Cory Bailey, a right-handed pitcher, spent several years in Major League Baseball, contributing to various teams with his skills on the mound. Born on January 24, 1971, in Marion, Ohio, Bailey attended Marion Harding High School before moving on to college baseball at Florida State University. His talent caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the 1991 MLB Draft.
Bailey made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox on September 1, 1993. During his time with the Red Sox, he primarily served as a relief pitcher. Over the course of two seasons, he appeared in 44 games, posting a 3.38 ERA and demonstrating his ability to handle the pressures of major league competition. His tenure with Boston laid the groundwork for his subsequent moves within the league.
In 1995, Bailey joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to refine his pitching skills. During his stint with the Cardinals, he appeared in 26 games and maintained a 3.00 ERA. His performance with St. Louis showcased his reliability as a bullpen option, and he became a valuable asset for the team during his time there.
Bailey's journey in the majors continued as he signed with the San Francisco Giants in 1997. Over two seasons with the Giants, he pitched in 54 games, achieving a 3.86 ERA. His role as a reliever remained consistent, and he contributed to the team's efforts with his steady presence on the mound.
In 1999, Bailey found a new home with the Kansas City Royals. His tenure with the Royals marked a significant period in his career, as he appeared in 68 games over two seasons. During this time, he recorded a 4.29 ERA, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable relief pitcher. His experience and composure under pressure were assets to the Royals' bullpen.
Bailey's final MLB season came in 2002 with the New York Mets. Although his time with the Mets was brief, he continued to demonstrate his capabilities as a pitcher. After his stint with the Mets, Bailey's major league career came to a close, but his journey in professional baseball did not end there.
Following his MLB career, Bailey continued to play in various international leagues, including stints in Japan and Mexico. His international experience added another dimension to his baseball career, allowing him to explore different styles of play and further hone his skills.
Throughout his career, Cory Bailey was known for his consistent performance as a relief pitcher. His ability to adapt to different teams and leagues underscored his dedication to the sport. While he may not have been a household name, his contributions to the teams he played for were valued by teammates and coaches alike.
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