Ted Power, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills with several teams. Born on January 31, 1955, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Power attended Kansas State University, where he honed his pitching abilities before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round of the 1976 amateur draft.
Power's MLB debut came on June 6, 1981, with the Dodgers. However, his time with the team was brief, as he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in March 1983. It was with the Reds that Power began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. Initially used as a reliever, he transitioned into a starting role during his tenure with the team. In 1985, Power led the National League in games finished, a testament to his reliability in closing out games.
The 1986 season was one of Power's best, as he recorded a career-high 27 saves, ranking among the league leaders. His performance that year solidified his reputation as a dependable closer. However, Power's role continued to evolve, and he returned to starting pitching in subsequent seasons.
In 1987, Power was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to demonstrate his adaptability on the mound. His time with the Royals was short-lived, as he was traded again in 1988, this time to the Detroit Tigers. Power's journey through the majors saw him don the uniforms of several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.
Throughout his career, Power was known for his ability to adapt to different roles, whether as a starter or reliever. His pitching arsenal included a fastball, slider, and changeup, which he used effectively against hitters. Power's career statistics include a win-loss record of 68-69, an earned run average (ERA) of 4.00, and 70 saves.
After retiring from playing, Power transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. He served as a pitching coach in various minor league systems, including a stint with the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
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