Mark Kelly (minors01)

Mark Andrew Kelly

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 4", Weight 200 lb.

• High School Corpus Christi College

• Born April 18, 1984 in Perth, Western Australia Australia

BR register page

Biographical information

Mark Kelly pitched in the Philadelphia Phillies system in 2005 and 2006.

Kelly debuted in the 2004 Claxton Shield with the Western Australia Heelers, allowing 4 hits, 4 walks and 5 runs in 2 2/3 IP at age 19. In 2005, he was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two games in the Shield competition. In his US debut that year, he had a 2-1, 3.27 record for the GCL Phillies, saving one game. In 22 innings, he struck out 28 batters. In 2006, he had a 0-1, 4.50 record for the Batavia Muckdogs, walking 10 in 14 innings. He also pitched one game for each the Lakewood Blue Claws and GCL Phillies. In 2007, Kelly went to the Kalamazoo Kings and was 1-1 with 9 saves and a 3.41 ERA, striking out 44 but walking 25 in 37 innings.

He was 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in the 2008 Claxton Shield and got the call in the finals against the New South Wales Patriots. He turned in a gem, beating Pitcher of the Year Tim Cox by throwing a one-hit shutout. Only Gavin Fingleson connected successfully and Kelly struck out 7 against a lineup with several current and former US pros, including former California League batting titlist Brendan Kingman. Kelly was named 2008 Claxton Shield MVP for his efforts.

Kelly was less effective in the 2008 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament. He allowed 6 runs in 3 2/3 innings, getting knocked around by South Korea and pitching well against Spain. Australia failed to make it to the 2008 Olympics.