Aaron Small's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on November 23, 1971, in Oxnard, California, Small's professional baseball career began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 22nd round of the 1989 MLB Draft. He spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on June 11, 1994.
Small's early years in the majors were marked by frequent transitions between teams. After his stint with the Blue Jays, he was traded to the Florida Marlins in 1994. His time with the Marlins was short-lived, and he soon found himself with the Oakland Athletics, where he played from 1996 to 1998. During these years, Small primarily served as a relief pitcher, showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles as needed by his teams.
In 1999, Small joined the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his tenure there was brief. He continued to move around the league, playing for the Atlanta Braves in 2000 and the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002. Despite the constant changes, Small remained determined to find his place in the major leagues.
The turning point in Small's career came in 2005 when he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. Initially, he was called up to fill in for injured pitchers, but his performance exceeded expectations. Small achieved a remarkable 10-0 record with a 3.20 ERA, helping the Yankees secure a playoff spot. His unexpected success made him a fan favorite and a reliable option for the Yankees during that season.
Small's 2005 season with the Yankees was the highlight of his career, as he played a crucial role in their push for the postseason. However, his performance in the following season did not match the previous year's success. In 2006, he struggled to maintain his form and was eventually released by the Yankees.
After leaving the Yankees, Small attempted a comeback with the Seattle Mariners in 2007 but did not make it back to the major leagues. He officially retired from professional baseball in 2007.
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