Can Position Players Really Pitch?
Have you ever been to a Major League Baseball game when all of a sudden the second baseman was called over to the mound to finish out an inning? Didn’t think so! This is a common practice in Youth Baseball Leagues, High School leagues, and sometimes Minor League games, but it never happens in MLB right? WRONG! The situation rarely takes place during an entire MLB season, but it does happen!!
How often does it actually happen? Usually, it only happens in blowouts when a manager wants to save the other arms in the bullpen for another day. While it hasn’t happened yet this season (2008), six position players on four different teams toed the rubber at some point in 2007. Can you guess who they are?
Jeff Cirillo – Arizona Diamondbacks
Aaron Miles – St. Louis Cardinals
Augie Ojeda – Arizona Diamondbacks
Scott Spiezio – St. Louis Cardinals
Josh Wilson – Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jason Wood – Florida Marlins
Here is a list of position players who last pitched sorted by team: Recondite Baseball
Lately, position players that can pitch do wonders in the world of sports betting. Apparently, Willie Randolph was considering using a position player (Ryan Church) to pitch in a drag against the Phillies in late April. The Mets have used position players in tough situations, but not since 1992. And according to Church he was not thrilled at the idea.
Imagine the pressure of a younger, well-know, highly skilled player trying to hold his reputation after being unexpectedly moved to the mound in a tight situation. If players like Jeter and A-Rod were moved to the mound, fans could care less if they “got rocked” and lost the game anyway. Those trying to hold a position on the field after only being in the league for a few years would rather not make a debut on the mound in the heat of the moment. MLB betting can sometimes be effected by a player who can sometimes pitch.
In baseball’s early years, baseball teams were smaller, and relief pitchers were relatively uncommon, with the starter normally remaining for the entire game unless he was either thoroughly ineffective or became injured; today, with a much greater emphasis on pitch count (100 being the “magic number” in general), over the course of a single game each team will frequently use from two to five pitchers.
If a team empties the “pen” during a game or sequentially through the course of a week’s worth of games, a few position players must be designated to pitch in these tough situations. You may be thinking about the 2009 World Series odds that a pitcher could possibly pitch in a World Series? So the next time you attend a Major League Baseball game, do not be suprised if a pitcher is replaced by another player who you least expect because POSITION PLAYERS CAN REALLY PITCH!
Scott Spiezio did actually pitch an inning in 2008 in a rough loss against the phillies. It was a 1-2-3 inning, and the only one on the team that night to get three straight outs. He also only pitches in the 70’s
Actually, it has happened this year (2008). Aaron Miles came in for the St. Louis Cardinals to finish it out in extras.
Aaron Miles – St. Louis Cardinals pitched an inning in 2008. It was a blowout and he came in and finished the inning 1-2-3.
Rick Ankiel of the cards came up as a pitcher. i’m sure he can pitch for them in a jam.
Buster Posey of Florida State not only lead the country in all hitting categories but was the teams closer. I’m sure he could get a few outs in a major league ball game when he joins the Giants in the near future.
Jeff,
I believe you are incorrect. Spiezio was actually released by the Cardinals in February, making it impossible for him to have pitched against the Phillies in 2008. I believe you are thinking of Aaron Miles who pitched on 6/13/08
Hey Guys,
We must have missed that one at RBI. Im going to check a few sources but I am learning that he actually did finished the inning 1-2-3. Thanks for the info!
Mark Grace also pitched on a couple occasions. He is still one of my favorite players ever. Laugh if you want.
LOL, Mark Grace is a cool cat….he has his own website made blog at http://www.markgrace.com/ …do not be ashamed Project Swole!
On August 22, 2000, the Colorado Rockies sent Brent Mayne in as a relief pitcher in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves. Mayne, the Rockies’ regular catcher, was unable to swing a bat due to a sprained left wrist and had missed the previous four games. Out of pitchers, manager Buddy Bell asked Mayne if he could pitch. Mayne, who later said he had never pitched at any level, responded, “Yeah, I can pitch.” He pitched one inning, surrendering no runs with a fastball that topped out at 83 miles per hour. Colorado won the game the next inning when rookie Adam Melhuse, pinch-hitting for Mayne, singled with the bases loaded and two outs. Mayne thus became the first position player to be credited with a win since 1968.
I saw Brent Mayne pitch that inning, although my memory told me it was later than the 12th. It might have been the 18th or 22nd inning. He did alright, although it looked like he was throwing a wiffleball.
okay, i just checked here: It says the 12th inning. Wieird that Buddy Bell got that far into his bullpen in only 12 innings.Sports Illustrated
Wade Boggs also pitched a shutout inning for the Yankees in 97 against the Angels, he threw all knuckleballs if I remember right.
“While it hasn’t happened yet this season (2008)” It’s been pointed out already that Aaron Miles has done it this year. If you’re going to write an article about something, do a little homework. Insert more flamage here. And either to the Phillies credit, or Miles, it was the best pitched inning for the Cardinals that game, in my opinion.
regarding spezio, he pitched 1 inning against the a’s in 2007
oops
I remember this happening a lot during the 80’s, but I also believe there were a few injuries. Notably, Tim Wallach and Jose Canseco both suffered sever injuries pitching mop up duty.
Back in the late 50’s, I remember the Milwaukee Braves doing the reverse. They had a couple of outfielders with injuries, so they put one of their relief pitchers in the field.
This practice has been common throught baseball history. Picture yourself back in 1930 when The great Babe Ruth takes the mound.
More amazing feat is the fact that the Dodger ace Don Drysdale was often used as a pinch hitter in clutch situations. In 1965 Don hit for a .300 average with 7 homers and 19 rbi
I have not seen in person position players take up the pitching mantle in the majors. It would be interesting to see. I have definitely seen the reverse this season though.
Hey Rich,
A pitcher actually took the field?
Micah Owings will probally become a hitter sometime
Nick..I would have to agree..Owings already has 12 hits and one jack in 2008…and what a better place to evolve than the D’backs!
Stan The Man Musial, who started in the minors as a pitcher, pitched for the Cards vs. the Dodgers on the last game of the year back in the mid ’50’s