Jim Acker's journey through Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1980 MLB Draft. A right-handed pitcher, Acker made his debut with the Braves on April 7, 1983. His early years with the team saw him primarily in a relief role, where he demonstrated a solid ability to handle pressure situations on the mound.
Acker's tenure with the Braves lasted until 1986, during which he developed a reputation for his fastball and slider combination. In 1986, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, a move that marked a new chapter in his career. With the Blue Jays, Acker found himself in a variety of pitching roles, including both starting and relieving. This flexibility allowed him to contribute to the team's pitching staff in multiple capacities.
During his time with Toronto, Acker was part of a bullpen that supported the Blue Jays' competitive teams of the late 1980s. He played a role in the team's push towards the postseason, including their American League East division title in 1989. Acker's ability to adapt to different pitching situations made him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays during this period.
In 1989, Acker was traded back to the Atlanta Braves, where he continued to pitch primarily in relief. His second stint with the Braves was marked by his experience and ability to mentor younger pitchers on the team. Acker's career with the Braves concluded in 1990, after which he returned to the Blue Jays for a brief period.
Acker's final season in Major League Baseball was with the Seattle Mariners in 1992. Although his time with the Mariners was short, it added another chapter to his career in the major leagues. Over the course of his career, Acker appeared in 418 games, recording 33 wins, 49 losses, and 32 saves, with an earned run average of 3.97.
Throughout his career, Acker was known for his work ethic and ability to perform under pressure.
⚾