Heath Michael Phillips (born March 24, 1982) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from Evansville, Indiana who played for the Chicago White Sox.
Central High School
Phillips was born and raised in Evansville and attended Central High School, graduating in 2000.
A left-handed pitcher, Phillips attracted the attention of professional scouts while at Central. The Chicago White Sox selected him in the 10th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft, making him the 292nd overall selection.
He later attended Lake City Community College in Florida, where he went 7-6 with a 3.09 ERA and 117 strikeouts. Phillips was also an accomplished hitter, batting .324 with six home runs, 24 doubles and 68 RBI.
Professional Career
Phillips signed with the White Sox organization in 2001 and spent several years working his way through their minor-league system.
His breakthrough came in 2006 with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Phillips went 13-5 with a 2.96 ERA and was named the International League’s Most Valuable Pitcher.
That same year, Phillips represented the United States national baseball team during Olympic qualifying competition, helping Team USA win the qualifying tournament in Cuba.
Phillips returned to Charlotte in 2007 and went 13-7 before receiving his first promotion to the Major Leagues.
Chicago White Sox
Phillips made his Major League debut on September 5, 2007, for the Chicago White Sox against the Detroit Tigers.
He appeared in six games for Chicago during September, all as a relief pitcher. Phillips finished his Major League career with a 1-1 record and 3.68 ERA in 7⅓ innings.
He continued pitching professionally after his time with Chicago, spending time in the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees organizations as well as independent and winter-league baseball.
Legacy
Phillips is one of a small group of Central High School graduates to reach Major League Baseball, joining other Central baseball standouts such as Andy Benes and Aaron Barrett.
From Central High School in Evansville to the Chicago White Sox, Phillips’ career included more than 1,300 minor-league innings, an International League Pitcher of the Year award, representing Team USA and ultimately reaching the Major Leagues.