Chris Haney, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his time with the Kansas City Royals. Born on November 19, 1968, in Baltimore, Maryland, Haney was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the second round of the 1990 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Expos on September 12, 1992.
Haney's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1992. It was with the Royals that he spent the majority of his career, becoming a familiar face on the mound. During his tenure with Kansas City, Haney was often utilized as a starting pitcher, though he also made appearances out of the bullpen. His versatility in pitching roles allowed him to adapt to the needs of the team, providing innings as both a starter and reliever.
One of the highlights of Haney's career came on July 3, 1994, when he was the starting pitcher for the Royals in a game against the Chicago White Sox. This game is particularly remembered for being the one in which Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, made his professional baseball debut during his brief stint with the White Sox's minor league affiliate. Haney's performance on the mound helped the Royals secure a victory in that game, adding a unique footnote to his career.
After his time with the Royals, Haney went on to play for several other teams, including the Cleveland Indians, where he was part of the roster during their successful 1997 season. Although he did not play in the postseason, being part of a team that reached the World Series was a notable experience in his career. Haney also had brief stints with the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins, continuing to contribute as a reliable left-handed option on the mound.
Throughout his career, Haney was known for his ability to maintain composure and deliver consistent performances. His pitching style relied more on control and finesse rather than overpowering speed, which allowed him to effectively manage games and keep hitters off balance. This approach helped him sustain a lengthy career in the majors, where he accumulated a record of 38 wins and 52 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 5.07 over 565 innings pitched.
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