Terry Leach, a right-handed pitcher known for his submarine delivery, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on March 13, 1954, in Selma, Alabama, Leach attended Auburn University, where he honed his skills on the mound. Despite going undrafted, he persevered and signed with the Atlanta Braves as a free agent in 1976.
Leach's major league debut came with the New York Mets on August 12, 1981. His unique pitching style, characterized by a low, underhand delivery, made him a challenging opponent for batters. This technique helped him stand out in a league dominated by overhand pitchers. During his time with the Mets, Leach was primarily used as a relief pitcher, although he occasionally started games when needed.
One of the highlights of Leach's career occurred in 1982 when he pitched a complete game shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing only one hit. This performance demonstrated his ability to dominate on the mound, even if only sporadically. However, it was in 1987 that Leach truly shone, posting a remarkable 11-1 record with a 3.22 ERA. His contributions that season were instrumental in the Mets' strong performance, although they ultimately fell short of the postseason.
In 1989, Leach was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to serve as a reliable bullpen option. His tenure with the Royals was brief, and he soon found himself with the Minnesota Twins. Leach played a crucial role in the Twins' bullpen, providing stability and experience. His efforts were rewarded when the Twins won the World Series in 1991, although Leach did not appear in the postseason games.
Leach's career also included stints with the Chicago White Sox and a return to the Minnesota Twins before he retired from professional baseball in 1993. Over his career, he compiled a 38-27 win-loss record, a 3.15 ERA, and 260 strikeouts. His submarine pitching style left a lasting impression on those who faced him and those who watched him play.
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