Tuesday, March 18, 2014

#178 Jeff Fassero

About the Front: The shadows caused by the afternoon sun in this photo really show off the definition of Jeff Fassero's forearm muscles. Also, is the blurry guy to the left wearing orange pants?

About the Back: "Thoroughbred"? There's something creepy about comparing teenaged boys to race horses, don't you think?

Triple Play:

1. On July 2, 1997, he became the first Mariners pitcher to ever get a base hit when a popped-up bunt attempt fell safely to the ground.

2. Though he pitched for 16 years in MLB, the last eight years of his career seem to have been possible by a record of past success and a functioning left arm. From 1999 through 2006, he was 34-55 with a 5.39 ERA (86 ERA+) and a 1.59 WHIP.

3. Jeff has been a pitching coach in the Cubs' organization since 2010.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: Jeff Fassero had very little impact on my life as a baseball fan until he spoiled my Orioles' would-be ALDS Clinching Party on October 4, 1997 with eight shutout innings at Camden Yards. The O's clinched the next day, but 15-year-old me didn't curse Fassero any less for that.

Bill James Said: "Given up on by the Cardinals, White Sox and Indians, he signed with Montreal as a minor league free agent, and was a pleasant surprise in '91 and '92." And kept right on pitching for 15 more seasons.

On This Date in 1993: March 18. Eddie Murphy marries Nicole Mitchell in New York City. The marriage lasts 13 years.

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