Who Is Mark Prior? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 7, 1980, Mark Prior is a former American baseball player and current coach, acclaimed for his time in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a pitcher. As of 2025, Mark Prior is 44 years old. He began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs and was named an All-Star during his tenure. After retiring from playing, Prior transitioned into coaching, and his extensive knowledge of the game has helped shape many budding athletes.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1980 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Birth Place | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Mark Prior's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mark Prior stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and has maintained a weight of approximately 220 pounds (99 kg) throughout his athletic career. While precise body measurements are not widely documented, his athletic build is a testament to his years of training and physical conditioning necessary for professional baseball.
Prior never pitched in the major leagues again after that, though he tried several times. He pitched in the minor leagues for multiple organizations over the next six years before finally retiring at the end of the 2013 season.
Once touted as having "perfect" pitching mechanics by ESPN and others, his "Inverted W" arm action has been discussed as a possible reason for his lack of durability, as well as Dusty Baker's heavy usage of him during the 2003 season, though Prior himself does not blame Baker for his injuries.
Prior accepted a front office position with the San Diego Padres in 2013, then joined the Dodgers in 2018 as a bullpen coach, becoming their pitching coach in 2020. He has been a part of two World Series-winning clubs since joining the Dodgers, in both 2020 and 2024.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Mark Prior's relationship status remains private. There have been previous instances where he has been linked to notable individuals, but he has chosen to keep his personal life largely out of the public eye. Whether he has a boyfriend or girlfriend has not been publicly confirmed, reflecting his desire to maintain a low-profile outside of sports.
Born September 7, 1980, in San Diego, California, Prior was part of an athletic family. Jerry, his father, played college football for Vanderbilt University, and both of Mark's older siblings played sports as well. "Being the youngest of three kids, there's no room for me to step out of line," he quipped.
Growing up, Prior attended the University of San Diego High School. As a sophomore, he worked with former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Tom House, who had a business of tutoring young pitchers.
Using computer analysis to try to determine the ideal pitching motion, House worked with Prior on his delivery and prescribed a detailed workout regimen which the pitcher would continue to utilize as his career advanced.
He was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1998 amateur draft and offered an approximately $1.5 million signing bonus, but the parties were unable to agree on a contract after negotiating all summer, and Prior chose to attend college instead, pursuing a business degree while playing college baseball.
Net Worth and Salary
Mark Prior's net worth is estimated to be around $15 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his successful career in baseball, both as a player and a coach, along with various endorsements and business ventures. Throughout his time in the MLB, Prior earned significant salaries, with peak earnings exceeding $6 million a year before his retirement in 2013.
In 2001, Prior re-entered the draft and was considered "the consensus top player", according to ESPN. He was taken second overall by the Chicago Cubs, behind Joe Mauer, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs signed Prior to a contract for $10.5 million, the highest signing bonus for a draft pick until the Washington Nationals gave Stephen Strasburg $15 million in 2009.
Career, Business and Investments
Prior had a standout career as a pitcher in the MLB from 2002 to 2013. After his playing career, he shifted to coaching roles, most notably serving as the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His deep understanding of the game has led to a successful coaching tenure, developing future talents. Aside from his baseball career, Prior has made investments in various sports-related businesses and foundations aimed at supporting youth sports.
Mark William Prior (born September 7, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current coach. A onetime top prospect of the Chicago Cubs, he pitched for the team from 2002 to 2006 in a career that was marred by injuries. In his prime, his repertoire of pitches included a mid-90s mph fastball, a curveball, and a changeup.
He is currently the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Social Network
Mark Prior is relatively active on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights into his life, coaching experiences, and interactions with fans. His approach to social media emphasizes professional engagement, offering a glimpse into the world of baseball coaching while occasionally sharing personal anecdotes.
Education
Mark Prior attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he excelled as a student-athlete. His collegiate career showcased his talent and helped propel him into the professional arena. His education has played a vital role in his understanding of baseball's intricacies, which he now imparts to young athletes.
As a freshman, Prior went to Vanderbilt. Tim Corbin later compared him to David Price and Kris Benson. He then transferred to the University of Southern California (USC), posting a 10–7 record his sophomore year and leading the USC Trojans to the 2000 College World Series.
USC posted a 16–game winning streak before Prior helped USC reach the College World Series again in 2001, posting a 15–1 record and a 1.69 earned run average (ERA), striking out 202 in 138 2/3 innings while walking just 18. He won several awards that year, including the Dick Howser Trophy, the Golden Spikes Award, and the Rotary Smith Award.
