Career Timeline of Madison Bumgarner: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Madison Bumgarner made an impact.

Madison Bumgarner, nicknamed "MadBum," is a left-handed pitcher, currently a free agent, who previously played for the San Francisco Giants (2009-2019) and Arizona Diamondbacks (2020-2023). His MLB career is highlighted by three World Series championships with the Giants, earning him recognition as one of the greatest World Series pitchers of all time. He's a four-time National League All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and holds the franchise record for most strikeouts by a Giants left-handed pitcher.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1900: Rare Feat

On August 18, in a 10–7 win over the New York Mets, Madison Bumgarner became the second pitcher since 1900 to allow a grand slam and then hit a go-ahead home run in the same inning.

1920: Pitching and Hitting Feat

On August 8, 2019, Madison Bumgarner became the first starting pitcher to have a hit and draw two or more walks at the plate while allowing one hit or fewer on the mound since 1920.

1920: Milestone Strikeout

On June 27, in a 1–0 walk-off win over the Rockies, Madison Bumgarner struck out DJ LeMahieu for his 1,500th career strikeout, becoming the fourth-fastest left-handed pitcher since 1920 to reach the milestone.

April 18, 1929: Historical Context of Home Run Record

On April 2, 2017, Madison Bumgarner became the first pitcher to hit two home runs on Opening Day as well as the fourth Giants pitcher and the first in the San Francisco Era to hit a home run on Opening Day, joining Mickey Welch (May 1, 1884), Larry Benton (April 18, 1929), and Johnny Antonelli (April 17, 1956).

April 17, 1956: Historical Context of Home Run Record

1957: Matching Jeffcoat

On August 18, 2016, Madison Bumgarner became the second pitcher since 1900 after Hal Jeffcoat of the 1957 Cincinnati Redlegs to allow a grand slam and then hit a go-ahead home run in the same inning.

1961: Joining the List

On April 2, 2017, Madison Bumgarner became the fourth player to strikeout 10 batters and hit two home runs in a game since the mound moved to its current distance in 1893, joining Rick Wise (1971), Pedro Ramos (1963) and Milt Pappas (1961).

1963: Joining the List

1967: Pinch-Hit Double

On July 31, during Cain's 100th win, Madison Bumgarner pinch-hit for Cain and hit an opposite-field leadoff double, becoming the first Giants pitcher to record a pinch-hit double since Ray Sadecki did so in 1967.

1971: Joining the List

1973: Rare Case of a Pitcher Bating

On June 30, Madison Bumgarner was used as a batter instead of a designated hitter at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum, marking only the fifth time since the creation of the designated hitter rule in 1973 that a pitcher batted in that way.

1976: First Pitcher to Bat in AL Stadium

On June 30, Madison Bumgarner was used as a batter instead of a designated hitter at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum, marking the first time a pitcher batted for himself at the beginning of a game at an AL stadium since 1976.

1990: Walk Off

On September 25, Madison Bumgarner registered a pinch-hit walk-off RBI single, giving the Giants a 5–4 win over the Padres. It was Bumgarner's first career walk-off hit and the first by a Giants pitcher in twenty-eight years, since Don Robinson in 1990.

2001: Noah Lowry Drafted by the Giants

In 2001, Noah Lowry was drafted as the first left-handed pitcher drafted in the first round for the San Francisco Giants before Madison Bumgarner was drafted in 2007.

2002: Matt Cain Drafted by the Giants

In 2002, Matt Cain was drafted as the first high school pitcher drafted in the first round for the San Francisco Giants since 2002, before Madison Bumgarner was drafted in 2007.

2007: Drafted by San Francisco Giants

In 2007, Madison Bumgarner was selected as the tenth overall pick in the MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants after his high school baseball career.

2007: Drafted by the Giants

In 2007, Madison Bumgarner was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

2008: Pitching for Augusta Greenjackets

In 2008, Madison Bumgarner pitched for the Augusta Greenjackets, working on his changeup, slider, and inside pitching.

