In the News: Stephen Strasburg

In his MLB debut last night, 2008 Olympian Stephen Strasburg struck out 14 batters with fastballs reaching speeds of 100 mph, the most strikeouts in a major league debut since 1971.  Over the course of the evening, all nine players in the Pirates starting lineup struck out at least once and no batters were walked.  Strasburg allowed only four hits and two earned runs in the game.  Adding to the excitement of the night, Strasburg made his debut in front of a sold-out crowd. 

After the final out, Strasburg’s team, the Washington Nationals, celebrated their 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and Strasburg’s successful debut with three shaving cream pies to Strasburg’s face and an Elvis Presley wig.  This unusual celebration, in which teammates decide the player of the game and pie recipient, is a Nationals tradition.

Strasburg was the lone collegiate player selected for the Beijing 2008 Olympic baseball team.

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