The 1980 season marked a high point in Pastore's career. He achieved a career-best 13-7 record and an impressive 3.27 ERA, helping the Reds to a second-place finish in the National League West. His performance on the mound was characterized by his ability to mix pitches effectively, keeping hitters off balance. Pastore's success in 1980 earned him recognition as one of the team's most dependable starters.
In the following years, Pastore continued to be a mainstay in the Reds' pitching rotation. The 1981 season was shortened by a players' strike, but Pastore managed to maintain solid numbers, finishing with a 3.95 ERA. However, the 1982 season proved challenging, as he struggled with consistency and ended the year with a 5-9 record and a 4.42 ERA.
Pastore's career faced further hurdles in 1983 when he suffered a significant arm injury. This setback limited his playing time and effectiveness on the mound. Despite these challenges, he persevered and returned to the Reds' rotation in 1984. That year, he posted a 6-9 record with a 5.04 ERA, showing glimpses of his earlier form.
In 1985, Pastore was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he hoped to revitalize his career. Unfortunately, his time with the Twins was short-lived. He appeared in only 14 games, primarily as a reliever, and struggled to find his footing, finishing with a 3-1 record and a 4.01 ERA. The following year, Pastore signed with the Texas Rangers, but his stint with the team was brief, as he pitched in just 10 games before being released.
After leaving Major League Baseball, Pastore pursued various interests outside of the sport. He became a Christian radio talk show host and was known for his engaging discussions on faith and life. Frank Pastore's baseball career may have been marked by ups and downs, but his post-baseball endeavors allowed him to connect with a broader audience and share his personal journey.
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