Peter Thomas Harnisch, known in the baseball world as Pete Harnisch, was a right-handed pitcher who spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 23, 1966, in Commack, New York, Harnisch attended Commack High School before honing his skills at Fordham University. His talent on the mound caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 1987 MLB Draft.
Harnisch made his MLB debut with the Orioles on September 6, 1988. During his time with Baltimore, he showcased his potential as a starting pitcher, but it was after a trade to the Houston Astros in 1990 that he began to gain more recognition. In Houston, Harnisch became a reliable part of the Astros' rotation. His performance in the 1991 season was particularly noteworthy, as he posted a 2.70 ERA over 35 starts, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team.
After several seasons with the Astros, Harnisch was traded to the New York Mets in 1994. His tenure with the Mets was marked by both challenges and successes. In 1995, he faced a significant setback due to depression, which led to a brief hiatus from the game. However, he returned to the mound later that season, demonstrating his ability to overcome personal obstacles.
Harnisch's career continued with the Milwaukee Brewers, who signed him as a free agent in 1997. His time with the Brewers was short-lived, and he soon found himself with the Cincinnati Reds. With the Reds, Harnisch experienced a resurgence, delivering solid performances and providing veteran leadership to the pitching staff. His efforts in the 1999 season helped the Reds compete for a playoff spot, although they ultimately fell short.
In the twilight of his career, Harnisch signed with the Los Angeles Angels, then known as the Anaheim Angels, in 2001. However, injuries and age began to take their toll, and he retired from professional baseball later that year.
Throughout his career, Pete Harnisch was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the game.
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