Stan Belinda, a right-handed relief pitcher, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on August 6, 1966, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Belinda was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the tenth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates on September 8, 1989.
Belinda quickly established himself as a reliable bullpen option for Pittsburgh. During his time with the Pirates, he was often called upon in high-pressure situations, particularly in the early 1990s when the team was a contender in the National League. One of the most memorable moments of his career came during the 1992 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Atlanta Braves. In Game 7, Belinda was on the mound in the ninth inning when the Braves staged a dramatic comeback, culminating in Francisco Cabrera's two-run single that sent Atlanta to the World Series. Despite the outcome, Belinda's role in the series remains a notable part of his career.
In July 1993, Belinda was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to serve as a relief pitcher. His tenure with the Royals was relatively short, as he was traded again in 1994, this time to the Boston Red Sox. With Boston, Belinda found stability and became an integral part of their bullpen for several seasons. He recorded a career-high 18 saves in 1995, showcasing his ability to close out games effectively.
Belinda's journey through MLB continued as he signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1997. His time with the Reds was marked by consistent performances, although he was often used in middle relief rather than as a closer. In 1998, he joined the Colorado Rockies, where he pitched for one season before moving to the Atlanta Braves in 1999. His stint with the Braves was brief, and he finished his MLB career with the team in 2000.
Throughout his career, Belinda was known for his sidearm delivery, which posed a challenge for many hitters. Over 585 games, he accumulated a win-loss record of 41-37, an earned run average (ERA) of 4.15, and 79 saves. His ability to adapt to various roles within the bullpen made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
After retiring from professional baseball, Belinda returned to his roots in Pennsylvania.
⚾