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John Nicklaus Hoover (December 22, 1962 – July 8, 2014) was the Major League Baseball No. 25 draft choice in the first round in 1984 (by Baltimore), after having led the nation in strikeouts in college baseball, pitching 205 strikeouts for Fresno State in his senior year.[1] Also in 1984 Hoover was a starting pitcher for the United States Olympic baseball team, winning the opening game and helping the US to win the silver medal for baseball.[2] His teammates on the Olympic team included Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Will Clark, and Oddibe McDowell.

John Hoover
Hoover in 1988
Pitcher
Born: (1962-12-22)December 22, 1962 Fresno, California
Died: July 8, 2014(2014-07-08) (aged 51) Fresno, California
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 23, 1990, for the Texas Rangers
Last MLB appearance
May 25, 1990, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	0–0
Earned run average	11.57
Innings pitched	4.2
Teams
Texas Rangers (1990)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  United States Olympics 1984 Los Angeles Team Pan American Games 1983 Caracas Team

In 1983, Hoover pitched the opening game at the IX Pan American Games, for an 8-0 victory over the Dominican Republic, helping to win the bronze medal for the United States team.[3]

Hoover played for the Texas Rangers in the 1990 season, but had a shortened pro-baseball career due to injuries sustained as a college player.[4] He died on July 8, 2014 apparently of natural causes.[5]

Prior to attending Fresno State, he attended Fresno High School, graduating in 1980 and Cooper Junior High School in Fresno, graduating in 1977.[6]

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference

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