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Joel Hanrahan's professional baseball career began when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 2000 MLB draft, immediately after accepting a scholarship to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan turned down a scholarship to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to enter the 2000 MLB draft, where he was selected in the second round, not the first.
Joel Hanrahan was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Iowa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Iowa, as detailed in his biographical information.
Prior to the 2000 MLB draft, Joel Hanrahan was ranked as the 70th-best prospect in the nation by Baseball America.
Answer: True
Explanation: Baseball America ranked Joel Hanrahan as the 70th-best prospect nationally prior to the 2000 MLB draft.
Joel Hanrahan's childhood ambition, as stated in first grade, was to become a professional basketball player.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's childhood ambition, as stated in second grade, was to become a Major League ballplayer, not a professional basketball player.
In 2004, while with the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, Joel Hanrahan, a pitcher, notably hit a home run against the Tucson Sidewinders.
Answer: True
Explanation: While playing for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s in 2004, Joel Hanrahan, a pitcher, hit a home run against the Tucson Sidewinders.
What is Joel Hanrahan's full name and birthdate?
Answer: Joel Ryan Hanrahan, born on October 6, 1981
Explanation: Joel Ryan Hanrahan was born on October 6, 1981, as stated in his biographical information.
Where was Joel Hanrahan born?
Answer: Des Moines, Iowa
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was born in Des Moines, Iowa, as indicated in his biographical details.
What significant decision did Joel Hanrahan make after graduating from Norwalk High School?
Answer: He chose to enter the 2000 Major League Baseball draft, turning down a college scholarship.
Explanation: After graduating high school, Joel Hanrahan decided to forgo a college scholarship and enter the 2000 Major League Baseball draft.
Which team initially drafted Joel Hanrahan in the 2000 MLB draft?
Answer: Los Angeles Dodgers
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 2000 MLB draft.
Which minor league team did Joel Hanrahan play for in 2004, where he also hit a home run?
Answer: Las Vegas 51s
Explanation: In 2004, Joel Hanrahan played for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, where he notably hit a home run.
Joel Hanrahan was primarily known as a starting pitcher throughout his MLB career, only briefly transitioning to a relief role in his final season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was primarily known as a relief pitcher, transitioning from an initial starting role to become a closer for multiple teams.
Hanrahan's Major League Baseball debut occurred in 2007 with the Washington Nationals, and his last appearance was in 2013 as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's Major League Baseball debut was on July 28, 2007, with the Washington Nationals, and his final MLB appearance was on May 6, 2013, with the Boston Red Sox.
Joel Hanrahan achieved exactly 50 career saves and was selected as an All-Star three times during his MLB career.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan recorded 100 career saves and was selected as an All-Star twice, not three times.
During his MLB career, Joel Hanrahan played for the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan played for the Washington Nationals (2007-2009), Pittsburgh Pirates (2009-2012), and Boston Red Sox (2013) during his Major League Baseball career.
Joel Hanrahan became a free agent after the 2007 season, subsequently signing with the Washington Nationals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan became a free agent after the 2006 season and signed with the Washington Nationals on November 6, 2006, prior to the 2007 season.
In his MLB debut for the Washington Nationals, Joel Hanrahan allowed three runs over six innings, struck out seven, and hit a triple.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his Major League debut for the Washington Nationals, Joel Hanrahan allowed three runs over six innings, struck out seven batters, and hit a triple.
Joel Hanrahan secured his first Major League victory on August 4, 2007, against the St. Louis Cardinals, contributing with a two-run double.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan earned his first Major League victory on August 4, 2007, against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he also hit a two-run double.
Joel Hanrahan was named the closer for the Washington Nationals in early 2008 after the team acquired Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was named the closer for the Washington Nationals in late 2008, following the trades of Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala, not after their acquisition.
Joel Hanrahan represented Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, joining the team after an injury to BJ Ryan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan represented Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, joining the roster after BJ Ryan sustained an injury.
Joel Hanrahan was traded from the Washington Nationals to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that sent Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to the Nationals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was traded from the Washington Nationals to the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 30, 2009, in a deal that sent Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to the Nationals.
Joel Hanrahan recorded an unusual win for the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 9, 2009, in a game he had started for the Nationals before being traded.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan recorded an unusual win for the Washington Nationals on July 9, 2009, in a game completed after he had already been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Joel Hanrahan secured the closer role for the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of the 2010 season due to his high strikeout rate, striking out 100 batters in 69 2/3 innings.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan secured the closer role for the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of the 2010 season, attributed to his high strikeout rate of 100 batters in 69 2/3 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle named Joel Hanrahan as the team's opening day closer for the 2012 season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle named Joel Hanrahan as the team's opening day closer for the 2011 season, not the 2012 season.
Joel Hanrahan received the Cy Young Award in June 2011 for his outstanding pitching performance.
