stitches.{{cite news |date=June 19, 2010 |title=Royals strike in eleventh again; defeat Round Rock |work=Minor League Baseball |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-11345632 |url-status=live |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621012934/http://www.milb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100619&content_id=11345632&vkey=news_t541&fext=.jsp&sid=t541 |archive-date=June 21, 2015}} He earned the second PCL Pitcher of the Week Award of his career for his play during the week ending August 1. He won the award after posting a complete game shutout against the Nashville Sounds on July 30, in which he struck out seven batters while allowing only four hits.{{cite web |date=August 5, 2010 |title=Guillen designated for assignment, Humber contract selected |url=http://royals.mlblogs.com/2010/08/05/guillen-designated-for-assignment-humber-contract-selected/ |access-date=April 24, 2012 |website=Kansas City Royals |publisher=MLB.com |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621022721/http://royals.mlblogs.com/2010/08/05/guillen-designated-for-assignment-humber-contract-selected/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2010 |title=Royals Silence Sounds, 3-0, in Finale |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/royals-silence-sounds-3-0-in-finale/n-4061034 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=OurSports Central |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072317/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/royals-silence-sounds-3-0-in-finale/n-4061034 |url-status=live }}

However, Humber began to regain the velocity he had lost following Tommy John surgery in 2005. Humber was called up by the Kansas City Royals on August 5, 2010, when Kansas City designated José Guillén for assignment.{{cite news |date=August 5, 2010 |title=Jose Guillen designated for assignment by Kansas City Royals |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5440414 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110165719/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5440414 |url-status=live }} On August 25, Humber pitched three relief innings for the Royals against the Detroit Tigers and earned his first MLB win.{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2010 |title=Royals end Tigers' five-game win streak |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/300825106 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227072305/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/300825106 |url-status=dead }} He finished the 2010 season with a 2–1 win–loss record and 4.15 ERA in eight games (one start) for the Royals.{{Cite web |title=Philip Humber Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/humbeph01.shtml |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202203439/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/humbeph01.shtml |url-status=live }} He also appeared in 21 games (20 starts), for Triple-A Omaha, going 5–6 with a 4.47 ERA. The Royals designated Humber for assignment on December 15, 2010, in order to make room on the roster for newly signed Jeff Francoeur.{{cite news |date=December 15, 2010 |title=Royals designate RHP Philip Humber for assignment |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2010-12-15-467225950_x.htm |access-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219045929/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2010-12-15-467225950_x.htm |url-status=live }}

On December 17, 2010, Humber was claimed by the Oakland Athletics, who had extra room on their 40-man roster at the time of the waiver claim.{{cite news |date=December 17, 2010 |title=A's claim right-hander Humber from Royals |work=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101217&content_id=16339572&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106164210/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101217&content_id=16339572&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |df=mdy-all}} However, the team subsequently filled its 40-man roster and designated Humber for assignment later that off-season in order to make room on their roster for Guillermo Moscoso, whom the Athletics acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade during January 2011.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jane |date=January 8, 2011 |title=A's trade with Rangers for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso |work=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110108&content_id=16410332&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224035522/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110108&content_id=16410332&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |df=mdy-all}} The Chicago White Sox claimed Humber off waivers from the Athletics on January 18, 2011.{{cite press release |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110118&content_id=16453694&vkey=pr_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |title=White Sox claim pitcher Phil Humber off waivers |publisher=Chicago White Sox |date=January 18, 2011 |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023014813/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110118&content_id=16453694&vkey=pr_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} He signed a contract worth $500,000 for the season.{{cite magazine |last=Verducci |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Verducci |date=April 24, 2012 |title=After seven years, five teams, how Philip Humber found his way |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=CNN |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/tom_verducci/04/24/humber/index.html?eref=writers |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503014015/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/tom_verducci/04/24/humber/index.html?eref=writers |archive-date=May 3, 2012}} White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper worked with Humber, as he replaced his cut fastball with a slider and improved his pitching mechanics in the fashion originally recommended by Peterson in 2005.

