1. Early Life and Background
1.1. Childhood and Education
Eric Hacker was born in Duncanville, Texas, where he also attended Duncanville High School. During his high school years, he was actively involved in American football, playing as a quarterback for the school team. However, in his senior year, he suffered a foot injury during the second game of the season. This injury, despite some colleges showing interest in him as a football player, ultimately led him to shift his focus entirely to baseball. As a senior, he was recognized for his pitching skills, earning a spot on the third-team Class 5A All-State roster.
1.2. Personal Life
Hacker married his wife, Christine, in November 2008. The couple resides in Southlake, Texas, and has a daughter named Cali Marie and a son named Elston Landry. Outside of baseball, Hacker is an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and also supports his hometown team, the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball. His hobbies include fishing and pool.
2. Amateur Career and Draft
2.1. High School Baseball
As a pitcher for Duncanville High School, Eric Hacker demonstrated considerable talent, culminating in his selection to the third-team Class 5A All-State team during his senior year. This recognition highlighted his potential in baseball, especially after an injury in American football led him to concentrate on the sport.
2.2. MLB Draft
Following his successful high school career, Eric Hacker was selected by the New York Yankees in the 23rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
3. Professional Career (USA)
3.1. New York Yankees Organization
Hacker began his professional career in 2002 with the GCL Yankees in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, making three appearances. In 2003, he pitched in seven games (five starts) for the GCL Yankees, achieving a 3-2 record with a 2.86 ERA over 28 1/3 innings, recording 26 strikeouts and seven walks. He also made two starts for the Staten Island Yankees of the Class A short-season New York-Penn League, where he posted a 1.00 ERA. During his time with the GCL Yankees, he was roommates with future NFL quarterback Brandon Weeden, and the two maintained contact.
His progress was interrupted by injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004, causing him to miss the entire season. In 2005, pitching for the Charleston RiverDogs of the Class A South Atlantic League, Hacker was named to the league's All-Star team. He threw eight shutout innings in a 1-0 victory on July 2, but was placed on the disabled list the next day due to right shoulder inflammation, missing the remainder of the season. In 10 starts, he had a 5-2 record with a 1.60 ERA over 62 innings. He missed the entire 2006 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery.
Hacker returned in 2007 with Charleston, posting a 9-2 record with a 2.56 ERA in 17 starts. He also pitched for the Tampa Yankees of the Class A advanced Florida State League (FSL), recording a 3-3 record in nine games (seven starts). He concluded the season with one win in a single appearance for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees of the Class AAA International League (IL).
In 2008, Hacker started with the Tampa Yankees, earning FSL Pitcher of the Week honors from April 8 to 14 after 14 scoreless innings. With a 2-2 record and a 1.87 ERA in nine starts, he was promoted to the Trenton Thunder of the Class AA Eastern League on May 28. In 17 starts for the Thunder, he had a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA. He contributed to the Thunder's Eastern League championship, securing two wins with a 1.54 ERA in the playoffs.
In 2009, Hacker participated in his first spring training with the Yankees but was sent to the minors on March 8. He began the season with Trenton, then was promoted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. On May 9, he was designated for assignment to make room for Brett Tomko on the 40-man roster.
3.2. Pittsburgh Pirates
On May 16, 2009, Eric Hacker was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Rómulo Sánchez. He was assigned to the Indianapolis Indians of the International League, where he was named IL Pitcher of the Week from August 3-9, winning both his starts and striking out 14 hitters. He posted a 5-5 record with a 4.02 ERA in 21 starts for Indianapolis.
Hacker was called up to the major leagues for the first time on September 8, 2009, after the IL season concluded. He made his MLB debut on September 22, allowing two runs in one inning in a 10-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched scoreless innings in his subsequent two appearances against the Chicago Cubs and the Reds. In total, Hacker made three appearances for the Pirates, recording no decisions, a 6.00 ERA, one strikeout, and two walks over three innings pitched. He was outrighted on November 6 and became a minor league free agent on November 9.
3.3. San Francisco Giants
Hacker signed with the San Francisco Giants on December 18, 2009. He spent the entire 2010 season with the Fresno Grizzlies of the AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL). He had a remarkable stretch, winning eight consecutive decisions from July 4 to August 20. In 29 starts, he achieved a 16-8 record with a 4.51 ERA, 129 strikeouts, and 62 walks over 165 2/3 innings. His 16 wins led the PCL, the highest total since 1995. He tied for the PCL lead in starts and ranked among the top six in innings pitched, ERA, and strikeouts. He became a free agent on November 6, 2010.
