Greg Harris, a right-handed pitcher, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, demonstrating a unique skill set that made him a valuable asset on the mound. Born on November 2, 1955, in Lynwood, California, Harris attended Long Beach State University before being drafted by the New York Mets in the 26th round of the 1976 amateur draft. His journey through the minor leagues eventually led to his MLB debut with the Mets on September 21, 1981.
Harris's time with the Mets was brief, and he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1982. However, it was with the Texas Rangers, whom he joined later that year, that Harris began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. Over the next few seasons, he honed his skills, primarily as a reliever, and occasionally as a starter. His versatility on the mound allowed him to adapt to various roles, which became a hallmark of his career.
In 1985, Harris was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to develop his reputation as a dependable pitcher. His tenure with the Phillies was marked by consistent performances, and he became known for his ability to pitch effectively in different situations. Harris's adaptability was further highlighted during his time with the Boston Red Sox, which began in 1989. It was with the Red Sox that Harris achieved a unique feat in baseball history.
On September 28, 1995, Harris became the first pitcher in over a century to pitch with both hands in a single game. This ambidextrous performance occurred during a game against the California Angels, where he pitched the ninth inning right-handed and then switched to his left hand to face a left-handed batter. This rare ability to pitch ambidextrously was a testament to his skill and creativity on the field.
Throughout his career, Harris played for several other teams, including the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Montreal Expos. His ability to adapt to different teams and roles was a defining characteristic of his career. Over 15 seasons in the major leagues, Harris compiled a record of 74 wins, 90 losses, and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.69. He also recorded 54 saves and struck out 1,141 batters.
Harris's career was marked by his willingness to embrace different roles and challenges. Whether as a starter, reliever, or even an ambidextrous pitcher, he consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute to his team's efforts. His unique ambidextrous pitching performance remains a memorable moment in baseball history, highlighting his innovative approach to the game.
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