Pedro Feliciano, a left-handed relief pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the New York Mets. Born on August 25, 1976, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Feliciano was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 31st round of the 1995 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Mets that he found his place in the major leagues.
Feliciano made his MLB debut with the Mets on September 4, 2002. Over the years, he became known for his role as a left-handed specialist, often called upon to face tough left-handed hitters in critical situations. His ability to consistently perform in this role earned him the nickname "Perpetual Pedro," as he was frequently used in games to neutralize opposing batters.
After a brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds in 2003, Feliciano returned to the Mets in 2006, where he would remain a fixture in their bullpen for several seasons. From 2006 to 2010, he led the league in appearances three times, showcasing his durability and reliability as a reliever. In 2008, he appeared in 86 games, and in 2009, he pitched in 88 games, setting a Mets franchise record for appearances in a single season. He broke his own record in 2010 with 92 appearances, leading the majors once again.
Feliciano's effectiveness came from his ability to throw a sweeping slider that was particularly challenging for left-handed hitters to handle. This pitch, combined with his fastball, made him a valuable asset in the Mets' bullpen. His role was often to come into games in high-pressure situations, facing some of the toughest hitters in the league, and he excelled in this capacity.
In 2011, Feliciano signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, he was unable to pitch for the Yankees due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, sidelining him for the entire duration of his contract. Despite this setback, Feliciano's career was marked by his consistent performance and ability to handle the demands of being a relief pitcher in the major leagues.
After his time with the Yankees, Feliciano returned to the Mets organization in 2013. He made a brief comeback, appearing in 25 games during the season. Although his role was reduced compared to his earlier years, his return to the Mets was a testament to his perseverance and love for the game.
Throughout his career, Feliciano was known for his work ethic and his ability to perform under pressure. His tenure with the Mets solidified his reputation as a reliable left-handed reliever, and his contributions to the team were appreciated by fans and teammates alike. Feliciano's career serves as an example of the important role that specialized pitchers play in the game of baseball, often coming in for just a few batters but making a significant difference in the outcome of a game.
⚾