Hacker re-signed with the Giants in 2012. He was called up on April 27 to make his first career MLB start due to an earlier doubleheader. He allowed three runs and took the loss (his first career decision) but recorded seven strikeouts in six innings against the San Diego Padres. He was returned to Fresno after the game. Hacker was selected to the PCL All-Star Game in 2012. He was recalled on August 17 as a long reliever. In his three relief appearances, he allowed one run in each. He was optioned back to Fresno on August 25. With the Giants, he had an 0-1 record with a 5.59 ERA in four games (one start). In 26 games (25 starts) with Fresno, Hacker posted a 12-6 record with a 4.01 ERA, 103 strikeouts, and 43 walks over 150 1/3 innings. He tied for fourth in the PCL in wins and finished fourth in ERA. He was designated for assignment on September 4 and became a free agent four days later.
3.4. Minnesota Twins
On November 9, 2010, Hacker signed with the Minnesota Twins. After attending spring training, he was sent to the minors. He was called up to Minnesota on April 19, 2011, to serve as a long guy in the bullpen. He made his Twins debut that day, throwing two scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles. In his next game on April 27, he allowed one unearned run in 3 1/3 innings. He was optioned back to Triple-A Rochester after the game. On July 17, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster. With the Rochester Red Wings of the International League, Hacker had a 7-14 record with a 6.10 ERA in 26 games (25 starts). He tied for the league lead in losses and ranked among the league leaders in walks, runs allowed, and earned runs allowed. He became a free agent on October 4.
4. Professional Career (KBO League)
4.1. NC Dinos
Eric Hacker's KBO League career was primarily defined by his successful tenure with the NC Dinos, where he became a cornerstone of their pitching staff.
4.1.1. Signing and Early Seasons (2013-2014)
On January 10, 2013, Eric Hacker signed with the NC Dinos as the third foreign player for their inaugural season in the KBO League. He was initially part of an "ACE trio" alongside fellow former MLB pitchers Charlie Shirek and Adam Wilk. However, Hacker experienced a challenging start to the season. In April, he struggled with his pitching motion, which was vulnerable to stolen bases, leading to a high 7.00 ERA and three losses in four games. This poor performance led to him being sent down to the "C team" (minor league equivalent). After making adjustments to his pitching delivery, he regained stability and began to perform as an inning eater. Despite his improved 3.63 ERA, he often suffered from a lack of run support and bullpen struggles, finishing the 2013 season with a 4-11 record. On December 16, 2013, he re-signed with the Dinos for the 2014 season.
In 2014, Hacker recorded an 8-8 record. He started the season strong, achieving an 8-0 record until June 17, but then went winless in his next 17 appearances, finishing the season with eight consecutive losses. In the 2014 KBO League Semi-playoffs, he started Game 2 against the LG Twins on October 22, but was pulled after 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, two home runs, and three earned runs, taking the loss. On December 8, 2014, he re-signed with the Dinos for 500.00 K USD. From 2013 to 2014, his registered name in the KBO was 'Eric' (에릭Korean), but starting in 2015, due to the presence of another foreign player with the same first name, Eric Thames, he changed his registered name to 'Hacker' (해커Korean).
4.1.2. Peak Performance and Awards (2015)
The 2015 season was Eric Hacker's most successful in the KBO League. He was selected as a manager's recommendation for the KBO All-Star Game. On July 9, he earned his first double-digit win season in the KBO League by pitching six scoreless innings against the KT Wiz. On July 22, he recorded his 11th win and achieved his third consecutive season with over 100 strikeouts. He was named the KBO Player of the Month for August, posting a perfect 5-0 record with a remarkable 0.97 ERA over 37 innings. On October 1, he secured his 19th win of the season against the LG Twins. He finished the season leading the league in wins (19) and winning percentage (0.792), while also ranking second in innings pitched and ERA (3.13 ERA).
In the 2015 KBO League Playoffs, he started Game 1 on October 18, but struggled, allowing six hits and two home runs over four innings, taking the loss. He also lost Game 4, finishing the playoffs with two losses and a 6.75 ERA. Despite the playoff struggles, his dominant regular season earned him the KBO League Golden Glove Award for pitchers on December 8, 2015. On November 20, he re-signed with the Dinos for 900.00 K USD, alongside Eric Thames.
4.1.3. Later Seasons (2016-2017)
In 2016, Hacker was sidelined with elbow pain on May 17 and took paternity leave, returning to the roster in mid-July. On August 7, he achieved a rare feat by recording four strikeouts in a single inning against the Hanwha Eagles, becoming the seventh pitcher in KBO history to do so. In the 2016 KBO League Playoffs, he pitched well in Game 1 and Game 4, contributing to the Dinos' first-ever Korean Series appearance. He started Game 2 of the 2016 Korean Series, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing three earned runs, but took the loss. On December 26, 2016, Hacker re-signed with the Dinos for a total of 1.00 M USD (900.00 K USD salary, 100.00 K USD option), marking his fifth season with the team.
