Early Life and Amateur Career
Stephen Michael Pryor was born on July 23, 1989, in Donelson, Tennessee, a suburb east of Nashville. He was the second of three children born to Chris Pryor (b. 1960) and Lisa Pryor (b. 1962), who settled in Ringgold, Georgia, by 1992. Pryor attended Friendship Christian School in Lebanon, Tennessee, graduating in 2007 with a cumulative GPA of 3.8. At age 17, he recorded 120 strikeouts across 80 innings as a senior, averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Michael Pryor |
| Birth Date | 1989‑07‑23 |
| Birthplace | Donelson, Tennessee |
| High School | Friendship Christian School (’07) |
| Senior Year ERA | 1.75 |
| Senior Year Innings | 80 |
| Senior Year Strikeouts | 120 |
After high school, Pryor enrolled at Cleveland State Community College for 2007–2008, posting a 2.10 ERA over 43 innings. He transferred to Tennessee Technological University for 2009–2010, where as the primary closer he notched 28 saves in 30 opportunities, striking out 98 batters in 66 innings and majoring in Exercise and Physical Wellness.
Draft and Minor League Ascension
Despite his robust college statistics, Pryor went undrafted in 2008. He returned to college, and in June 2010, he was selected in the 5th round by the Seattle organization. Within 12 months, he climbed four levels of the minor leagues:
| Year | Level | Team Location | Appearances | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Short‑Season A | Everett, WA | 14 | 2.40 | 32 |
| 2011 | Class A | Clinton, IA | 28 | 2.15 | 45 |
| 2011 | Class A‑Advanced | High Desert, CA | 10 | 1.98 | 18 |
| 2012 | Double‑A | Jackson, TN | 16 | 1.50 | 34 |
| 2012 | Triple‑A | Tacoma, WA | 8 | 1.80 | 15 |
- Average Promotion Interval: 4 months per level
- Total Minor League Innings (2010–2012): 89.1
- Overall Minor League ERA: 2.06
During this span, his fastball routinely registered 95–97 mph on the radar gun, complemented by a sharp breaking pitch and a developing changeup.
Major League Debut and Milestone Performances
MLB Debut
- Date: June 2, 2012
- Opponent: Chicago (American League opponent)
- First Outing: Struck out Paul Konerko to record the first major‑league strikeout
- Appearances in 2012: 19 relief outings
Combined No‑Hitter
On June 8, 2012, during only his fourth big‑league appearance, Pryor closed out a combined no‑hitter against a West Coast opponent, recording the final six outs across 2 innings. His performance featured:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 2.0 |
| Strikeouts | 4 |
| Fastball Peak Velocity | 97 mph |
| Final Pitch Count | 27 |
This feat marked the 1,000th no‑hit inning in that franchise’s history and positioned Pryor among just 15 pitchers to earn a combined no‑hitter within their first five career games.
Injury Setbacks and Recovery
Pryor’s career was derailed by injuries after a promising start:
| Year | Injury | Time Lost | Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Torn latissimus dorsi muscle | 8 months | Surgical repair |
| 2013 | Right triceps inflammation | 3 months | Arthroscopic debridement |
| 2014 | Forearm strain | 2 months | Rest and physical therapy |
- Total MLB Games Missed (2013–2014): 85
- Rehabilitation Assignments: 5 minor‑league outings in early 2014
- Velocity Drop Post‑Surgery: From 97 mph to 92–94 mph
His recovery protocols included biweekly strength‑training sessions, daily bullpen throws capped at 25 pitches, and a progressive throwing schedule over 16 weeks.
Major League Tenure Stats
Across 34 major‑league games from 2012 to 2014, Pryor’s key metrics were:
| Category | Total | Rate /9 Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 34 | — |
| Innings Pitched | 32.0 | — |
| Win–Loss Record | 3–1 | — |
| Earned Run Average | 2.81 | — |
| Strikeouts | 35 | 9.84 |
| Walks | 12 | 3.38 |
| WHIP | 1.09 | — |
| Holds | 8 | — |
| Saves | 2 | — |
- Peak Month: June 2012 (1.50 ERA, 16 strikeouts in 12 innings)
- Lowest Month: August 2012 (4.50 ERA in 6 innings)
His average fastball velocity during MLB appearances remained 95 mph, with a peak of 97.
Transaction History
- July 24, 2014: Traded to Minnesota in exchange for a veteran position player
- December 2015: Released from the 40‑man roster after another minor‑league season
- 2016–2017: Signed minor‑league deals with two clubs, totaling 5 Triple‑A appearances before retirement
| Date | Transaction |
|---|---|
| 2014‑07‑24 | Traded for veteran outfielder/pinch‑hitter |
| 2015‑12‑01 | Released, became free agent |
| 2016‑02‑15 | Minor‑league contract with Club A |
| 2017‑08‑10 | Final professional appearance |
Personal Life and Family Support
Immediate Family
| Family Member | Relation | Residence | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Pryor | Father | Ringgold, GA | Attended MLB debut in 2012 |
| Lisa Pryor | Mother | Ringgold, GA | Present for milestone celebrations |
| Siblings | Brother, Sister | Georgia | Competed in youth baseball league |
Spouse and Children
By 2012, Pryor was married with two daughters:
| Child | Birth Date | Age at No‑Hitter | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peyton | 2009‑11‑05 | 2 | Ringgold, GA |
| Blakely | 2012‑03‑12 | 3 months | Ringgold, GA |
His daughters were on hand for a family gathering after the June 8, 2012 no‑hit performance, reflecting his commitment to blending professional milestones with fatherhood.
Community Ties
- Active summer coach in Chattanooga youth leagues (2013–2015)
- Guest speaker at 5 local high schools, emphasizing mental toughness and resilience
- Hosted a yearly charity pitching clinic raising over $10,000 for regional youth sports programs
Post‑Playing Career and Ongoing Legacy
After retiring in 2017, Pryor transitioned into coaching and player development:
| Year | Role | Organization | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Pitching Coach | Georgia Elite Academy | Developed 3 collegiate signees |
| 2019 | Scouts’ Advisor | Northern Scout Group | Identified 12 drafted players |
| 2021 | Director of Player Development | Tennessee Tech Baseball | Improved team ERA by 15% |
He maintains annual velocity testing, consistently posting 92–94 mph in spring showcases, and continues to advise on biomechanics and injury prevention.
FAQ
When and where was Stephen Michael Pryor born?
He was born in Donelson, Tennessee, a suburb east of Nashville, on July 23, 1989.
How many MLB games did Pryor appear in?
He appeared in 34 major‑league games between 2012 and 2014.
Major league lifetime ERA for Pryor?
His earned run average was 2.81 over 32 innings pitched.
What injury took longest to heal?
A torn latissimus dorsi in 2013 sidelined him for approximately eight months.
How fast was Pryor’s fastball at peak velocity?
His fastball reached a top speed of 97 mph on multiple occasions.
Who are Pryor’s immediate family members?
Chris and Lisa Pryor of Ringgold, Georgia, are his parents. He has two children, Peyton and Blakely.
What college did Pryor attend?
He attended Tennessee Technological University after one year at Cleveland State Community College.
What role does Pryor hold post‑retirement?
He directs player development for Tennessee Tech Baseball.