File:Phil Humber Perfect Game.tiff

Humber debuted with the White Sox in their third game in relief. He made two pitches, both of which resulted in hits and base runners that came around to score.{{cite web |date=April 3, 2011 |title=White Sox 1 (2–1, 2–1 away); Indians 7 (1–2, 1–2 home) – Pitch-By-Pitch |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=310403105&full=1&inning=0 |access-date=April 25, 2012 |website=ESPN |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621013437/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=310403105&full=1&inning=0 |url-status=live }} With Jake Peavy injured at the start of the 2011 season, the White Sox gave Humber the opportunity to pitch in their starting rotation. On April 9, 2011, Humber won his first start with the White Sox, pitching {{frac|6|2|3}} innings and only allowing one run in a 4–2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite news |date=April 9, 2011 |title=Pierzynski, Humber lead White Sox over Rays 4–2 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pierzynski-humber-lead-white-sox-over-rays-4-2-2011apr09-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227091053/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pierzynski-humber-lead-white-sox-over-rays-4-2-2011apr09-story.html |url-status=live }} Humber surprised the White Sox with his strong performance. On April 25, in the sixth start of his career, he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, but with one out Alex Rodriguez singled up the middle. He finished with seven scoreless innings.{{cite news |date=April 25, 2011 |title=Phil Humber takes no-hitter into 7th as White Sox trump Yankees |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310425110 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824221250/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310425110 |url-status=dead }} He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals on June 26, but ended up earning a 2–1 loss when he surrendered a seventh inning home run to Danny Espinosa.{{cite news |date=June 26, 2011 |title=Nats send off interim manager John McLaren with series win over White Sox |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310626104 |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517130615/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310626104 |url-status=dead }} In early July, when he led the major leagues with {{frac|103|2|3}} innings pitched and held an 8–4 record with a 2.69 ERA, he seemed like a probable selection for the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.{{cite web |author=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=July 2, 2011 |title=Sox's Humber not at his best, but good enough to stop Cubs |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/07/02/soxs-humber-not-at-his-best-but-good-enough-to-stop-cubs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203224148/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-07-02/sports/ct-spt-0703-sox-side-chicago--20110703_1_cubs-american-league-all-star-journeyman-pitcher |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Tribune}} In mid-July, the White Sox switched to a six-man rotation.{{cite web |author=Van Schouwen |first=Daryl |date=July 20, 2011 |title=Sox' six-man rotation gets thumbs up from Humber |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/6620937-419/sox-six-man-rotation-gets-thumbs-up-from-humber.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203090934/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/6620937-419/sox-six-man-rotation-gets-thumbs-up-from-humber.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}} By early August, Humber was in a slump.{{cite web |author=Cowley |first=Joe |date=August 6, 2011 |title=Strong first half aside, White Sox' Philip Humber a question mark |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/6906590-419/strong-first-half-asidehumber-a-question-mark.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910182623/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/6906590-419/strong-first-half-asidehumber-a-question-mark.html |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}} Humber denies the extra rest affected his pitch command.{{cite web |author=Ginnetti |first=Toni |date=April 15, 2012 |title=White Sox' Philip Humber set for second attempt at first start |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/11923669-574/white-sox-philip-humber-set-for-second-attempt-at-first-start.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203064051/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/11923669-574/white-sox-philip-humber-set-for-second-attempt-at-first-start.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}} He spent time on the disabled list with a facial bruise after Kosuke Fukudome lined a baseball into his face above the right eye on August 18.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=August 19, 2011 |title=Humber on DL, Kinney promoted from Charlotte |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/08/19/humber-on-dl-kinney-promoted-from-charlotte/ |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125215428/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-19/sports/chi-humber-on-dl-kinney-promoted-from-charlotte-20110819_1_josh-kinney-philip-humber-40-man-roster |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=August 18, 2011 |title=Justin Masterson, Indians move closer to AL Central lead |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310818104 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027102713/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310818104 |url-status=dead }} After he was hit, he was very concerned for his wife: "I thought, 'I've got to get up because she's in the stands,'" Humber said. "As soon as I went in [the clubhouse], I asked one of the guys to call her to make sure she knew I was OK.", adding "My main concern was cheering up my wife."{{cite web |author=Ginnetti |first=Toni |date=August 20, 2011 |title=Philip Humber's wife flashed before his eyes when he took liner to head |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/7186758-419/philip-humbers-wife-flashed-before-his-eyes-when-he-took-liner-to-head.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203085740/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/7186758-419/philip-humbers-wife-flashed-before-his-eyes-when-he-took-liner-to-head.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}} He appeared in one rehabilitation start for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights of the International League, allowing four earned runs in five innings.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=August 31, 2011 |title=Sox look to protect Viciedo in lineup |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/08/31/sox-look-to-protect-viciedo-in-lineup/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708021548/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-31/sports/ct-spt-0831-bits-white-sox-twins-chicago--20110831_1_dayan-viciedo-cleanup-ozzie-guillen |archive-date=July 8, 2012}} Humber pitched seven scoreless innings in his major league return.{{cite web |date=September 5, 2011 |title=Philip Humber goes seven scoreless innings as White Sox nip Twins |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310905209&teams=chicago-white-sox-vs-minnesota-twins |access-date=April 24, 2012 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621010553/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310905209&teams=chicago-white-sox-vs-minnesota-twins |url-status=dead }} Humber completed his first full season as an MLB starting pitcher with a 9–9 record with a 3.75 ERA in 28 games (26 starts). He also struck out 116 batters in 163 innings.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=April 21, 2012 |title=White Sox pitcher Phil Humber throws perfect game |newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune |publisher=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/53961072-200/perfect-1-0-4-0-chicago.html.csp |url-status=dead |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621010855/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/53961072-200/perfect-1-0-4-0-chicago.html.csp |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}

