Doug Creek, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for nine seasons, died at the age of 55 on Sunday, July 28, 2024, due to complications from cancer. Creek’s death was reported by the local media in Martinsburg, West Virginia, his hometown.
Creek’s major league career spanned from 1995 to 2005, during which he played for seven different teams: the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers. He was known as a left-handed pitcher with a win-loss record of 7-14 and an earned run average (ERA) of 5.32 over 279 career games.
Vic Holmes, Creek’s high school coach, expressed his disbelief at the news of his former player’s passing. “It’s shocking,” Holmes told the Journal News.
Creek’s baseball journey began in his hometown of Martinsburg, where he was named the state baseball player of the year in 1987 by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. He played college baseball at Georgia Tech, becoming the school’s all-time winningest left-hander with over 40 victories. His outstanding performance at Georgia Tech earned him a place in the school’s Hall of Fame in 2000.
Creek was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1991 MLB Draft and debuted in the major leagues in 1995. Though primarily a reliever, Creek started three games for the Giants in 1997, including a significant matchup against the Oakland A’s where he struck out Mark McGwire twice. McGwire later commented on Creek’s performance, noting that he pitched a strong game and it wasn’t just about facing one batter. He emphasized that Creek did his job well and deserved recognition for his efforts.
In addition to his time in Major League Baseball, Creek played for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan’s Central League in 1998, achieving a 9-1 record before returning to the U.S. to pitch for the Cubs. His diverse career included playing under legendary managers like Lou Piniella and Dusty Baker. Reflecting on his time with Piniella, Creek mentioned that Piniella was the manager who inspired players to give their best effort. He noted that despite Piniella not being intimidating, he motivated players to perform well. Creek felt similarly about Dusty Baker.
After retiring from baseball, Creek transitioned into a new chapter of his life as a charter boat captain and competitive fisherman. He also shared his love for the game by running a baseball academy and helping young athletes develop their skills.
Scott Bullett, a high school teammate of Creek, remembered him fondly. “He was a good guy,” Bullett said. “It’s sad to see a guy like Dougie go so soon.”
Creek’s legacy in the baseball community remains strong, marked by his significant contributions on and off the field. His dedication, skill, and character left an indelible mark on those who knew him and watched him play.