Keith Creel – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Keith Creel’s name might not show up in baseball’s Hall of Fame, but his path from high school phenom to a Major League pitcher feels like a story so many young athletes know all too well. Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 4, 1959, Creel grabbed national attention as one of the country’s most dominant high school pitchers, then kept that momentum going at the University of Texas.

Keith Creel walked away from Major League Baseball in 1987 after five seasons, pitching for the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers. The righty, who went fourth overall in the 1980 MLB Draft, finished his career with a 5-14 record, a 5.60 ERA, and 80 strikeouts over 160 pro games. He wrapped things up with the Texas Rangers, pitching just 9.2 innings in his final season.

Creel’s story stretches from his record-breaking high school days to a short but interesting run in the majors. He experienced both the thrill of the game and the harsh realities of life as a pro athlete.

His journey through the minors, memorable moments in the big leagues, and what came after baseball all offer a glimpse at what it’s really like chasing that diamond dream.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Keith Creel was born February 4, 1959, in Dallas, Texas. He grew into one of the most dominant high school pitchers Texas has ever seen.

At Duncanville High School, Creel’s talent shined, and he parlayed that into a strong college career at the University of Texas.

Background and Family

Keith Creel arrived in Dallas, Texas, in the late 1950s. Growing up around Dallas, he felt the pull of a strong baseball culture that would shape his future.

His family backed his athletic dreams early on. The Creel family’s love for sports didn’t stop with Keith—his niece, Kadi Creel, went on to play basketball at the University of Houston and later coached in Duncanville.

Creel sharpened his pitching in Texas high school baseball, which is no joke. The state’s tough programs gave him both great training and plenty of competition.

Duncanville High School Athletics

At Duncanville High, Creel became one of Texas’s most successful high school pitchers. Between 1974 and 1977, he racked up an incredible 55 wins.

That win total lands him 6th all-time for most victories by a Texas high school pitcher. It’s a testament to how steady and dominant he was through all four years.

On March 22, 1977, Creel pitched 15 innings against Irving High School and struck out 26 batters. He threw nearly 250 pitches that day—honestly, that’s almost unimaginable now.

The Oakland Athletics took notice and drafted him in the 2nd round of the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft right out of Duncanville. But Creel decided college was the better move.

University of Texas Baseball Achievements

Creel became a star pitcher for the University of Texas, bringing his dominant pitching to the college level. His time with the Longhorns really cemented his reputation.

During his Texas years, Creel picked up the skills that made major league scouts pay attention. He was already seen as a top prospect by the time the draft rolled around.

The Kansas City Royals picked Creel fourth overall in the first round of the 1980 draft. That’s a pretty big endorsement of his talent.

His college success acted as the launchpad for his pro career. With both high school and college dominance, he entered the 1980 MLB Draft as one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects.

In 2005, Duncanville ISD honored Creel by naming him to their inaugural Hall of Honor.

MLB Draft and Entry to Professional Baseball

Keith Creel found his way into pro baseball after a few draft opportunities, finally signing with the Kansas City Royals as a high first-round pick. Moving from college star to pro prospect was a big leap, and expectations were sky-high.

Draft History and Selection

Creel’s road to professional baseball had a few twists. The Oakland Athletics drafted him in the 2nd round of the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft while he was still at Duncanville.

He turned them down and chose to play for the University of Texas instead. That gamble paid off for his draft position.

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked him 6th overall in the 1st round of the 1980 MLB January Draft, Secondary Phase. Still, he didn’t sign.

The Kansas City Royals finally landed Creel with their 1st round, 4th overall pick in the 1980 MLB June Amateur Draft. That high selection showed just how much teams valued his talent.

Landing at number four overall, Creel proved that MLB organizations saw him as a premium arm. The Royals clearly believed in his potential.

Joining the Kansas City Royals Organization

The Kansas City Royals signed Keith Creel as one of their top prospects after grabbing him with the 4th pick in 1980. Born in Dallas, Texas, Creel was 21 when he entered the Royals’ farm system.

He spent about two years working his way through the minors before making his MLB debut. He first appeared in the majors on May 25, 1982, at age 23.

The Royals saw his college track record and right-handed pitching as a big asset. They invested a lot in his development, hoping he’d become a key part of their pitching staff.

Stepping from college to pro baseball was a huge milestone for Creel. That move set him up for his big-league debut with Kansas City.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Keith Creel’s MLB career ran from 1982 to 1987. He finished with a 5-14 record and a 5.60 ERA over 55 games for three different teams. Drafted fourth overall by the Royals in 1980, Creel just couldn’t quite meet the lofty expectations in the majors.

Kansas City Royals Tenure

Creel debuted in the big leagues on May 25, 1982 for the Kansas City Royals at 23. That first season showed a bit of promise, though the results were mixed. He went 1-4 with a 5.40 ERA in nine games.

The next year, 1983, was rougher. Creel pitched in 25 games for Kansas City, starting 10. He finished with a 2-5 record and a 6.35 ERA.

His stats during those Royals years:

• 1982: 41.2 innings, 25 walks, 13 strikeouts
• 1983: 89.1 innings, 35 walks, 31 strikeouts

The Royals tried him as both a starter and reliever. But Creel struggled with control, walking 60 batters in 131 innings. His WHIP of 1.672 really showed the command issues.

Cleveland Indians Experience

After missing the 1984 season, Creel joined the Cleveland Indians in 1985. Statistically, this was his best MLB season.

He appeared in 15 games for Cleveland, starting eight. He posted a 2-5 record and a 4.79 ERA, his best in the majors.

