Chad had a stellar career at Effingham High School. He finished with a 20-3 career record. The 6’3” right-hander struck out 258 batters in 170 innings and was voted team MVP his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He was a three-time All-Apollo Conference player. He was also first team all-state his senior year and a finalist for the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.
After high school, Chad attended the University of Louisville. In three years there, he compiled a 16-6 record on the mound and set the school record with a 2.38 career ERA. The Cardinals earned a berth in the 2013 College World Series and Chad was the starting pitcher in Game 1.
That same year, he was drafted in the 11th round by the Detroit Tigers. In 2015, he was traded to Yankees. Like thousands of other players, Chad spent the first few seasons in the minor leagues, playing for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, West Michigan Whitecaps, Erie Seawolves and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate.
Chad made his Major League debut on May 14, 2016, when he took the mound at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. He was initially a starting pitcher, but has now settled in and become a valuable member a Yankees bullpen, considered one of the best in baseball.
He has a career 19-11 record. He has appeared in 169 games. In 259 total innings, Chad has struck out 347 batters and sports a 3.16 ERA. Last year, after a slow start, he finished 4-4 with a 4.17 ERA. He appeared in 54 games and struck out 98.
“It was a weird season for me, but I learned a lot,” Chad noted. “Things didn’t start well at all. It was the worst I threw the ball in my whole career. And on that stage, your struggles are magnified.
“But the last few months was the best I had ever thrown,” the 28-year-old added. “I learned about who I am as a pitcher and what I need to do to pitch every day at a high level.”
The Yankees were already considered one of the best teams in baseball. But after recently signing right-hander Gerrit Cole to a $324 million contract, many analysts now tab them the team to beat and favorites to win the World Series.
“I’m excited to get to know him,” Chad said. “He will bring a lot to our team. Watching him pitch every five days and learning from him is something I’m looking forward to. He’s gone from being a very good pitcher to being an elite pitcher; probably the best pitcher in baseball.”
But even with Cole added to the staff, the goal of the Yankees hasn’t changed.
“From Day 1 in spring training, all we talk about is winning the World Series,” Chad explained. “And we should have a good chance. As long as we stay healthy, we have one of the best rosters in baseball.”
Chad said he and his wife, Jenna (Daugherty), who now live in Louisville, KY, have enjoyed being back in Effingham, reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories.
He also liked seeing some young fans in the stands wearing Yankees jerseys.
“I definitely saw a few of those,” Chad said. “It’s cool coming home and knowing that local people are watching and rooting for you.”
As Sid Kibler said at the end of the presentation – “On behalf of the Effingham Hearts community, thank you Chad for making us all proud and keep up the good work.”
