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Doug Creek, a nine-season veteran of Major League Baseball, ed away Sunday at the age of 55 due to colon cancer.
The left-handed pitcher played for seven teams during his career from 1995 to 2005, including the Cardinals, Giants, Cubs, Devil Rays, Mariners, Blue Jays, and Tigers.
Creek's high school coach, Vic Holmes, expressed his emotion at the news of his death, calling it "shocking."
In 1987, Creek was named the state baseball player of the year by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. He went on to play college baseball at Georgia Tech, where he became the school's all-time winningest left-hander, securing over 40 victories and earning a place in Georgia Tech's Hall of Fame in 2000.
Creek was drafted into the MLB and debuted in 1995
Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, Creek made his MLB debut in 1995 before being traded to the Giants during the offseason. Though primarily a reliever, he started three games with the Giants, earning his first career win against the A's in 1997, where he struck out Mark McGwire twice.
"He pitched a good game; it wasn't just one batter," McGwire said after the game.
"Give the pitcher some credit. He did his job."
In 1998, Creek played for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan, achieving a 9-1 record before returning to the US to pitch for the Cubs. Over his MLB career, Creek went 7-14 with a 5.32 ERA. He also had the opportunity to play for legendary managers Lou Piniella and Dusty Baker.
After his playing career, Creek became a charter boat captain, competed as an angler, and ran a baseball academy.
"He was a good guy," high school teammate Scott Bullett told the Journal News. "It's sad to see a guy like Dougie go so soon."