As Humber performed better in the first half of the 2011 season (8–5, 3.10 ERA) than in the second half (1–4, 5.01 ERA), which he attributed to general fatigue, Humber decided to add {{convert|20|lbs}} during his offseason workouts.{{cite news |date=February 27, 2012 |title=Beckham wants to be himself again |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-13D40179F3759968.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224234426/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-13D40179F3759968.html |archive-date=February 24, 2016 |via=HighBeam Research}} Humber signed a one-year contract in March for $530,000, above the minimum salary for a player with his level of MLB experience.{{cite news |date=March 5, 2012 |title=Rios will bat 3rd |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-13D52053D830D730.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224234435/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-13D52053D830D730.html |archive-date=February 24, 2016 |via=HighBeam Research}} In the first season in which he did not have to battle for a roster spot in spring training, he made his final spring training start in his home state near Rice at Minute Maid Park in front of many relatives.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=March 30, 2012 |title=For Sox's Humber, roster security has its advantages |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/30/for-soxs-humber-roster-security-has-its-advantages/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401095753/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-30/sports/ct-spt-0331-white-sox-chicago--20120331_1_opening-day-roster-philip-humber-eric-stults |archive-date=April 1, 2012}} Although the 2012 Chicago White Sox's rotation was said to be made up of five number-three starters,{{cite web |author=Van Schouwen |first=Daryl |date=March 20, 2012 |title=Expect a good start from White Sox' rotation |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/11424945-574/expect-a-good-start-from-white-sox-rotation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204052551/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/11424945-574/expect-a-good-start-from-white-sox-rotation.html |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}} Humber began the season as the number five starter.{{cite web |author=Van Schouwen |first=Daryl |date=March 29, 2012 |title=Spring-training recap: White Sox 3, Dodgers 1 |url=http://www.suntimes.com/search/11606170-574/spring-training-recap-white-sox-3-dodgers-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912205303/http://www.suntimes.com/search/11606170-574/spring-training-recap-white-sox-3-dodgers-1.html |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}

{{main|Philip Humber's perfect game}}

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| quote = "I mean, I can’t even put it into words. I’m just so happy. There are so many good things happening right now. This just adds to the list."

| source =  – Humber after completing a perfect game on April 21, 2012{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/post/_/id/9440/phil-humber-throws-perfect-game|title=Phil Humber throws perfect game|date=April 21, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2012|first=Scott|last=Powers|website=ESPN|archive-date=September 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928173649/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/post/_/id/9440/phil-humber-throws-perfect-game|url-status=live}}

}}

In Humber's 30th career start in MLB, he pitched the 21st perfect game in MLB history against the Seattle Mariners on April 21, 2012. It was the third perfect game in White Sox history after those thrown by Charlie Robertson and Mark Buehrle, and the 18th no-hitter in White Sox history. It was Humber's second start of the 2012 season{{cite news |date=April 21, 2012 |title=Philip Humber throws 21st perfect game in MLB history |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320421112 |access-date=April 21, 2012 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006102255/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320421112 |url-status=dead }} and only career complete game.{{cite web |last1=Posnanski |first1=Joe |date=April 21, 2017 |title=For Humber, success was fleeting but fitting |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/history-of-philip-humber-s-perfect-game-c225509940 |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |archive-date=April 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421105710/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/225509940/history-of-philip-humbers-perfect-game/ |url-status=live }}

