Brad Gregory Ziegler, the one they also called “Unicorn,” was (is) a 6’4″, 220 lb. sidearmed right-hander from Pratt, Kansas. Born on October 10th, 1979, Ziegler was initially chosen in the 31st round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft by the Oakland Athletics. He’s the second native of Pratt to play in the majors, after William Marriott (IF, Chicago Cubs, Boston Braves, Brooklyn Robins, 1917-1927). Follow Ziegler on Twitter @bradziegler.
Instead of signing, Ziegler finished his college with Missouri State, going 12-2 with a 4.22 ERA in his senior season for the Bears. The performance moved him up 11 rounds, and the Philadelphia Phillies chose him in the 20th round in 2003, with the 595th overall selection.