In the 2017 season, Hacker continued his consistent performance, achieving his third consecutive season with double-digit wins, finishing with a 12-7 record and a 3.42 ERA. He was a key player in the 2017 KBO League Semi-playoffs against the Lotte Giants, starting Games 1 and 5. He pitched a combined 13 1/3 innings, allowing only one earned run, and was named the Semi-playoff MVP. However, in the subsequent KBO League Playoffs against the Doosan Bears, he struggled in Game 3, allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings, taking the loss. After the 2017 season, the Dinos decided not to re-sign him.
4.2. Nexen Heroes
On June 20, 2018, Eric Hacker returned to the KBO League, signing a 300.00 K USD contract with the Nexen Heroes to replace the injured Esmil Rogers. He recorded five wins during his stint with the Heroes. However, after the season, the Heroes signed Eric Jokisch, leading to Hacker's departure from the team.
Overall, Eric Hacker spent six seasons in the KBO League, compiling a record of 61-37 (0.622 winning percentage) with a 3.66 ERA and 675 strikeouts.
5. Pitching Style
Eric Hacker's pitching repertoire consists of four primary pitches: a fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup. Early in his minor league career, he primarily relied on only his fastball and slider. However, he later developed the curveball and changeup, which, according to former pitching coaches like Ray Searage, helped him keep hitters "off balance." He is noted for his deliberate pitching motion out of the windup. In his early KBO career, his pitching motion was susceptible to stolen bases, which led him to make adjustments to his delivery.
6. Post-Baseball Career
After retiring from professional baseball, Eric Hacker transitioned into the real estate industry. As of 2022, he is active as a real estate agent with the HACKER PROPERTY GROUP.
7. Controversies
On May 27, 2015, during a game against the Doosan Bears, a bench-clearing brawl erupted involving Eric Hacker and Oh Jae-won. Hacker reportedly told Oh Jae-won to "Get in the box" after a groundout, which Oh Jae-won misinterpreted as an insult. During the ensuing confrontation, a baseball was thrown towards Hacker. Initially, umpire Jang Min-seok was ejected, but it was later determined that Min Byung-heon had thrown the ball. Min Byung-heon received a three-game suspension and 40 hours of youth baseball community service. Additionally, Hong Sung-heon was fined 1.00 M KRW for entering the field as a non-roster player and engaging in the physical altercation. Hacker and Oh Jae-won later reconciled before their next game.
8. Career Statistics
| Year | Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | HLD | IP | H | HR | BB | IBB | SO | HBP | BK | WP | R | ER | TBF | WHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | PIT | MLB | 0 | 0 | 6.00 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 2.00 | |
| 2011 | MIN | MLB | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 1.50 | |
| 2012 | SFG | MLB | 0 | 1 | 5.59 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9.2 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 45 | 1.66 | |
| MLB Totals: 3 Years | 0 | 1 | 4.00 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18.0 | 22 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 81 | 1.67 | |||
| KBO League | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | NC | KBO | 4 | 11 | 3.63 | 27 | 26 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 178.1 | 163 | 12 | 50 | 1 | 127 | 17 | 0 | 5 | 83 | 72 | 744 | 1.19 | |
| 2014 | NC | KBO | 8 | 8 | 4.07 | 30 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 172.2 | 169 | 14 | 62 | 0 | 112 | 14 | 0 | 5 | 86 | 78 | 749 | 1.34 | |
| 2015 | NC | KBO | 19 | 5 | 3.13 | 31 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 204.0 | 174 | 14 | 36 | 1 | 164 | 25 | 0 | 6 | 81 | 71 | 833 | 1.03 | |
| 2016 | NC | KBO | 13 | 3 | 3.45 | 23 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 140.2 | 132 | 14 | 31 | 0 | 119 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 57 | 54 | 587 | 1.16 | |
| 2017 | NC | KBO | 12 | 7 | 3.42 | 26 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 160.1 | 159 | 14 | 29 | 1 | 97 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 64 | 61 | 672 | 1.17 | |
| 2018 | NEX | KBO | 5 | 3 | 5.20 | 14 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 79.2 | 86 | 16 | 30 | 0 | 56 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 49 | 46 | 349 | 1.46 | |
| KBO Totals: 6 Years | 61 | 37 | 3.67 | 151 | 148 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 935.2 | 883 | 84 | 238 | 2 | 675 | 85 | 3 | 29 | 420 | 382 | 3934 | 1.20 | |||
9. Uniform Numbers
Eric Hacker wore several uniform numbers throughout his professional baseball career across different teams:
- 17 (2009, Pittsburgh Pirates)
- 61 (2011, Minnesota Twins)
- 52 (2012, San Francisco Giants)
- 38 (2013, NC Dinos)
- 34 (2014-2016, NC Dinos)
- 8 (2017, NC Dinos)
- 00 (2018, Nexen Heroes)