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In the post, Zito describes "euphoric highs and devastating lows" as part of his 15-year career after being drafted ninth overall out of USC in 1999.
When he was on top, the crafty southpaw dominated the American League, including a 23-5 campaign in 2002 to win the Cy Young. He earned three All-Star nods in Oakland, going 102-63 with a 3.58 ERA.
Zito then signed a monster contract to go across the Bay and pitch for the San Francisco Giants. While he struggled in his first couple years, he ultimately rebounded to help the club win the 2012 World Series. Overall in the postseason, Zito thrived, going 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA.
In terms of Trojan aces in the big leagues, Zito's 165 career wins rank third behind Hall of Famers Tom Seaver (311) and Randy Johnson (303). Those two legends are also the only other USC alums to win Cy Young awards.
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
