Tim Worrell, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, contributing to several teams with his skills on the mound. Born on July 5, 1967, in Pasadena, California, Worrell grew up in a family with a strong baseball background. His older brother, Todd Worrell, also played in the majors, which undoubtedly influenced Tim's path into professional baseball.
Worrell attended Biola University, where he honed his pitching abilities before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 20th round of the 1989 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Padres on July 28, 1993. In his rookie season, Worrell appeared in 27 games, primarily as a reliever, and posted a 4.06 ERA. His performance showed promise, and he quickly became a reliable option out of the bullpen.
After two seasons with the Padres, Worrell was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1995. His stint with the Tigers was brief, as he was traded again, this time to the Oakland Athletics, where he spent the 1996 season. During his time with the Athletics, Worrell transitioned into a starting pitcher role, making 16 starts and achieving a 5.68 ERA.
Worrell's journey continued as he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1997. His role fluctuated between starting and relieving, but he found more stability when he signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998. However, it was his move to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1999 that marked a turning point in his career. With the Diamondbacks, Worrell returned to the bullpen and became an effective reliever, posting a 3.25 ERA over 50 appearances.
In 2001, Worrell signed with the San Francisco Giants, where he enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career. He played a crucial role in the Giants' bullpen, particularly during the 2003 season when he stepped in as the team's closer following an injury to Robb Nen. Worrell saved 38 games that year, finishing with a 2.87 ERA and earning a reputation as a dependable closer.
Worrell's performance with the Giants earned him a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2004. He continued to serve as a valuable reliever, though his time with the Phillies was marred by personal challenges that affected his performance. Despite these difficulties, he managed to maintain a respectable 3.68 ERA over two seasons.
In 2006, Worrell returned to the Giants, but his season was cut short due to injury. He announced his retirement from professional baseball later that year, concluding a career that spanned 14 seasons. Over the course of his career, Worrell appeared in 678 games, recorded 71 saves, and maintained a 3.97 ERA.
Tim Worrell's career is remembered for his adaptability and steady presence on the mound.
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