September 8, 2009: MLB Debut

On September 8, 2009, Madison Bumgarner made his major league debut for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.

2009: Progression Through Giants Affiliates

In 2009, Madison Bumgarner advanced from the San Jose Giants to the Connecticut Defenders, showcasing his skills and earning promotions.

2009: MLB Debut with Buster Posey

In 2009, Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey both debuted in MLB, starting their careers with the San Francisco Giants.

2009: MLB Debut

In 2009, Madison Bumgarner debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the San Francisco Giants, establishing himself as a pitcher.

2009: Outdueling Chad Billingsley

On May 19, 2011, in a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Madison Bumgarner outdueled 2009 All-Star pitcher Chad Billingsley.

June 26, 2010: Called Up to the Giants

On June 26, 2010, Madison Bumgarner was called up to rejoin the San Francisco Giants, eventually getting his first Major League hit.

2010: Spring Training and AAA Assignment

In 2010, Madison Bumgarner attended the Giants' spring training, but struggled with velocity and was sent down to the AAA Fresno Grizzlies.

2010: Postseason Debut and World Series Win

In 2010, Madison Bumgarner made his postseason debut and won a World Series game, becoming the fourth-youngest pitcher to win a World Series game.

2010: World Series Victory

In 2010, Madison Bumgarner pitched eight scoreless innings in Game 4 of the World Series, contributing to the San Francisco Giants' victory.

2010: First World Series Championship

In 2010, Madison Bumgarner won his first World Series championship with the San Francisco Giants.

2010: Last Bullpen Appearance

Madison Bumgarner made an appearance out of the bullpen in Game 6 of the 2010 NLCS, and had not relieved since prior to Game 7 of the 2014 World Series

May 19, 2011: First Win of the Season

On May 19, 2011, Madison Bumgarner earned his first win of the 2011 season despite a challenging start and an ERA of 3.71.

April 17, 2012: Contract Extension with Giants

On April 17, 2012, Madison Bumgarner and the Giants agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $35.56 million through the 2017 season, solidifying his future with the team.

2012: Improved Holding Runners

In 2012, Madison Bumgarner conceded 27 stolen bases but improved to only 8 in 2013 showing great improvement.

2012: Another World Series Performance

In 2012, Madison Bumgarner pitched seven scoreless innings in Game 2 of the World Series, continuing his impressive postseason record.

2012: Second World Series Championship

In 2012, Madison Bumgarner secured his second World Series championship as part of the San Francisco Giants.

2013: Career Bests in ERA, WHIP and Strikeouts

In 2013, Bumgarner set career bests for ERA (2.77), WHIP (1.03), and strikeouts (199) in 31 starts, finishing with a 13–9 record. He also threw over two hundred innings for the third consecutive season (201+1⁄3) and improved at holding runners on base. He finished in ninth place in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.

2013: Shutout Innings Against Dodgers

In 2013, Madison Bumgarner threw eight shutout innings against the Dodgers, showcasing his pitching prowess.

2013: First All-Star Selection

In 2013, Madison Bumgarner was selected to represent the National League in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his first career All-Star selection. Although on the roster, he did not play in the game.

March 31, 2014: First Opening Day Start

On March 31, 2014, Madison Bumgarner made the first Opening Day start of his career at Chase Field in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which the Giants won 9-8.

October 1, 2014: NL Wild Card Game Shutout

On October 1, 2014, Madison Bumgarner pitched a four-hit shutout while striking out 10 batters in the NL Wild Card Game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, advancing the Giants to the NLDS.

October 11, 2014: Postseason Scoreless Innings Record

On October 11, 2014, Madison Bumgarner threw 7+2⁄3 shutout innings in Game 1 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, setting a major league postseason record with 26+2⁄3 consecutive postseason scoreless innings on the road.

