Brandon League, a right-handed pitcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his time as a relief pitcher. Born on March 16, 1983, in Sacramento, California, League's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2001 MLB Draft. His professional debut came in 2004 with the Blue Jays, marking the start of his career in the big leagues.
League's early years with Toronto saw him developing his skills and refining his pitching style. Known for his fastball, which could reach the upper 90s, and a sharp slider, he quickly became a reliable option out of the bullpen. Over the next few seasons, League oscillated between the majors and minors, honing his craft and gaining valuable experience. By 2006, he had established himself as a regular in the Blue Jays' bullpen, appearing in 33 games with a 2.53 ERA.
In 2009, League was traded to the Seattle Mariners, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. With the Mariners, he found more stability and opportunity to showcase his abilities. The 2011 season was particularly noteworthy for League, as he was named an All-Star for the first time. That year, he recorded 37 saves, ranking among the league leaders, and maintained a 2.79 ERA over 65 appearances. His performance solidified his role as the Mariners' closer and demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
League's tenure with the Mariners continued until mid-2012 when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers sought to bolster their bullpen, and League's experience and skill set made him an attractive acquisition. In Los Angeles, he continued to serve as a reliable reliever, contributing to the team's efforts in the late innings. During the 2013 season, League appeared in 58 games, though his performance was mixed, with a 5.30 ERA. Despite some struggles, he remained a valuable member of the Dodgers' bullpen.
Injuries began to take a toll on League's career, and by 2014, his appearances were limited. He underwent shoulder surgery in 2015, which sidelined him for the entire season. Although he attempted a comeback, signing minor league deals with the Kansas City Royals and later the Texas Rangers, he did not return to the majors. League's career officially came to a close when he announced his retirement from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Brandon League was known for his powerful fastball and ability to close out games.
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