Lee Guetterman, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his tenure with the New York Yankees. Born on November 22, 1958, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Guetterman attended Liberty University, where he honed his skills on the mound. His professional journey began when the Seattle Mariners selected him in the fourth round of the 1981 MLB Draft.
Guetterman made his MLB debut with the Mariners on September 12, 1984. During his early years with Seattle, he showed promise as a pitcher, although he struggled to find consistency. His time with the Mariners was marked by a mix of starting and relief appearances, as the team sought to find the best role for his talents.
In December 1987, Guetterman's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees. It was with the Yankees that he found a more stable role, primarily as a relief pitcher. The 1989 season proved to be a highlight, as he led the American League in appearances with 78 games. That year, he posted an impressive 2.45 ERA, establishing himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen.
Guetterman's ability to keep the ball in the park was a notable aspect of his pitching style. He was known for his sinker, which induced ground balls and helped him limit home runs. This skill was particularly valuable in Yankee Stadium, a ballpark known for being hitter-friendly.
Throughout his time with the Yankees, Guetterman was often called upon in high-leverage situations. His performance in the late innings contributed to the team's bullpen depth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, like many pitchers, he experienced fluctuations in performance, with some seasons proving more challenging than others.
After his stint with the Yankees, Guetterman continued his career with several other teams. In 1993, he joined the New York Mets, though his time there was brief. He then moved to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played during the 1994 season. His final MLB appearances came with the Seattle Mariners in 1996, bringing his career full circle.
Over the course of his career, Guetterman compiled a win-loss record of 38-36, with an ERA of 4.33 and 28 saves. While he may not have been a household name, his role as a dependable left-handed reliever was valued by the teams he played for. His career serves as a testament to the journeyman nature of many professional athletes, who contribute to their teams in various capacities over the years.
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