October 16, 2014: NLCS MVP Award

On October 16, 2014, after striking out five and limiting the Cardinals to three runs in eight innings, Madison Bumgarner was named the NLCS MVP after Travis Ishikawa hit a walk-off home run in the ninth to win the game 6–3 and clinch the Giants' five-game victory over the Cardinals.

October 21, 2014: World Series Game 1 Win

On October 21, 2014, Madison Bumgarner won Game 1 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, striking out five and allowing only one run in seven innings.

October 26, 2014: World Series Game 5 Shutout

On October 26, 2014, Madison Bumgarner pitched a complete-game shutout in Game 5 of the World Series, becoming the first San Francisco Giants pitcher to do so in a World Series game since Jack Sanford in 1962.

October 29, 2014: World Series Game 7 Save

On October 29, 2014, Madison Bumgarner pitched five scoreless innings in relief in Game 7 of the World Series, earning his first career save and helping the Giants win their third title in five seasons.

2014: Lowest Career World Series ERA

By the end of the 2014 World Series, Madison Bumgarner set the all-time MLB record for lowest career World Series ERA (0.25) among pitchers of at least twenty-five innings pitched and three starts.

2014: Career High in Wins

For the 2014 MLB regular season, Madison Bumgarner set a career high in wins with 18, posting an 18–10 record, a 2.98 ERA, and 219 strikeouts. He finished fourth in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.

2014: Postseason Strikeout Record

For the 2014 Postseason, Madison Bumgarner had a San Francisco Giants single postseason record 45 strikeouts, and he pitched a Major League record 52+2⁄3 total innings in a single postseason.

2014: Bumgarner's World Series heroics

In 2014, Bumgarner had World Series heroics, which inspired Tim Hall to write "Outlaw Southpaw".

2014: Third World Series Championship & Silver Slugger Award

In 2014, Madison Bumgarner achieved his third World Series championship and won his first Silver Slugger Award.

2014: World Series MVP

In 2014, Madison Bumgarner led the Giants to their third World Series win, earning the Most Valuable Player award for his outstanding performance.

2014: Most Games Started

In 2014, Madison Bumgarner started 39 games, the most by a Giants pitcher since Ron Bryant in 1973, and pitched 270 total innings, also the most since Bryant.

2014: Second All-Star Selection

In 2014, Madison Bumgarner was selected for his second straight All-Star Game, but he was unavailable to pitch due to having pitched two days prior. His friend Tim Hudson replaced him.

2014: Batterymates Hit Grand Slams

On July 13, 2014, Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner became the first batterymates in MLB history to hit grand slams in the same game in an 8-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

May 4, 2015: Scoreless Innings Against Padres

On May 4, 2015, Madison Bumgarner pitched 7+1⁄3 scoreless innings and struck out six batters in a 2–0 win over the Padres. He had a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

2015: Consistent Performance

In 2015, Madison Bumgarner matched his career-high by winning 18 games, showcasing his consistent performance.

2015: Opening Day Win

In 2015, Madison Bumgarner started for the Giants on Opening Day, April 6, holding the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run and earning the win.

2015: Career Highs and Silver Slugger Award

In 2015, Madison Bumgarner tied his career high in wins with eighteen, posting an 18–9 record, a 2.93 ERA, and also set career highs with a .667 win percentage, 218+1⁄3 innings pitched and 234 strikeouts. He was named the winner of the 2015 National League Silver Slugger Award at pitcher and finished in sixth place in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.

2015: Second Silver Slugger Award

In 2015, Madison Bumgarner won his second Silver Slugger Award, adding to his accolades.

April 6, 2016: Bumgarner's article published on The Players' Tribune

On April 6, 2016, Madison Bumgarner's article "All In a Day's Work" was published on The Players' Tribune.

2016: Career-High Strikeouts

In 2016, Madison Bumgarner achieved a career-high 251 strikeouts, accompanied by a 15-9 record.

