Steve Kline, a left-handed relief pitcher, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, establishing himself as a reliable bullpen option. Born on August 22, 1972, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, Kline attended West Virginia University, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the eighth round of the 1993 MLB Draft.
Kline's MLB debut came on April 26, 1997, with the Indians. However, his time with Cleveland was short-lived, as he was traded to the Montreal Expos in 1997. It was with the Expos that Kline began to find his footing in the major leagues. Over the next few seasons, he developed a reputation for his durability and effectiveness as a left-handed specialist, often called upon to face tough left-handed hitters in critical situations.
In 2001, Kline was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career. During his tenure with the Cardinals, Kline became a fan favorite for his gritty performances and his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. He was known for his sidearm delivery, which made him particularly challenging for left-handed batters. Kline's time in St. Louis was marked by consistent performances, and he played a crucial role in the Cardinals' bullpen during their playoff runs.
After four seasons with the Cardinals, Kline signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2005. His stint with the Orioles was brief, as he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2006. With the Giants, Kline continued to serve as a dependable reliever, providing veteran leadership to a young pitching staff. His experience and steady presence in the bullpen were valuable assets to the teams he played for.
Throughout his career, Kline was known for his work ethic and his ability to pitch effectively in a variety of situations. He was often used as a left-handed specialist, but he also demonstrated the ability to pitch multiple innings when needed. Kline's career statistics reflect his role as a reliable reliever, with a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.51 and over 500 strikeouts.
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