Jerry Blevins, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his role as a relief pitcher. Born on September 6, 1983, in Johnson City, Tennessee, Blevins grew up in Ohio and attended the University of Dayton, where he played college baseball for the Dayton Flyers. His professional journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round of the 2004 MLB Draft.
Blevins' early career involved several transitions through minor league teams within the Cubs organization. In 2007, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he made his major league debut on September 16, 2007. During his time with the Athletics, Blevins developed a reputation for his ability to handle left-handed hitters, a skill that became a defining aspect of his career. He spent several seasons with Oakland, becoming a reliable option out of the bullpen.
In December 2013, Blevins was traded to the Washington Nationals. His tenure with the Nationals was brief but effective, as he continued to perform well against left-handed batters. The following year, in March 2015, he was traded to the New York Mets. Blevins' time with the Mets was marked by both challenges and successes. Early in the 2015 season, he suffered a fractured forearm, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, he returned to the Mets in 2016 and played a crucial role in their bullpen over the next few seasons.
Blevins' ability to consistently retire left-handed hitters made him a valuable asset for the Mets. He appeared in a career-high 73 games in 2017, showcasing his durability and effectiveness. His performance during these years solidified his reputation as a dependable left-handed specialist.
In 2019, Blevins signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics, returning to the team where he began his major league career. However, he was released before the start of the season and subsequently signed with the Atlanta Braves. Blevins contributed to the Braves' bullpen throughout the season, providing veteran leadership and experience.
After the 2019 season, Blevins announced his retirement from professional baseball. Over his career, he appeared in 609 major league games, recording a 3.54 ERA and 508 strikeouts. His ability to adapt and perform in high-pressure situations made him a reliable option for the teams he played for.
Jerry Blevins' career is a testament to his skill as a left-handed specialist in Major League Baseball.
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