Topic: Roy Oswalt

Roy Edward Oswalt ( /ˈoʊzwɑːlt/; born August 29, 1977 in Weir, Mississippi) is an American Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympic gold medalist who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. Oswalt, a slender six-foot right-handed starting pitcher, is currently in his eleventh major league season. He spent the first nine and a half years of his career in the Houston Astros organization.

Oswalt is currently considered to be among the elite pitchers in the National League. After completing nine years (2001–2009), Oswalt has compiled an 137–70 record with a 3.23 ERA and a 3.58 strikeout-to-walk ratio (1473 – to – 418) in 1803.1 innings pitched. He posted a 20–12 record in 2005 with a 2.94 ERA, repeating his 20-win performance of 2004. He was the ace of a Houston Astros staff that included Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. He is also a three-time All-Star. On August 29, 2006, Oswalt's 29th birthday, he signed a five year extension with the Houston Astros totaling $73 million with an option for a 6th year.

Oswalt grew up in Weir, Mississippi, the son of Billy Oswalt, a logger and a Vietnam veteran. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Nicole, and together they have two daughters. When they were children, he and Nicole played T-ball against one another. At Weir High School, Oswalt played defensive back and wide receiver on the football team, which won a state title his senior year. He graduated in a class with 32 students.