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Justin Lehr

Justin Lehr is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds, and in the KBO League for the Doosan Bears.

1. Early life

Justin Lehr's early life was centered in California, where he received his foundational education and began his baseball journey before turning professional.

1.1. Birth and early life

Lehr was born on August 3, 1977, in Orange, California. He completed his high school education at West Covina High School in West Covina, California.

1.2. Education and college baseball

Following high school, Lehr pursued his college education and continued his baseball career at the collegiate level. He played college baseball at both the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Southern California.

1.3. Collegiate summer baseball

In 1997, Lehr participated in collegiate summer baseball as part of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox and was recognized for his performance by being named a league all-star during his time there.

2. Professional career

Lehr's professional baseball career encompassed various teams and leagues, including stints in both Major League Baseball and the KBO League, marked by significant milestones and team affiliations.

2.1. Draft and minor leagues

Justin Lehr's professional career began when he was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 8th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. After several years in the Athletics organization, he was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers after the 2004 season. This transaction involved a trade with the Athletics, where Lehr and minor league outfielder Nelson Cruz were exchanged for infielder Keith Ginter.

2.2. Major League Baseball (MLB) career

Lehr's Major League Baseball career included playing for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. He accumulated a career Major League ERA of 5.37 across 77 games, primarily pitching in a relief role.

In 2007, Lehr spent time within the Seattle Mariners organization. A notable event occurred on February 4, 2007, during his start for Mexico in the Caribbean baseball series, where he gave up 5 runs while recording only one out, resulting in an ERA of 162.00 for that outing.

After signing a contract with the Cincinnati Reds, his contract was sold on May 24, 2008, to the Doosan Bears of the KBO. However, he re-signed with the Reds on August 7, 2008. At the end of the 2008 season, he became a free agent and subsequently signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 17, 2008. Lehr was later traded back to the Reds on May 23, 2009.

The 2009 season saw significant milestones for Lehr in MLB. On July 31, 2009, he made his first career major league start against the Colorado Rockies. Just a few days later, on August 5, 2009, Lehr achieved his first career shutout, pitching against the Chicago Cubs. He started 11 games for Cincinnati over the final two months of that year.

2.3. Overseas league career

Justin Lehr's international professional baseball experience included playing in the KBO League for the Doosan Bears. His contract with the Cincinnati Reds was sold to the Doosan Bears on May 24, 2008, marking his entry into the Korean professional league.