History of Mark Appel in Timeline

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Mark Appel

Mark Stewart Appel is a former professional baseball pitcher from the United States. The Houston Astros selected him with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB) for a short period before becoming a free agent.

July 15, 1991: Birth of Mark Appel

Mark Stewart Appel was born on July 15, 1991.

2009: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

Mark Appel was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2009 but opted to attend Stanford University instead.

2009: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers, Chooses Stanford

The Detroit Tigers drafted Mark Appel in the 15th round of the 2009 MLB draft, but he chose to attend Stanford University.

2010: Plays for the Newport Gulls

During the summer of 2010, Mark Appel played for the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

2011: Sophomore Year at Stanford and Cape Cod League

Mark Appel had a 6-7 win-loss record with a 3.02 ERA in his sophomore year at Stanford in 2011 and played summer baseball with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

July 13, 2012: Draft Deadline Passes, Remains at Stanford

Mark Appel did not sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates before the July 13, 2012 deadline and continued to play at Stanford.

2012: National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's Pitcher of the Year

In 2012, Mark Appel was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's Pitcher of the Year.

2013: Drafted by the Houston Astros

In 2013, Mark Appel was drafted by the Houston Astros as the first overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.

2013: Professional Debut and Promotion to Quad Cities

Mark Appel made his professional debut in July 2013 with the Tri-City ValleyCats and was later promoted to the Quad Cities River Bandits, marking the first time two consecutive first overall draft picks played for the same minor league team.

2014: Appendectomy and Spring Training

Mark Appel underwent an appendectomy in January 2014 and started for the Astros in their final spring training game.

December 12, 2015: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 12, 2015, Mark Appel was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

2015: All-Star Futures Game and Promotion to Fresno Grizzlies

In 2015, Mark Appel was chosen to represent the Astros at the All-Star Futures Game and was promoted to the Fresno Grizzlies.

2015: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

In 2015, Mark Appel was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

May 2016: Shoulder Injury

Mark Appel was placed on the disabled list in May 2016 due to a shoulder injury.

June 29, 2016: Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

Mark Appel underwent season-ending surgery on his elbow on June 29, 2016.

2016: Added to Phillies 40-Man Roster

The Phillies added Mark Appel to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season.

November 20, 2017: Designated for Assignment by the Phillies

On November 20, 2017, the Phillies designated Mark Appel for assignment.

February 1, 2018: Appel Steps Away from Baseball

Mark Appel announced he was stepping away from baseball on February 1, 2018.

February 2018: Appel Steps Away from Baseball

Mark Appel announced his retirement from baseball in February 2018 at the age of 26.

March 2021: Appel Attempts a Comeback

Mark Appel began his attempt to make a comeback to baseball in March 2021.

March 2021: Comeback Attempt with the Reading Fightin Phils

Mark Appel began his comeback attempt in March 2021 with the Reading Fightin Phils.

June 2022: Major League Debut

Mark Appel made his Major League debut in June 2022.

2022: Returns to Lehigh Valley

Mark Appel returned to Lehigh Valley to start the 2022 season.

January 24, 2023: Re-signs with Phillies Organization

On January 24, 2023, Mark Appel re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization on a minor league contract.