Jim Deshaies, a left-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. Drafted by the Yankees in the 21st round of the 1982 amateur draft, he made his MLB debut on August 7, 1984. His time with the Yankees was brief, as he appeared in only two games before being traded to the Houston Astros in September 1985.
With the Astros, Deshaies found a more stable role in the starting rotation. He became a regular starter in 1986, a season in which he helped the Astros clinch the National League West division title. That year, he posted a 12-5 record with a 3.25 ERA, earning him a spot on the Baseball Digest Rookie All-Star team. One of his most memorable performances came on September 23, 1986, when he set a Major League record by striking out the first eight batters in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Deshaies continued to pitch for the Astros through the 1991 season. During his tenure with Houston, he was known for his consistency and durability, often pitching over 200 innings in a season. His best season statistically came in 1989 when he recorded a 15-10 record with a 2.91 ERA. Deshaies was also known for his fielding prowess, winning a National League Gold Glove Award in 1989.
In 1992, Deshaies signed with the San Diego Padres as a free agent. However, his time with the Padres was short-lived, as he was traded to the Minnesota Twins later that year. He spent the 1993 season with the Twins, where he continued to serve as a reliable starter.
Deshaies' career saw him move to the San Francisco Giants in 1993, but he was released after a brief stint. He then signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1994, though he did not play a game for them before being released. He returned to the Minnesota Twins for the 1994 season, where he finished his playing career in 1995.
After retiring from professional baseball, Deshaies transitioned to a career in broadcasting. He became a color commentator for the Houston Astros' television broadcasts, where he was well-regarded for his insightful analysis and sense of humor. In 2013, he joined the Chicago Cubs' broadcast team, continuing to share his knowledge and love for the game with fans.
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