Humber was named American League (AL) Player of the Week for the week ending April 22. Humber went 1–0 with a 0.63 ERA in {{frac|14|1|3}} innings while striking out 16 over two starts that week, including the perfect game.{{cite news |date=April 23, 2012 |title=Philip Humber of the Chicago White Sox named American League Player of the Week |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120423&content_id=29459952&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427124419/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120423&content_id=29459952&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=April 27, 2012}} He received a congratulatory phone call from President Barack Obama, a noted White Sox fan.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |date=April 23, 2012 |title=Humber enjoying his 15 minutes of fame |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-spt-0424-white-sox-bits--20120424,0,3334106.story |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424064038/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-spt-0424-white-sox-bits--20120424,0,3334106.story |archive-date=April 24, 2012}} Humber appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, where he read the "Top Ten List".{{cite news |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=April 23, 2012 |title=Humber wins AL Player of the Week, will go on Letterman |work=CSN Chicago |url=http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/Humber-wins-AL-Player-of-the-Week-will-g?blockID=695072&feedID=621 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120011842/http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/Humber-wins-AL-Player-of-the-Week-will-g?blockID=695072&feedID=621 |archive-date=January 20, 2013}} Humber's perfect game will be memorialized with a plaque at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

After the perfect game, Humber struggled. He allowed 20 runs in his next three starts across {{frac|13|1|3}} innings.{{cite news |date=May 7, 2012 |title=Indians Hammer Humber In 8–6 Win Over White Sox |work=CBS News |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/05/07/indians-hammer-humber-in-8-6-win-over-white-sox/ |access-date=May 7, 2012 |archive-date=June 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606113700/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/05/07/indians-hammer-humber-in-8-6-win-over-white-sox/ |url-status=live }} He missed one month of the season due to a right elbow strain.{{cite news |date=July 9, 2012 |title=Phil Humber to make rehab start in Alabama |work=WLS-TV |agency=Associated Press |url=http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/sports&id=8730089 |access-date=July 17, 2012}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite press release |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120717&content_id=35078102&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws |publisher=Chicago White Sox |title=White Sox place Gavin Floyd on 15-day disabled list; reinstate Philip Humber from disabled list |date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001183445/http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article/35078102 |archive-date=October 1, 2015}} Following the acquisition of Francisco Liriano, the White Sox removed Humber from the starting rotation.{{cite news |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=August 6, 2012 |title=Five-man rotation sends Humber to 'pen |work=Chicago White Sox |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article/36228248/ |url-status=dead |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621055044/http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article/36228248/ |archive-date=June 21, 2015}} In 26 games (16 starts), Humber went 5–5 with a 6.44 ERA.

File:Humber with Houston Astros.jpg in 2013]]

On November 30, 2012, Humber was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.{{cite web |author=McTaggart |first=Brian |date=November 30, 2012 |title=Astros give Humber chance to fight for rotation spot |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121130&content_id=40477738&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203063534/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121130&content_id=40477738&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=December 3, 2012 |access-date=December 1, 2012 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} After being claimed, he signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Astros that included a club option for 2014. Humber made the Astros' starting rotation at the start of the 2013 season.{{cite news |last=Lacques |first=Gabe |date=April 3, 2013 |title=Does Astros' futility set stage for pitching history? |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/astros/2013/04/03/houston-astros-perfect-game-yu-darvish-weak-lineup/2049859/ |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406152623/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/astros/2013/04/03/houston-astros-perfect-game-yu-darvish-weak-lineup/2049859/ |url-status=live }} Humber lost his spot in the starting rotation to Érik Bédard after opening the season with an 0–7 record and an ERA of 8.82.{{cite magazine |date=May 8, 2013 |title=Astros send Phil Humber to bullpen, Erik Bedard back to rotation |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130508/houston-astros-phil-humber-erik-bedard.ap/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005021204/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130508/houston-astros-phil-humber-erik-bedard.ap/ |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=CNN |agency=Associated Press}} Humber was designated for assignment on May 12, after his record fell to 0–8 with a 9.59 ERA, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks on May 14.{{cite web |date=May 12, 2013 |title=Humber DFA'd-- Edgar Gonzalez Signed |url=http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/5/12/4323922/humber-dfad-edgar-gonzalez-signed |access-date=May 12, 2013 |website=Crawfish Boxes |publisher=SB Nation |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621005806/http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/5/12/4323922/humber-dfad-edgar-gonzalez-signed |url-status=live }} After pitching in relief for the Oklahoma City RedHawks of the PCL, the Astros selected his contract on August 12, when they traded Wesley Wright to the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web |last=Abshire |first=Chris |date=August 12, 2013 |title=Astros send veteran reliever Wright to Rays |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130812&content_id=56750476¬ebook_id=56763856&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005012054/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130812&content_id=56750476¬ebook_id=56763856&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2014 |website=Houston Astros |publisher=MLB.com}} On October 3, the Astros declined a $3 million option for 2014, instead paying him his guaranteed $500,000 and releasing him.{{cite web |author=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Astros decline $3 million option on Philip Humber |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/03/astros-decline-3-million-option-on-philip-humber/ |access-date=October 5, 2013 |website=NBC Sports |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004165057/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/03/astros-decline-3-million-option-on-philip-humber/ |url-status=live }}

