The St. Louis Cardinals were always held in high regards for their ability to churn out pitchers from a deep prospect pool, and perhaps none were more exciting than the "Phenom," Rick Ankiel. A second-round pick out of high school, Ankiel impressed immediately in the minor leagues, setting up high expectations for his future in St. Louis.
With a big fastball and curveball that made hitters (and umpires) look foolish, Ankiel pushed all the way to Triple-A in his first full professional season, doing so at the ripe old age of 19. He did not stall there, however, as the big lefty forced his way onto the major league roster for the last month of the 1999 major league season.