Big Three (Oakland Athletics)

The Big Three was a trio of Major League Baseball starting pitchers for the Oakland Athletics from 2000-2004. The Big Three consisted of Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito. Each pitcher in the Big Three was drafted by the Athletics and they played their first couple of years together with the Athletics before splitting up. The Big Three helped the Athletics win three AL West Division titles during their five years together.

Tim Hudson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics twice, first in the 35th round of the 1994 MLB Draft and then in the 6th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. Mark Mulder was selected by the Athletics with the #2 overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft. Barry Zito was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 59th pick of the 1996 MLB Draft and then again by the Texas Rangers in the round of the 1998 MLB Draft, but he did not sign with either team. Barry Zito would sign with the Athletics after they drafted him with the ninth overall pick of the 1999 MLB Draft.

Tim Hudson would make his MLB debut on June 8, 1999, where he would allow three runs in five innings as the Athletics lost to the San Diego Padres 5-3. He would record his first career win in his next start, which would occur on June 13, 1999 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tim Hudson would have an 11-2 record in his rookie season and he would finish 5th in voting for the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year Award.

Mark Mulder would make his MLB Debut on April 18, 2000, at 22 years of age and having played less than two years in the minors. Mark Mudler had a rough rookie season, as he 9-10 with a 5.44 ERA in his rookie year.

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