On November 2, 2013, Humber signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics, with an invitation to spring training.{{cite web |last=Hakim |first=Jacobo |date=November 2, 2013 |title=MLB Rumors: A's sign right-hander Phil Humber |url=http://www.themlbnation.com/2013/11/02/mlb-rumors-sign-right-hander-phil-humber/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105055410/http://www.themlbnation.com/2013/11/02/mlb-rumors-sign-right-hander-phil-humber/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |work=The MLB Nation}} The Athletics assigned him to the Sacramento River Cats of the PCL.{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Joe |date=April 2, 2014 |title=Pitching is the key for River Cats in '14 |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/02/6290851/pitching-is-the-key-for-river.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708090459/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/02/6290851/pitching-is-the-key-for-river.html |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2014 |website=The Sacramento Bee |df=mdy-all}} He became a free agent following the season.

On December 8, 2014, Humber signed a contract with the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization.{{cite news |date=December 8, 2014 |title=MLB dream on hold |work=The Korea Herald |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20141208001067 |access-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716163915/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20141208001067 |url-status=live }} After pitching to a 6.75 ERA in {{frac|50|2|3}} innings, Humber was released by the Tigers on July 20, 2015.{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2015 |title=Kia Tigers Let's Former MLB Pitcher Philip Humber Go |url=http://www.koogle.tv/media/news/kia-tigers-lets-former-mlb-pitcher-philip-humber-go/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227051235/http://www.koogle.tv/media/news/kia-tigers-lets-former-mlb-pitcher-philip-humber-go/ |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=December 27, 2015 |website=Koogle.TV}}

On November 28, 2015, Humber signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-phil-humber-signs-minor-league-deal-with-padres/|title=Padres' Phil Humber: Signs minor league deal with Padres|access-date=2015-12-11|date=2015-12-10|work=CBS Sports|archive-date=December 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226034249/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-phil-humber-signs-minor-league-deal-with-padres/|url-status=live}} Humber retired on March 29, 2016.{{cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=March 29, 2016 |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 3/29/16 |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/philip-humber-retire-shane-robinson-roberto-hernandez-opt-out.html |access-date=March 29, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409184014/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/philip-humber-retire-shane-robinson-roberto-hernandez-opt-out.html |url-status=live }}

Humber relied on five pitches. He had a four-seam fastball ranging from {{convert|89|-|92|mph}}, a two-seam fastball ({{convert|89|-|92|mph}}), a slider (mid 80s), a changeup (mid 80s), and a 12-6 curveball ({{convert|78|-|81|mph}}). He used his slider against right-handed hitters but preferred to use his changeup and curveball as off-speed pitches against left-handed hitters. Humber favored his curveball in two-strike situations. He used a conventional "three-quarters" arm slot to deliver his pitches.{{cite web |title=PITCHf/x Player Card: Philip Humber |url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=458950 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |website=Brooks Baseball |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823101611/http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=458950 |url-status=live }}