His control got better with the Indians. Creel struck out 31 and walked 23 in 62 innings, for a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.35—much better than his Kansas City numbers.

Key 1985 stats:

• 62 innings pitched
• 4.79 ERA (career best)
• 31 strikeouts, 23 walks
• 1.548 WHIP

Texas Rangers and Final MLB Season

Creel’s last MLB stint came with the Texas Rangers in 1987. He pitched strictly out of the bullpen, appearing in six games and making no starts.

He logged 9.2 innings for Texas, with a 4.66 ERA, five strikeouts, and five walks. That 1.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio showed decent control, even if the sample was small.

His final game happened on August 3, 1987, against the Boston Red Sox. Creel pitched one inning, gave up two hits and two walks, and allowed one earned run. That was it for his major league career at 28.

The Rangers mostly used him in middle relief. He finished two games, so the coaching staff must’ve had some trust in him, even if his role was limited.

Minor League Journey

Keith Creel spent seven seasons in the minors from 1980 to 1987. He finished with a 66-66 record and a 3.97 ERA over 160 games. His time in the minors took him through several organizations and levels, all in pursuit of that big-league breakthrough.

Notable Teams and Seasons

Creel kicked off his pro career with the Royals Blue in 1980 after Kansas City drafted him. He climbed through the Royals’ minor league system, playing for the Fort Myers Royals and Jacksonville Suns.

He kept moving up, pitching for the Omaha Royals, Kansas City’s top affiliate. Later, he played for the Maine Guides, and finished up with the Oklahoma City 89ers in 1987.

That 1987 Oklahoma City squad had a few future and former big leaguers, like Kevin Brown, Steve Howe, and Cecil Espy. Triple-A Oklahoma City was his last minor league stop.

Creel played in 160 minor league games. His 66-66 win-loss record really shows how steady he was, even as he bounced between teams and levels.

Development as a Professional Pitcher

Creel’s minor league numbers show he was a steady right-hander. A 3.97 ERA over seven years is nothing to sneeze at, especially with all the adjustments required at each level.

He came out of the University of Texas with high expectations. But making that leap from college to pro ball isn’t easy, and Creel had to work hard to translate his amateur success.

Creel moved through several organizations, a sign of the constant changes in minor league life. Still, sticking with it for seven seasons says a lot about his dedication.

His last minor league year in 1987 with Oklahoma City led right into his final MLB appearances. That marked the end of a long journey through the minors.

Pitching Style and On-Field Performance

Keith Creel’s big-league career ran from 1982 to 1987. Over that time, he shifted from a promising starter to more of a reliever. He had his moments, but also struggled with consistency, especially during his time with the Royals and Rangers.

Role Transition: Starter to Reliever

Creel started his pro career as a starter after going fourth overall to the Royals in 1980. He’d made his name at Texas as a top prospect with real upside.

But things changed as he moved through the majors. Teams bounced him between starting and relief roles, trying to get the most out of him. That’s a common challenge for pitchers who can’t quite lock in over longer outings.

His pitching style relied on a right-handed delivery and the skills that made him a college standout. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Creel worked to adapt as teams shifted his role.

Statistical Overview and Notable Games

Creel’s major league statistics really show the tough times he faced at the top. He finished with a career record of 5 wins and 14 losses, plus a 5.60 ERA. Those numbers didn’t quite match what folks usually expect from a first-round draft pick.

His last season in 1987 actually had some unforgettable moments. On July 19, 1987, pitching for the Texas Rangers, Creel took the mound in a wild 20-3 win over the New York Yankees. That night, Don Mattingly’s streak of home runs in seven straight games finally ended.

Career Highlights:

• MLB Debut: May 25, 1982 (Age 23)
• Final Game: August 3, 1987 vs. Boston Red Sox
• Teams: Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers
• Jersey Number: 42 (later retired for Jackie Robinson)

Baseball Almanac lists Creel in 6 big league games during his last season in 1987. On August 3, 1987, he made his final appearance against the Boston Red Sox. He pitched one inning, gave up two hits, and allowed one earned run.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After baseball, Keith Creel stayed close to his Texas roots. His family kept up their involvement in sports, and people still recognize his name at his old high school. He also left a mark with his impressive amateur achievements before he ever turned pro.

Contributions to Baseball

Keith Creel’s impact on baseball goes way beyond his short major league stint. His high school achievements at Duncanville High School still stand out in Texas baseball circles.

He sits at 6th on the all-time list for most wins by a high school pitcher. From 1974 to 1977, he racked up 55 victories. His most legendary game happened on March 22, 1977, when he pitched 15 innings against Irving High School.

Creel struck out 26 batters in that marathon. He threw close to 250 pitches, which honestly sounds exhausting. Back then, nobody really kept track of pitch counts.

His family’s sports story keeps going through his niece, Kadi Creel. She played basketball at the University of Houston and now coaches middle school hoops in Duncanville.

Recognition and Lasting Impact

In 2005, Creel finally got some formal recognition for his athletic achievements. That year, the Duncanville ISD Hall of Honor named him to its inaugural class.

They wanted to highlight his standout high school baseball career. It’s always nice to see those early days get some love.

Creel had a memorable moment in Yankees history too. On July 19, 1987, he pitched for the Texas Rangers during their wild 20-3 win over the New York Yankees.

He played a part in ending Don Mattingly’s streak of homering in eight straight games. That’s one of those weird baseball stats you don’t forget.

While he pitched for the Rangers, Creel wore number 42. MLB later retired that number across the league to honor Jackie Robinson.

Creel’s major league career didn’t last long. From 1982 to 1987, he played for the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers.