Topic: Doug Fister

Douglas Wildes Fister (born February 4, 1984) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. Fister bats left-handed, and throws right-handed. He was born in Merced, California and attended Golden Valley High School. For college, Fister attended Merced College, and later Fresno State University. Fister spent four seasons (2006–2009) in the Seattle Mariners minor league organization before being called-up by the Mariners in 2009.

Fister was born on February 4, 1984 to Larry and Jan Fister. Larry Fister is a fire captain who played football at Fresno State University from 1976 to 1977. Jan Fister is a homemaker. Fister has three siblings; his brother Jake, and his two sisters, Casey, and Wendy. Fister grew up in Merced, California where he recalls starting to play baseball at the age of "six or seven." He was a fan of the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants as a child. His favorite player was Cal Ripken, Jr. Fister also played soccer, football and basketball as a child. His middle name (Wildes) is "a family tradition" which he shares with his father and grandfather.

Fister attended Golden Valley High School. On the baseball team, Fister pitched, and was the team's utility player. He was a two-year letterman and a first-team All-Central California Conference selection his senior season. In his senior season, Fister batted .456 with one home run, and 12 RBIs. He also played basketball at Golden Valley High School, and lettered in that as well. In basketball, Fister was a first-team all-conference selection. Fister graduated in the same class at Golden Valley High School as professional catcher Dusty Ryan.