Humber married his wife, Kristan, in November 2007. They were introduced by mutual friends in 2005.{{cite news |last=FitzPatrick |first=Lauren |date=April 21, 2012 |title=Humber's pregnant wife thrilled as she watches from home |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/12055801-556/humbers-pregnant-wife-thrilled-as-she-watches-from-home.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203104551/http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/12055801-556/humbers-pregnant-wife-thrilled-as-she-watches-from-home.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all}} At the time of his perfect game, Humber's wife was nine months pregnant with the couple's first child,{{cite magazine |date=April 22, 2012 |title=Chicago White Sox pitcher Philip Humber savors perfect game |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=CNN |agency=Associated Press |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/04/22/white-sox-humber.ap/index.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427142701/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/04/22/white-sox-humber.ap/index.html |archive-date=April 27, 2012}} a son named John Gregory, who was born on May 1.{{cite news |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Humber wild, White Sox lose to Indians 6–3 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-humber-wild-white-sox-lose-to-indians-6-3-2012may02-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227091054/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-humber-wild-white-sox-lose-to-indians-6-3-2012may02-story.html |url-status=live }} Humber comes from a large extended family.{{cite web |date=April 12, 2011 |title=Rev. L.W. Humber |url=http://www.news-journal.com/panola/obituaries/rev-l-w-humber/article_c18333b2-3ee2-5781-a6b5-4fd154a8ae0a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904133556/http://www.news-journal.com/panola/obituaries/rev-l-w-humber/article_c18333b2-3ee2-5781-a6b5-4fd154a8ae0a.html |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2012 |work=The Panola Watchman}}

Humber is a registered member of the Republican Party. He has the Bible verse Colossians 3:23 inscribed in his baseball glove.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2012/04/call-from-obama-tv-time-with-d.html|title=Call from Obama, TV time with Dave all part of Humber's day|first=Daryl|last=Van Schouwen|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=April 23, 2012|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427014141/http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2012/04/call-from-obama-tv-time-with-d.html|archive-date=April 27, 2012|df=mdy-all}} He undertook a charitable mission to the Philippines in the 2011–12 offseason with Brett Carroll, where they instructed children about baseball and Christianity.{{cite news |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=April 25, 2012 |title=Humble Humber dedicated to charitable ways |work=Chicago White Sox |publisher=MLB.com |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120425&content_id=29580478&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |access-date=April 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428090640/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120425&content_id=29580478&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |archive-date=April 28, 2012}}

Josh Tomlin, an MLB pitcher, is a close friend of Humber. From nearby Tyler, Texas, Tomlin competed against Humber in high school, and the two trained together during offseasons.{{cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |date=April 21, 2012 |title=Indians' Tomlin connected to White Sox' Humber |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/21/4432544/indians-tomlin-connected-to-white.html |access-date=April 24, 2012}}{{dead link|date=January 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} Humber is currently a Tyler resident.{{cite web |author=Krueger |first=John |date=April 24, 2012 |title=Humber's 'perfect' for Hall of Fame |url=http://www.news-journal.com/panola/sports/humber-s-perfect-for-hall-of-fame/article_7570408d-5aa8-5cf0-812d-df156e3cb58a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129172543/http://www.news-journal.com/panola/sports/humber-s-perfect-for-hall-of-fame/article_7570408d-5aa8-5cf0-812d-df156e3cb58a.html |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2012 |work=The Panola Watchman}}

{{Portal bar|Biography|Baseball|Texas}}

• List of Major League Baseball perfect games
• List of Rice University people

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

{{baseballstats|mlb=458950|espn=28596|br=h/humbeph01|fangraphs=8586|brm=humber001phi|retro=H/Phumbp001}}

• [http://www.chron.com/search/?action=search&channel=home&search=1&firstRequest=1&query=Philip+Humber&x=0&y=0&searchindex=property Humber archives] at Houston Chronicle

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{{S-start}}

{{s-ach|ach}}

{{Succession box | title = Perfect game pitcher | years = April 21, 2012 | before = Roy Halladay | after = Matt Cain}}

{{Succession box | title = No-hitter pitcher | years = April 21, 2012 | before = Ervin Santana | after = Jered Weaver}}

{{Succession box | title = AL Player of the Week | years = April 16–22, 2012 | before = Josh Willingham | after = Paul Konerko}}

{{S-end}}

{{MLB perfect games}}

{{2003 Rice Owls baseball}}

{{2004 College Baseball Consensus All-Americans}}

{{2004 MLB Draft}}

{{New York Mets first-round draft picks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Humber, Philip}}

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