5 Things to Know about Bruce Zimmermann; Loyola Blakefield grad to start Orioles home opener

Five things to know about Loyola Blakefield graduate Bruce Zimmermann, a left-handed pitcher who is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles when they play their first home game of the 2022 season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Monday, April 11, 3:05 p.m., against the Milwaukee Brewers.

What are Bruce Zimmermann’s hometown baseball and Catholic school ties?

Zimmermann, a Baltimore native who grew up in Ellicott City, attended The Cardinal Gibbons School in Baltimore as a high school freshman, but after the school closed, he transferred to Loyola Blakefield in Towson. He became a standout pitcher for the Dons and was selected to play in the Brooks Robinson All-Star Game, a senior showcase, at Camden Yards in 2013. He then pitched for two seasons for Towson University before transferring to Mount Olive in North Carolina.

Who was the last native Marylander to make an Opening Day start for the Orioles?

Mount St. Joseph High School graduate Tom Phoebus started for the O’s in 1968, defeating the Oakland Athletics, 3-1. Phoebus, who pitched a no-hitter in 1968 against the Boston Red Sox, pitched seven seasons in the majors with the Orioles, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres, compiling a 56-52 record with a 3.33 earned run average. Zimmermann also is believed to be only the second Loyola Blakefield player to make it to the majors, joining Tim Nordbrook, class of 1967, who played for the Orioles as a utility infielder, 1974-76.

When did Zimmermann make his major league debut?
He made his first career big-league start and appearance for the Orioles Sept. 17, 2020, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Zimmermann allowed five runs on four hits, with one walk and two strikeouts over three innings in that debut. The 27-year-old made his 2021 debut Easter Sunday in Boston, against the Red Sox.

What are Zimmermann’s career major league statistics?

Zimmerman has a 4-5 record with a 5.30 earned run average through parts of two seasons with the Orioles. He has started 14 games and appeared in relief twice for his hometown Birds, yielding 81 hits and 24 walks in 71 1/3 innings. He has struck out 63 batters.

How did the Orioles acquire Zimmermann?

Zimmermann was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB draft. In July 2018, the Orioles acquired Zimmermann in a trade for pitchers Kevin Gausman and Darren O’Day. In five minor league seasons with the Orioles and Braves organizations, Zimmermann has compiled a 19-16 record with a 3.21 earned run average.

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