Dave Beard, a left-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball career with the Oakland Athletics. Born on October 2, 1959, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Beard was drafted by the Athletics in the 1977 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut on September 23, 1980, with the Athletics, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the major leagues.
During his time with the Athletics, Beard primarily served as a relief pitcher. In the 1981 season, he appeared in 16 games, posting a 3.38 ERA. His role in the bullpen was solidified in the following years, as he continued to contribute to the team's pitching staff. The 1982 season saw Beard pitching in 53 games, achieving a 3.44 ERA and recording 11 saves, which was a career-high for him.
Beard's tenure with the Athletics lasted until 1983, after which he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. His time with the Mariners was marked by a transition to a starting pitcher role, although he continued to make appearances as a reliever. In the 1984 season, Beard pitched in 32 games, starting 14 of them, and ended the season with a 6-5 record and a 3.93 ERA.
The mid-1980s saw Beard moving between teams. After his stint with the Mariners, he joined the Chicago Cubs in 1985. However, his time with the Cubs was brief, as he only appeared in 10 games. Following this, Beard was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he played a limited role, appearing in just 5 games during the 1986 season.
Beard's major league career concluded with the San Francisco Giants. He joined the Giants in 1989, but his appearances were limited, and he did not manage to secure a permanent spot on the roster. Despite the challenges of maintaining a consistent presence in the major leagues, Beard's career spanned several teams and roles, showcasing his adaptability as a pitcher.
Throughout his career, Beard's statistics reflect the journey of a pitcher who navigated the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. His career ERA stood at 4.70, with a total of 16 wins and 19 losses. Over the course of his career, he recorded 193 strikeouts and 20 saves, demonstrating his ability to contribute both as a starter and a reliever.
⚾