Joe Boever, a right-handed pitcher known for his distinctive submarine delivery, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 4, 1960, in Kirkwood, Missouri, Boever attended Lindbergh High School and later played college baseball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 20th round of the 1982 MLB Draft.
Boever made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on August 9, 1985. During his time with St. Louis, he primarily served as a relief pitcher, a role he would continue to fill throughout his career. After a brief stint with the Cardinals, Boever was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1988, where he began to gain more recognition. It was with the Braves that he developed his reputation as a reliable bullpen arm, often being called upon in late-inning situations.
One of Boever's most memorable seasons came in 1989 with the Braves. That year, he appeared in 81 games, a testament to his durability and the trust placed in him by the team's management. He recorded 21 saves, showcasing his ability to close out games effectively. His performance that season helped solidify his role as a closer, a position he would occupy at various points throughout his career.
In 1991, Boever was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to be a valuable asset in the bullpen. His time with the Phillies was marked by consistent performances, although he did not replicate the same level of success he had achieved with the Braves. After a year with the Phillies, Boever moved on to the Houston Astros in 1992. His tenure with the Astros was brief, and he soon found himself with the Oakland Athletics in 1993.
Boever's stint with the Athletics was notable for his role in helping the team reach the postseason. Although the Athletics were ultimately unsuccessful in their playoff run, Boever's contributions during the regular season were appreciated by both fans and teammates. Following his time in Oakland, Boever signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1994. With the Tigers, he continued to be a dependable presence in the bullpen, providing veteran leadership to a relatively young pitching staff.
In the latter stages of his career, Boever played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Houston Astros once more. His final MLB appearance came on September 27, 1996, with the Astros. Over the course of his career, Boever appeared in 530 games, recording 49 wins, 57 losses, and 96 saves. His career earned run average (ERA) stood at 3.93, a respectable figure for a relief pitcher of his era.
Boever's unique pitching style, characterized by his submarine delivery, set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
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