Topic: Kyle McClellan

Kyle William McClellan (born June 12, 1984 in Florissant, Missouri) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. He attended Hazelwood West High School. After graduating from high school, McClellan was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 25th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.

McClellan signed with the Cardinals and made his professional debut with St. Louis' rookie franchise in Johnson City. He started out as a relief pitcher but in 2003 and 2004 pitched exclusively as a starting pitcher. In 2005, McClellan made appearances out of the bullpen again, and as he advanced through the Cardinals Single-A and Double-A farm teams, he returned to full-time relief pitching.

In 2008, after a strong spring training, McClellan made the Cardinals' major league roster. McClellan is only the second player from St. Louis' 2002 draft to make the big leagues. He was the major league leader in holds through August with 29 and finished the season tied for second in the majors with 30.