Former MLB pitcher Doug Creek dead at 55

Doug Creek, who spent nine seasons in the majors leagues, died Sunday at 55 from the effects of colon cancer, according to the Journal News in West Virginia. 

The southpaw pitched for seven teams — the Cardinals, Giants, Cubs, Devil Rays, Mariners, Blue Jays and Tigers — from 1995 to 2005. 

Creek’s high school coach Vic Holmes told the Journal News the death was “shocking.”

Creek was named the 1987 state baseball player of the year by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. 

He would play his college ball at Georgia Tech, becoming the school’s all-time winningest left-hander. 

Creek won over 40 games and entered Georgia Tech’s Hall of Fame in 2000. 

He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and made his MLB debut in 1995 before being traded to the Giants in the offseason. 

Though he spent most of his career as a reliever he started three games with the Giants, including his first career win against the A’s in 1997 — a game in which he struck out Mark McGwire twice. 

“He pitched a good game, it wasn’t just one batter,” McGwire said after the game. “Give the pitcher some credit. He did his job.”

Creek played for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan in 1998, going 9-1 before returning to the US and pitching for the Cubs. 

During his career, he went 7-14 with a 5.32 ERA. 

He also had the opportunity to play for legendary managers Lou Piniella and Dusty Baker. 

“[Piniella’s] a guy that you just wanted to go to war with him,” Creek once said. “He’s not scary or imposing, but you want to go out and play well for him. I felt the same way with Dusty Baker when I played for him.”

Following his playing career he became a charter boat captain and competed as an angler. He also ran a baseball academy. 

“He was a good guy,” high school teammate Scott Bullett told the Journal News. “It’s sad to see a guy like Dougie go so soon.”