Dave Tomlin's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the life of a journeyman pitcher who found his place in the bullpen. Born on June 22, 1949, in Maysville, Kentucky, Tomlin's professional career began when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 19th round of the 1967 amateur draft. His left-handed pitching soon caught the attention of the Reds' organization, and he made his MLB debut with the team on September 4, 1972.
Tomlin's early years in the majors were spent with the Reds, where he primarily served as a relief pitcher. During his time with Cincinnati, he was part of a team that was building towards becoming the "Big Red Machine," although he did not play in the postseason for them. His role was often to provide middle relief, and he was known for his ability to handle left-handed hitters effectively.
In 1973, Tomlin was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he spent several seasons. His tenure with the Padres allowed him to gain more experience and establish himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen. Over the next few years, he became a fixture in the Padres' pitching staff, appearing in a significant number of games each season. His performance with San Diego was marked by consistency, as he maintained a respectable earned run average and demonstrated control on the mound.
The Montreal Expos acquired Tomlin in 1977, and he continued to fulfill his role as a relief pitcher. His time with the Expos was characterized by steady appearances and the ability to provide innings when needed. Tomlin's adaptability and experience made him a valuable asset to the Expos' bullpen, and he contributed to the team's efforts throughout his stay.
In 1982, Tomlin returned to the Cincinnati Reds, bringing his career full circle. His second stint with the Reds was brief, and he soon found himself moving to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates, Tomlin continued to pitch in relief, adding depth to their bullpen and offering his veteran presence to the team.
Tomlin's career also included a brief period with the St. Louis Cardinals, although his time there was short-lived. He eventually returned to the Reds once more, where he concluded his major league career. Over the course of his time in MLB, Tomlin appeared in 409 games, all but one as a relief pitcher, and compiled a career earned run average of 3.82.
Throughout his career, Tomlin was known for his durability and ability to adapt to different teams and roles.
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