George Friederich Sherrill (born April 19, 1977 in
Memphis, Tennessee) is a left-handed closer for the
Baltimore Orioles. Sherrill was not drafted after
graduating from Austin Peay State University.
Sherrill was a career player in the independent
leagues before finally getting an opportunity with
the Seattle Mariners.
Sherrill began his professional career in 1999 with
the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League. In
2001, he was traded to the Sioux Falls Canaries of
the Northern League. In 2002, he was traded to the
Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League.
In July 2003, Sherrill’s contract was purchased by
the Mariners. He played the balance of the season
for the Double-A San Antonio Missions, and was
selected as a Seattle representative for the Arizona
Fall League.
In 2004, he started the season with the Triple-A
Tacoma Rainiers making the AAA All-Star team.
However, he was not allowed to play in the All-Star
game since he was being promoted to the Mariners.
Sherrill made his MLB debut on July 16, 2004,
against the Cleveland Indians.
2007 was a breakout season for Sherrill; he posted
career numbers, with sub-2 ERA for most of the
season. With the 2006 injury of Mark Lowe, and the
trading away of Rafael Soriano during the off
season, Sherrill became the primary 8th inning
bridge to Mariners closer J.J. Putz.
On February 8, 2008, Sherrill was traded to the
Baltimore Orioles in a multi-player deal for Érik
Bédard. On March 18, 2008, Sherrill was named closer
for Baltimore Orioles.
