Cliff Politte

Clifford Anthony Politte

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 185 lb.
• School University of Memphis, Jefferson College
• High School St. John Vianney High School (Kirkwood)
• Debut April 2, 1998
• Final Game July 15, 2006
• Born February 27, 1974 in St. Louis, MO USA

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Biographical Information

Pitcher Cliff Politte was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 54th round of the 1995 amateur draft and gradually rose through the team's farm system. After leaving Jefferson College, his spot in the school's rotation was filled by Mark Buehrle. He made the Cardinals' Opening Day lineup in 1998 and made eight starts before being optioned to AAA. After the season, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent two stints with the club in 1999, appearing in 17 games in relief. The next season, 2000, Politte worked as a starter and out of the bullpen for the Phillies and went 4-3 with a 3.24 ERA in eight starts. He missed the first half of the 2001 season due to an elbow injury but came back and pitched in 23 games out of the pen. Midway through the following season, 2002, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Dan Plesac. He spent part of 2003 as the Jays' closer, saving 12 games for them. After the season, he signed with the Chicago White Sox.

Politte had a terrific season with the World Series champion White Sox in 2005, with an ERA of 2.00. In the World Series, he appeared three times, with an ERA of 3.86. In 2006 though, he struggled, with an ERA around 8.70, and was released in mid-July.

Prior to his pro career, Politte played for the Cape Girardeau Capahas in the 1995 NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas.

Politte is the son of former minor league pitcher Clifford Politte.

Notable Achievements

• 1997 Pitcher of the Year Carolina League Prince William Cannons
• Won a World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 2005