Mark Prior Biography
Mark Prior is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current coach born in San Diego, California, United States. He pitched for the team from 2002 to 2006 in a career that was marred by injuries as a onetime top prospect of the Chicago Cubs. In his prime, Prior repertoire of pitches included a mid-90s mph fastball, a changeup, and a curveball.
Prior is important because he was one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball during the early 2000s. He was a two-time All-Star and helped the Chicago Cubs reach the playoffs in 2003. Prior was also a role model for young pitchers and was known for his work ethic and competitiveness.
Prior was a role model for young athletes everywhere. He showed that it was possible to achieve your dreams through hard work and dedication. Prior was also a positive advocate for the game of baseball. He was always willing to give back to the community and was a great ambassador for the sport.
10 Quick Facts About Mark Prior
- Name: Mark Prior
- Age: 44 Years Old
- Birthday: September 7
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Baseball Pitcher and Coach
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: $3.65 million
- Net worth: $5 Million
Mark Prior Age
Prior is 44 years old. He was born on September 7, 1980, in San Diego, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on September 7, every year, and his birth sign is Virgo.
Mark Prior Height
Prior stands at a height of 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall.
Mark Prior Weight
Prior weighs 104 kg (230 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Prior was born on September 7, 1980, in San Diego, California, United States. He grew up in an athletic family; his father, Jerry, played college football for Vanderbilt University, and both of Mark’s older siblings played sports as well.
Prior attended the University of San Diego High School, where he was a standout pitcher. After high school, Prior attended the University of Southern California (USC). He continued to excel as a pitcher at USC, and he was named a first-team All-American in 2001.
Rise to Fame
Prior rose to fame quickly after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the second overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft. He made his major league debut on May 22, 2002, and he immediately impressed with his dominant pitching performance. Prior struck out 10 batters in 6.2 innings of work, and he earned the win in the Cubs’ 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mark Prior Parents
Prior was born in San Diego, California, United States as the son of Jerry Prior (father), and Millie Prior (mother). His father, Jerry, played college football for Vanderbilt University. His mother, Millie, was a vice principal at a middle school in San Diego, California.
Mark Prior Siblings
Prior spent his childhood alongside his two siblings; His brother Jerry III and his sister Millie. Jerry III is named after their father, and Millie is named after their mother.
Jerry III and Millie were both athletes as well. Jerry III played baseball in high school, and Millie played volleyball and basketball.
Mark Prior Wife
Prior is currently married to his lovely wife, Heather Gora. The couple did their wedding on on November 15, 2003, and togetehr they are blessed with three children; two daughters Amanda, Caitlin, and a son named Matthew.
Mark Prior Children
Mark together with his wife Heather Gora shares three children; two daughters Amanda, Caitlin, and a son named Matthew.
Mark Prior Salary
Prior is estimated to receive an annual salary of $3.65 million. He has accumulated this lucrative income through his successful career as a professional baseball pitcher and coach. Furthermore, it is known that Mark asked for a pay raise from his $3.65 million salary to $3.875 million.
Mark Prior Net Worth
Prior has an estimated net worth of $5 million dollars. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Baseball Pitcher and Coach. Through his various sources of income, Prior has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Mark Prior Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Prior.
Mark Prior Wiki
- Full Names: Mark William Prior
- Popular As: Mark Prior
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Baseball Pitcher and Coach
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Mark Prior Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 44 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Date of Birth: September 7, 1980.
- Place of Birth: San Diego, California, United States
- Birthday: September 7
Mark Prior Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be Updated
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m)
- Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: 11 (US)
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
Mark Prior Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Jerry Prior
- Mother: Millie Prior
- Siblings (Sisters/Brothers): Jerry III and Millie
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Husband: Married to Heather Gora
- Dating/Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Amanda, Caitlin, and Matthew
Mark Prior Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Salary: $3.65 million.
- Source of Income: Baseball Pitcher and Coach
Mark Prior House and Cars
- Place of living: To be Updated.
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated.
Career
Prior’s career was marred by injuries, but he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball during his prime. He pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2002 to 2006 and went 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA and 757 strikeouts in 572 innings pitched. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2002 and was an All-Star in 2003.
In 2003, Prior was even better than he was in his rookie season. He went 18-7 with a 2.50 ERA and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He was the frontrunner for the Cy Young Award in 2004 before he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. Prior attempted to come back in 2005 and 2006, but he was never the same pitcher. He was constantly battling injuries and his velocity and command were diminished.
Prior retired from baseball after the 2007 season. He is currently the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Prior traveled all over the United States and Canada during his career, playing in all 30 major league ballparks.
In 2003, he traveled to Japan to participate in a series of exhibition games between the Chicago Cubs and the Hanshin Tigers.
He finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2003.
Prior was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball during his prime. He had a mid-90s mph fastball, a sharp curveball, and a deceptive changeup.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
In 2005, Prior donated $1 million to the University of Southern California to establish the Mark Prior Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to USC students who are studying to become teachers.
Prior has also been involved in a number of other philanthropic and charitable endeavors, including supporting the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In 2018, Prior was named the ambassador for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. In this role, he works to promote the foundation’s mission to improve the lives of underserved youth in Los Angeles.
Mark Prior Dodgers
Prior is the current pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He joined the Dodgers coaching staff in 2015 as a special assistant to the general manager and was promoted to pitching coach in 2019.
Under Prior’s tutelage, the Dodgers have consistently had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. In 2022, the Dodgers led the majors in ERA (2.85), WHIP (1.08), and strikeouts (1,683).
Mark Prior Injury
Prior’s career was derailed by injuries. He suffered a number of shoulder injuries, including a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff. He also had elbow and wrist injuries.
Prior’s first major injury occurred in 2004, when he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. He returned in 2005, but he was never the same pitcher. He was constantly battling injuries and his velocity and command were diminished. He was released by the Cubs at the end of the 2006 season.
Prior attempted to come back in 2007, but he was unsuccessful. He retired from baseball after the season.
Mark Prior Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- 2001 Golden Spikes Award
- 2001 Dick Howser Trophy
- 2001 Baseball America College Player of the Year
- 2001 Rotary Smith Award
- 2000 Pac-10 Conference Pitcher of the Year
- 2× First-team All-American (2000, 2001)
Quotes
Final Thought
Prior is committed to using his platform to make a difference in the world. He is a role model for young people and his philanthropic and charitable work has had a positive impact on many lives.
Mark Prior Contacts
- Youtube
- TikTok
- Website
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