Answer: False
Explanation: In June 2011, Joel Hanrahan received the Delivery Man of the Month Award, not the Cy Young Award, for his pitching performance.
During his 2011 All-Star season, Joel Hanrahan recorded a career-high 40 saves and an ERA of 1.83.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his 2011 All-Star season, Joel Hanrahan recorded career-best statistics, including 40 saves and a 1.83 ERA.
Joel Hanrahan signed a one-year, $4.1 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January 2012 to avoid arbitration.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 2012, Joel Hanrahan signed a one-year, $4.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to avoid salary arbitration.
Joel Hanrahan was selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2011 and 2012, with Andrew McCutchen joining him on the National League roster in 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was an MLB All-Star in both 2011 and 2012, and in 2012, he was joined by his Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Andrew McCutchen on the National League roster.
At the time of his second All-Star selection in 2012, Joel Hanrahan led the National League in saves with 20.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the time of his second All-Star selection in 2012, Joel Hanrahan was third in the National League in saves with 20, not leading the league.
Which of the following was Joel Hanrahan's primary role as a professional baseball player?
Answer: Relief pitcher
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's primary role in professional baseball was that of a relief pitcher, particularly as a closer.
When did Joel Hanrahan make his Major League Baseball debut?
Answer: July 28, 2007
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan made his Major League Baseball debut on July 28, 2007, with the Washington Nationals.
What were Joel Hanrahan's career MLB saves total?
Answer: 100 saves
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan concluded his Major League Baseball career with a total of 100 saves.
Which team did Joel Hanrahan play for from 2009 to 2012?
Answer: Pittsburgh Pirates
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2009 to 2012, a significant period of his Major League career.
How many times was Joel Hanrahan selected as an MLB All-Star?
Answer: Twice
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was selected as an MLB All-Star twice during his career, in 2011 and 2012.
When did Joel Hanrahan become a free agent after his tenure with the Dodgers?
Answer: After the 2006 season
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan became a free agent after the 2006 season, concluding his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
What was Joel Hanrahan's contribution in his first Major League victory on August 4, 2007?
Answer: He allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings and hit a two-run double.
Explanation: In his first Major League victory on August 4, 2007, Joel Hanrahan pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run, and also hit a two-run double.
Why was Joel Hanrahan named the closer for the Washington Nationals in late 2008?
Answer: Following the trades of Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala.
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was named the closer for the Washington Nationals in late 2008 after the team traded away Jon Rauch and Luis Ayala.
What international baseball event did Joel Hanrahan participate in for Team USA?
Answer: World Baseball Classic
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan represented Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Who did the Washington Nationals receive in the trade that sent Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Answer: Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett
Explanation: In the trade that sent Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Washington Nationals received Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett.
What was the unusual circumstance surrounding Joel Hanrahan's win for the Nationals on July 9, 2009?
Answer: He recorded a win for the Nationals in a game completed after he was traded to the Pirates.
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan recorded a win for the Washington Nationals on July 9, 2009, in a game that was completed after he had already been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
What recognition did Joel Hanrahan receive in June 2011 for his pitching performance?
Answer: Delivery Man of the Month Award
Explanation: In June 2011, Joel Hanrahan was recognized with the Delivery Man of the Month Award for his exceptional pitching.
What were Joel Hanrahan's career-best statistics during his 2011 All-Star season?
Answer: 40 saves and a 1.83 ERA
Explanation: During his 2011 All-Star season, Joel Hanrahan achieved career-best statistics, including 40 saves and a 1.83 ERA.
Which Pittsburgh Pirates teammate joined Joel Hanrahan on the National League All-Star roster in 2012?
Answer: Andrew McCutchen
Explanation: In 2012, Andrew McCutchen, a teammate from the Pittsburgh Pirates, joined Joel Hanrahan on the National League All-Star roster.
What was Joel Hanrahan's ranking in National League saves at the time of his second All-Star selection in 2012?
Answer: Third
Explanation: At the time of his second All-Star selection in 2012, Joel Hanrahan ranked third in the National League with 20 saves.
Joel Hanrahan was traded to the Boston Red Sox on December 26, 2012, in a deal that sent Jerry Sands and Mark Melancon to the Pirates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was traded to the Boston Red Sox on December 26, 2012, in a multi-player deal that included Jerry Sands and Mark Melancon going to the Pirates.
Joel Hanrahan achieved his 100th career save on May 2, 2013, in a victory over the New York Yankees, marking his first save since returning from the disabled list.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan achieved his 100th career save on May 2, 2013, in a victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, not the New York Yankees.
Joel Hanrahan underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013 due to a damaged flexor tendon in his right elbow, which ended his season with the Red Sox.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in 2013 due to a damaged flexor tendon in his right elbow.
Joel Hanrahan's final statistical line for the 2013 season with the Boston Red Sox included a 4-1 record and 15 saves.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's final statistical line for the injury-shortened 2013 season with the Boston Red Sox was an 0-1 record with four saves and a 9.82 ERA.
