Following college, Jeff Samardzija was faced with a decision to be an NFL wide receiver or a MLB pitcher. Samardzija chose to stay with baseball and more than likely extended his playing career. Today, after some stints with the Boise Hawks and Iowa Cubs, Jeff Samardzija made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs, despite growing up a White Sox fan.

At Notre Dame, Samardzija was a starting pitcher with a fast ball. Since he had yet to develop multiple pitches, Samardzija entered the game as a relief pitcher. With a 2-1 lead, Samardzija entered the game in the top of the 7th inning. The first batter faced was retired by strikeout. Hanley Ramirez singled to center and then stole second. A deep sac fly advanced Ramirez to third and a double by Jorge Cantu knocked in the tieing run. A pop-up to short ended the inning. Samardzija came back out in the 8th and retired all three batters faced by way of groundout (1-3), flyout (9), and strikeout.

Samardzija had thrown 31 pitched, 23 for strikes, to eight batters. His ERA of 4.50 was reflected by the blown save he also suffered. The Marlins would manage a solo home run in the top of the 9th to beat the Cubs 3-2.

After a few trips back and forth between the minors, Samardzija has now earned his spot in the starting rotation for the Cubs. In 19 starts, he has a 7-8 record and a 4.25 ERA.