About the Papelbons

Jonathan Papelbon is the oldest of the three Papelbon Baseball Brothers. Jonathan, now 26, grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., staring in baseball and football at Bishop Kenny High, pitching two no-hitters, before attending Mississippi State University. In 2002 Jonathan was drafted by Oakland As in the 40th round of the Major League Draft, but did not sign, electing to return to school for his junior season. At Mississippi State, Jonathan served as the Bulldogs closer, recording a 9-6 record with a 2.90 ERA and 13 saves in 61 career outings, placing 7th on the schools all-time saves list.

Jonathan was drafted again in 2003, this time in the fourth round by the Boston Red Sox. Jonathan chose to sign, and began his professional career with the Lowell Spinners. After a heavy workload that spring at Mississippi State, Jonathans work-load was limited, but he still managed to impress, striking out 9.9 batters per 9-innings. The following season Jonathan was transformed into a starting pitcher, earning Florida State League All-Star honors before moving up to Portland (AA) to start the 2005 season. In 2005 Jonathan shot through prospect charts. After going 5-2 with a 2.48 ERA in Portland, Jonathan was promoted to Pawtucket (AAA) where he continued to pitch well. By the end of the season, Jonathan was pitching out of the Red Sox bullpen and was on the playoff roster.

Since 2005, Jonathan has been a staple in the ninth inning for the Red Sox. As a rookie, Jonathan saved 35 games, compiling a 4-2 record with an astounding 0.92 ERA. Jonathan struck out 75 batters while walking just 13, finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, as well as being selected to the American League All-Star team. In 2007, Jonathan has been just as spectacular, again saving at least 30-games, again being selected to the AL All-Star team.

Joshua Papelbon is the submarine-style Papelbon brother, also a closer in the Red Sox organization. Joshua was drafted in the 48th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2006 MLB Draft, the 1,443rd overall selection out of the University of North Florida. Joshua started his career the same way as his big brother, pitching with the Lowell Spinners. Serving as the teams closer, Joshua baffled NY-Penn League hitters, holding batters to a .195 average, while striking out 36. Joshua also saved 13 games, including the first ever Futures at Fenway Game, held at Fenway Park. In 2007, Joshua was promoted to the Greenville drive where he continues to succeed. Joshua was named a South Atlantic League All-Star and finished the season with 18 saves and a 3.91 ERA.

Jeremy Papelbon is Joshuas twin brother, and also a pitcher: only Jeremy throws left-handed. Jeremy, like his brothers attended Bishop Kenny High School before attending the University of North Florida with his twin brother Joshua. Jeremy, a starting pitcher, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 19th round of the 2006 MLB Draft, 569th overall. Jeremy started his career with the Boise Hawks, pitching in 18 games out of the bullpen, going 4-0, with a 1.83 ERA while striking out 50 batters. Jeremy was named to the post-season Northwest League All-Star Team for his strong season. In 2007, Jeremy pitched for the Peoria Chiefs, finishing the season with a 9-6 record with a 3.11 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 107-innings pitched.

A special thank you to Jon Boswell for putting together this information.