Mark Eichhorn, a right-handed pitcher known for his unique sidearm delivery, played an intriguing role in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on November 21, 1960, in San Jose, California, Eichhorn's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 1979 MLB Draft. His early years in the minor leagues were marked by a traditional overhand pitching style, but injuries led him to adopt the sidearm delivery that would define his career.
Eichhorn made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on June 30, 1982. However, his initial stint in the majors was brief, and he spent the next few years refining his skills in the minor leagues. It wasn't until 1986 that Eichhorn returned to the Blue Jays and truly made an impression. That year, he delivered one of the most remarkable seasons for a relief pitcher. Eichhorn appeared in 69 games, posting a 1.72 ERA over 157 innings, an extraordinary feat for a reliever. His performance earned him the American League Rookie of the Year award, finishing third in the voting, and he also received votes for the Cy Young Award.
Eichhorn's sidearm delivery baffled hitters, making him an effective weapon out of the bullpen. His ability to pitch multiple innings in relief was a valuable asset for the Blue Jays. In 1987, he continued to perform well, maintaining a 3.17 ERA over 127 innings. However, his performance dipped in the following seasons, and he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1989.
With the Braves, Eichhorn struggled to find the same level of success he had in Toronto. He was released by Atlanta in 1990 and briefly signed with the California Angels. Eichhorn's tenure with the Angels saw a resurgence in his performance. In 1991, he posted a 2.38 ERA over 76 innings, proving that he still had the ability to be an effective reliever.
Eichhorn returned to the Blue Jays in 1992, where he became part of a bullpen that helped the team secure back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Although not the primary closer, his role as a middle reliever was crucial in bridging the gap to the late-inning specialists. His experience and steady presence provided depth to the Blue Jays' pitching staff during their championship runs.
After his second stint with Toronto, Eichhorn signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1994. He spent two seasons with the Orioles, continuing to serve as a reliable bullpen option. In 1996, Eichhorn returned to the Angels, where he concluded his major league career.
Throughout his time in MLB, Eichhorn was known for his durability and adaptability. His career statistics include a 3.00 ERA, 32 wins, 23 losses, and 32 saves over 563 games. Eichhorn's ability to reinvent himself after injuries and maintain a lengthy career in the majors is a testament to his skill and perseverance.
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