Joel Hanrahan signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Detroit Tigers in May 2014 but was unable to play due to ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Detroit Tigers in May 2014 but could not play that season due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Joel Hanrahan was released by the Detroit Tigers in March 2015 after being diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, requiring a second surgery.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was released by the Detroit Tigers in March 2015 after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, requiring a second Tommy John surgery.
Joel Hanrahan formally announced his retirement from professional baseball on November 15, 2016.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan formally announced his retirement from professional baseball on November 15, 2016, following multiple elbow surgeries.
What was the primary injury that led to Joel Hanrahan undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in 2013?
Answer: Damaged flexor tendon in his right elbow
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in 2013 due to a damaged flexor tendon in his right elbow.
When did Joel Hanrahan achieve his 100th career save?
Answer: May 2, 2013
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan achieved his 100th career save on May 2, 2013, while pitching for the Boston Red Sox.
What was Joel Hanrahan's win-loss record for the Boston Red Sox in the injury-shortened 2013 season?
Answer: 0-1
Explanation: In his injury-shortened 2013 season with the Boston Red Sox, Joel Hanrahan recorded an 0-1 win-loss record.
Why was Joel Hanrahan unable to play for the Detroit Tigers in 2014 after signing a contract?
Answer: He was still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was unable to play for the Detroit Tigers in 2014 as he was still undergoing recovery from Tommy John surgery.
What ultimately led to Joel Hanrahan's release from the Detroit Tigers in March 2015?
Answer: Diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament requiring a second Tommy John surgery.
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan was released by the Detroit Tigers in March 2015 following a diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating a second Tommy John surgery.
When did Joel Hanrahan formally announce his retirement from playing professional baseball?
Answer: November 15, 2016
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan formally announced his retirement from professional baseball on November 15, 2016.
Joel Hanrahan's pitching repertoire primarily consisted of a four-seam fastball and a curveball.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's primary pitching repertoire consisted of a four-seam fastball and a slider, not a curveball.
Joel Hanrahan's four-seam fastball typically ranged from 96–99 mph and was once clocked at 102 mph.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's four-seam fastball typically ranged from 96–99 mph and was recorded at 102 mph on one occasion.
After transitioning to a bullpen role, Joel Hanrahan's fastball speed decreased, and he began to use a changeup more frequently.
Answer: False
Explanation: After transitioning to a bullpen role, Joel Hanrahan's fastball speed significantly increased, and he phased out the changeup by 2010.
Joel Hanrahan's use of a changeup increased throughout his career, becoming a key pitch by 2010.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's use of a changeup decreased throughout his career, and he had stopped throwing it altogether by 2010.
What are the two primary pitches that characterized Joel Hanrahan's exclusive repertoire?
Answer: Four-seam fastball and slider
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's pitching repertoire was primarily characterized by his four-seam fastball and a slider.
What was the highest recorded speed of Joel Hanrahan's four-seam fastball?
Answer: 102 mph
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan's four-seam fastball was once recorded at a maximum speed of 102 mph.
How did Joel Hanrahan's use of a changeup evolve after his transition to a bullpen role?
Answer: He phased it out completely by 2010, focusing on his fastball and slider.
Explanation: After transitioning to the bullpen, Joel Hanrahan gradually phased out his changeup, ceasing to throw it by 2010 to concentrate on his fastball and slider.
After retiring, Joel Hanrahan's first coaching role was as the pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Power.
Answer: False
Explanation: After retiring, Joel Hanrahan's first coaching role was as the assistant pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Black Bears, not the pitching coach for the West Virginia Power.
What was Joel Hanrahan's initial coaching position after retiring from playing?
Answer: Assistant pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Black Bears
Explanation: After retiring from playing, Joel Hanrahan's initial coaching position was as the assistant pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Black Bears.
What was Joel Hanrahan's coaching promotion within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization on January 17, 2018?
Answer: Pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Power
Explanation: On January 17, 2018, Joel Hanrahan was promoted to pitching coach for the Class A West Virginia Power within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
When did Joel Hanrahan conclude his coaching tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization?
Answer: December 14, 2021
Explanation: Joel Hanrahan concluded his coaching tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization on December 14, 2021.
What coaching role did Joel Hanrahan assume with the Washington Nationals organization in 2022?
Answer: Pitching coach for the Fredericksburg Nationals
Explanation: In 2022, Joel Hanrahan assumed the role of pitching coach for the Fredericksburg Nationals within the Washington Nationals organization.
What was Joel Hanrahan's most recent coaching assignment announced for the 2024 season?
Answer: Pitching coach for the rookie league FCL Nationals
Explanation: For the 2024 season, Joel Hanrahan's most recent coaching assignment is as the pitching coach for the rookie league FCL Nationals.