Dave Veres, a right-handed relief pitcher, spent nearly a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills on the mound for several teams. Born on October 19, 1966, in Montgomery, Alabama, Veres attended Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California, before playing college baseball at Sacramento City College. His professional journey began when the Oakland Athletics selected him in the 21st round of the 1986 MLB Draft.
Veres made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros on May 10, 1994. During his time with the Astros, he quickly established himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen. In his debut season, he appeared in 28 games, posting a 2.93 ERA, which helped solidify his role as a dependable reliever.
In 1995, Veres was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he continued to hone his craft. Over the next two seasons with the Expos, he appeared in 114 games, maintaining a steady presence in their bullpen. His performance in Montreal caught the attention of the Colorado Rockies, who acquired him in a trade before the 1998 season.
Veres' tenure with the Rockies marked a significant phase in his career. Pitching in the challenging environment of Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly conditions, he managed to maintain respectable numbers. In 1999, he recorded a career-high 31 saves, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations. That season, he also posted a 3.83 ERA over 73 appearances, further establishing his reputation as a reliable closer.
Following his successful stint in Colorado, Veres was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in December 1999. With the Cardinals, he continued to be a valuable asset in their bullpen. Over three seasons in St. Louis, he appeared in 214 games, recording a 3.34 ERA and 20 saves. His consistent performance helped the Cardinals reach the postseason in 2000 and 2001, where he contributed to their playoff efforts.
In 2003, Veres signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he played his final season in the majors. Although his time with the Cubs was brief, he managed to make 40 appearances, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team's bullpen.
Throughout his MLB career, Dave Veres appeared in 605 games, compiling a 36-35 win-loss record, a 3.44 ERA, and 95 saves.
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