Rich DeLucia, a right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball career when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. Born on October 7, 1964, in Reading, Pennsylvania, DeLucia honed his skills at the University of Tennessee before making his professional debut. His journey through the minor leagues culminated in his MLB debut with the Mariners on September 8, 1990.
DeLucia's rookie season in 1991 saw him take on a starting role for the Mariners. He appeared in 30 games, starting 27 of them, and posted a 12-13 record with a 4.51 ERA. His performance earned him a spot in the Mariners' rotation, and he continued to pitch for Seattle through the 1992 season. During his time with the Mariners, DeLucia demonstrated his ability to handle the pressures of starting in the major leagues.
In 1993, DeLucia was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever. This shift in role allowed him to adapt and find a new niche within the bullpen. Over the next few seasons, DeLucia played for several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Anaheim Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals. His adaptability and willingness to embrace different roles on the pitching staff were evident as he moved between starting and relieving duties.
While with the Giants in 1994, DeLucia contributed to the team's bullpen, appearing in 45 games and maintaining a 3.32 ERA. His time with the Giants showcased his ability to provide reliable innings in relief. The following year, he joined the Angels, where he continued to serve as a valuable bullpen asset, appearing in 50 games with a 3.69 ERA.
DeLucia's career also included a stint with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997, where he pitched in 54 games and recorded a 3.97 ERA. His experience and steady presence in the bullpen were assets to the teams he played for, as he consistently delivered solid performances.
In 1999, DeLucia signed with the Cleveland Indians, marking the final chapter of his MLB career. Although his time with the Indians was brief, he continued to demonstrate his pitching skills and professionalism on the mound. After the 1999 season, DeLucia retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned nearly a decade in the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Rich DeLucia played in 312 games, starting 56 of them, and recorded a 38-51 win-loss record with a 4.62 ERA.
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