2016: Strikeout Records and 100th Career Win

In 2016, Madison Bumgarner achieved his thirtieth career double-digit strikeout game, surpassing Mathewson for second place in Giants franchise history. On September 20, 2016, Bumgarner broke Cy Seymour's Giants' record for strikeouts in a single season by a left-handed pitcher. On September 30, 2016, Bumgarner picked up his 100th career win against the Dodgers.

2016: Opening Day Start and Consecutive Starts Streak

In 2016, Madison Bumgarner made the Opening Day start for the Giants, lasting only five innings but earning the win. From April 20 to June 20, 2016, Bumgarner allowed two earned runs or fewer in 12 consecutive starts, tying Fred Anderson for the third-longest streak in Giants history since 1913.

April 2, 2017: Opening Day Feat and Injury

On April 2, 2017, in his fourth consecutive Opening Day start, Madison Bumgarner struck out 11 and hit two home runs, becoming the fourth player to strikeout 10 batters and hit two home runs in a game since 1893. His season was abruptly interrupted by his first stint on the disabled list beginning April 21 after he suffered injuries to his throwing shoulder and ribs in a dirt bike accident.

2017: Contract Extension Through 2017

In April 17, 2012, Madison Bumgarner signed a contract extention with the Giants through 2017.

2018: Contract Option Exercised

After the 2017 season, the Giants exercised Madison Bumgarner's 2018 contract option worth $12 million.

2018: Option for 2018

In 2012, Bumgarner's contract included options for 2018.

March 28, 2019: Fifth Opening Day Start

On March 28, 2019, with his fifth career Opening Day start, Madison Bumgarner joined Marichal as the only pitchers to make at least five Opening Day starts for the San Francisco era Giants.

November 4, 2019: Free Agency

Madison Bumgarner became an unrestricted free agent at 12:01 a.m. EDT on November 4, 2019, and was contacted by multiple teams.

December 15, 2019: Signing with the Diamondbacks

On December 15, 2019, it was reported that Madison Bumgarner would sign a five-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $85 million.

2019: Uncertain Future and Manager Retirement

During the offseason, there were speculations and many questions about Madison Bumgarner's future with the club as his contract was set to expire at the end of the 2019 season. Also, Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced that he would be retiring following the conclusion of the 2019 season.

2019: Option for 2019

In 2012, Bumgarner's contract included options for 2019.

2019: Signs with Diamondbacks

In 2019, Madison Bumgarner led the NL in games started and, after becoming a free agent, signed a five-year contract with the Diamondbacks.

2019: Contract Option Exercised

On October 29, the Giants exercised Madison Bumgarner's 2019 contract option worth $12 million.

July 24, 2020: Diamondbacks Debut

On July 24, 2020, Madison Bumgarner made his Arizona Diamondbacks team debut as their Opening Day starting pitcher against the San Diego Padres.

2020: Joins Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2020, Madison Bumgarner joined the Arizona Diamondbacks after playing for the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2019.

April 25, 2021: Near No-Hitter and Player of the Week

On April 25, 2021, Madison Bumgarner pitched seven no-hit innings in a game shortened to seven innings, but was not credited with a no-hitter. Bumgarner won the National League Player of the Week Award for the week of April 19–25.

June 22, 2022: 2,000th Career Strikeout

On June 22, 2022, Madison Bumgarner struck out Luke Voit for his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming the eighth-fastest left-handed pitcher in terms of innings pitched to reach the milestone.

2023: Rangers win the American League pennant and World Series

In 2023, Bruce Bochy managed the Texas Rangers to win the American League pennant over the Houston Astros and subsequently won the World Series over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to Game 7 of the ALCS, Madison Bumgarner offered his services to Bochy via text.

2023: Release from Diamondbacks

In 2023, Madison Bumgarner struggled in four starts for the Diamondbacks and was designated for assignment on April 20, 2023, and released by the team on April 26, 2023.