Topic: Brian Bannister

Brian Patrick Bannister (born February 28, 1981 in Scottsdale, Arizona) is a starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball.

Bannister is a devout Christian and the oldest son of former Major League All-Star pitcher Floyd Bannister, who pitched from 1977-1992 with Houston, Seattle, Chicago (AL), Kansas City, California, and Texas. His uncle, Greg Cochran, also played in the Yankees' and Athletics' minor league systems. His brother Brett spent time as a pitcher in the Mariners' system, and his brother Cory pitches at Stanford. Brian and Brett are both members of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He is married and has one daughter, Brynn, who was born in the 2008 offseason.

Bannister was born in Scottsdale, Arizona. He had a remarkable high school career at Chaparral High School, former home of Chicago White Sox star Paul Konerko, as he was named All-Region and All-City in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Chaparral was the runner-up to the state title in 1997 and 1998, but in Bannister's senior year, he helped take home the state championship by striking out seven of the nine batters he faced in the championship game.