Name: Michael Justin Zagurski  
Born: January 27, 1983  Omaha,Nebraska  
Height: 6-0  Weight: 225  Bats: L  Throws: L  
High School: Millard North (Omaha,NE)  
College: University of Kansas, Hutchinson Community College 

The Phillies took Mike Zagurski, a four year senior out of Kansas University ,in the 12th round
of the 2005 draft.  A four year starter, the Phillies envisioned him as a reliever right away, 
mainly because of his competitive streak.  In his junior and senior seasons at Kansas, his 
numbers weren’t overly impressive, with a 4.81 ERA in 2004 and a 4.95 ERA in 2005, but those 
came as a starter.  He did strike out 182 batters in 185.2 innings pitched.  He stands at 6'0, 
225lbs, so while his body could be considered “sturdy”, he isn’t the most athletic guy on the team.

The Phillies however, were intrigued by his arm and upon signing, he was sent to Batavia. 
Zagurski made 15 appearances for Batavia in 2005, 8 of them starts, and posted below average 
numbers.  In 45 IP, he allowed 47 hits and 15 walks, while he struck out 43 batters, posting 
a 4.60 ERA.  The Phillies sent him to Lakewood for 2006 and he responded in his new role of a 
reliever.  In 56.1 IP, he allowed 46 hits and 22 walks, while striking out 75 and not allowing 
a single home run.  The drop in hit rate and the big rise in strikeout rate are very promising, 
though the walks are still a concern. 

When Zagurski was drafted, his fastball sat in the mid 80’s and hit the high 80’s at times.
He's increased its velocity to the high eighties, but that may not be enough, not to get major 
leaguers out consistently.  The Phillies called "Bronko" up to take the roster spot of injured 
closer Brett Myers.  It probably won't be a permanent stay, but it does give the Kansas native
the shot young players dream of.  In his first start as a Phillie, Zagurski worked 1 1/3 
innings on Saturday, needing just eight pitches to get his four outs.  He lived up to a 
reputation of throwing strikes and being aggressive. 

2007 season
Zagurski walked New York Mets pinch hitter Julio Franco, who made his major league debut 
for the Phillies the year before Zagurski was born, and retired San Francisco Giants outfielder 
Barry Bonds less than two weeks after being called up.  On the possibility of pitching to the 
potential future Hall of Famer, Zagurski had said, "Having an opportunity to face Bonds would 
be awesome.  I'm sure I would notice him, but he's still trying to hit the ball and I'm still trying to 
get him out, so I think the star-strucking will stop"  Zagurski has earned himself the nikename 
little kruk because of his round figure.  On June 7th , Zagurski won his first major league game 
as the Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the first-place New York Mets at Shea Stadium. 
Phillies color commentator Gary Matthews said Zagurski believed he had a place in the major 
leagues and that the young pitcher was "not at all in awe of being here." Phillies manager Charlie 
Manuel said after the game that Zagurski "has a future in the big leagues, and he definitely has 
a future with us.”  On July 15th, Zagurski pitched the entire ninth inning of the Phillies' 10,000th 
franchise loss. The game, which was carried nationally on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, saw 
the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Phillies 10-2.  On July 27th, Myers was activated from the 15-
day disabled list and the Phillies optioned Zagurski to the AAA Ottawa Lynx.  On August 15th,
Zagurski was recalled to the majors when starter Adam Eaton was placed on the 15-day disabled 
list.

2008 season
On April 3, Zagurski underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery.

2009 season
On April 25, Zagurski was recalled to AA Reading from Clearwater.  Zagurski will return to the 
Phillies for the 2010 season.

Find Mike Zagurski's minor league statistics - Courtesy, The Baseball Cube

Find Mike Zagurski's career statistics - Courtesy, Baseball Reference