The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, then and now.

[Tobywan]

The team was racked with fear during the first few months of the 2003 season as the SARS epidemic took hold of Toronto, Cory's wife Melanie left, going back to their home in Las Vegas. Cory was thriving as a Blue Jay his best start of the season came on May 2nd against the Angels when he allowed 3 hits and only 1 run in a 3-1 complete game victory.


Lidle confers with third baseman Eric Hinske in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers on June 30, 2003, in Detroit. Lidle lost his second straight start as the Tigers beat the Blue Jays 6-2.



Pitching against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Toronto on July 30, 2003, Blue Jay lost 5-3.


The fun was cut short when after going 10-4 he was sent to the DL on August 5th with a groin strain. He pitched one rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs of the IL before being activated on August 25th, the Jays optioned Dan Reichert to make room. He never regained his earlier form though he did set a new career career high with 10 strikeouts against the Indians on September 26th. He finished 12-15 in 31 starts with a 5.75 ERA and 112 Ks in 192.2 IP, he also had 2 complete games. He led the AL when he gave up the most earned runs of any pitcher with 123. The Blue Jays finished 86-76, third in the Al East. He was granted free agency on October 26th.

On January 6th he signed with the Cincinnati Reds and was given the honor of starting their season opener in front of a 42,122 crowd at Great American Ball Park on April 5, 2004 against the Chicago Cubs. He let up 5 runs in 5 innings and took a 7-4 loss. He led a rotation of Paul Wilson, Jose Acevedo, Aaron Harang and Jimmy Haynes though he didn't exactly live up to the task of being the ace. He was hot and cold, on May 18th, he allowed 6 runs in 5 innings then managed a complete game shut out on May 23rd against the Houston Astros. On July 10th pitched the 200th game of his career against the Milwaukee Brewers.



In a game against the Chicago Cubs on July 22, 2004 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 13-2.


After 24 starts he was just 7-10 with a 5.32 ERA in 149 innings he was traded on August 9th to the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later, Javon
Moran (minors) and Joseph Wilson (minors). On August 11th the Phils sent Elizardo Ramirez to complete the trade. He would face the Brewers again on August 29th with a complete game shutout, he gave up 4 hits and recorded his one and only home run (a solo) off Wes Obermueller in the 3rd inning to give the Phils a 2-0 lead in a 10-0 win. He pitched another CG shutout against the New York Mets on September 4th in which he had 3 RBIs. The last Phillies pitcher to throw back-to-back CG shutouts was Curt Schilling in 1992. He finished the season with a combined career high 34 games, with a 4.90 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 211.1 IP. He became a free agent on October 28th, but re-signed with the Phillies on November 17th.

After hosting golf tournaments over the years for charities, in 2005 Lidle started Cory Lidle Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament in Las Vegas. Combining his love of poker and charity work, he established the tournament to benefit the Make-A -Wish Foundation. Along with the entry fees there were sports and entertainment memorabilia auctions to also raise money.

He had decent numbers before the All-Star break, going 8-6 in 18 starts with a 3.65 ERA. He posted a career high 11 strikeouts in a loss to the Brewers on
May 11th. He pitched another complete game on May 22nd giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits to the Baltimore Orioles. On July 9th against the Nationals he pitched 8 scoreless innings giving up 5 hits. After the break he had a couple bad outings and caused a a bit of a stir when he abruptly left the team for "personal reasons" after one such game on July 22nd. He didn't miss a start but struggled a couple more games before returning to form, there was speculation there was trouble at home causing a distraction.



Mike Lieberthal, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard try to encourage Lidle after he gives up 2 runs in 5th inning at Dodger Stadium on August 11, 2005. Dodgers won 5-1.

He wound up going to the DL on August 25th with a left oblique strain, he healed quickly and returned on September 9th. He was lifted a bit early in a game against the Atlanta Braves on September 20th and showed a bit of attitude when Charlie Manuel took the ball from him. Manuel wanted to use the lefty Rheal Cormier to face the right handed pinch hitter Julio Franco. Cory was visibly upset, he left the dugout, got dressed and left the clubhouse. Manuel felt he needed to have a chat with his temperamental hurler in a closed door meeting the next day. He explained it was purely a a strategic move and not a personal issue with Lidle. Cory made his last two starts. He finished the season 13-11 with a 4.53 ERA in 31 starts with 121 Ks in 184.2 IP. The Phillies finished with a 88-74 record for 2nd in the NL East and one game behind the wild card Houston Astros.

As soon as the season ended he started calling around looking for a flight instructor, he had gone up in a small plane with former teammate Tom Wilson, who had a friend that was a pilot. Cory loved it and wanted to learn himself. He found a pilot, Tyler Stanger who operated a flight school in La Verne, California, they became fast friends and Lidle got his private pilot's license on February 9, 2006 after just four months of lessons. It became a bone of contention between him and the Phillies. They made sure he was aware of a clause to his contract before the start of the season that if something happened to him during this endeavor they would not be obligated to fulfill the remainder of his $6.3 M salary.

He held the 2nd annual Cory Lidle Celebrity Poker Tournament on Jan 14th.


Lidle twins with their Dad, January, 14, 2006.

It was touted to be bigger and better than last year's event. Names like Jason Giambi, David Wells, Eric Chavez, Adam Dunn, Mike Lieberthal, Jimmy Rollins, Randy Wolf and Bret Saberhagen along with poker professional Thomas "Thunder" Keller had ponied up the $1200 buy-in to participate.



February 2006, Courier Times sports reporter Randy Miller, rides along with Lidle, over Clearwater, Fla.

He also began his search to buy a small plane. He purchased a a 2002 Cirrus SR20 Fixed Wing/Single Engine aircraft, one of the features that was of particular interest to Cory was an emergency chute that can be deployed by the pilot in mayday situations.



Lidle is greeted by Forest Hills Youth Baseball Phillies little league player (5) Kyle Ploucher, 9, before a spring training game between the Phillies and the Houston Astros at Bright House Networks Field on March 6, 2006.

The 2006 season began with media and public scrutiny surrounding Barry Bonds and his bid to pass Babe Ruth on the career home run list, he was just 2 behind when the Giants came to Philly for a series in May. Phils fans are not especially known for their open arms to opposing teams, the media isn't especially cordial and Bonds was never a media darling. As the series got closer the barbs started before the Giants even took the field. The steroid rumors had been swirling around Bonds for many years so when reporters approached Phillies players for comments before the series it was no surprised who was the most vocal. Lidle was very clear that he felt the season record Bonds broke was tainted and this one will be too, didn't buy Bonds denials and eventually the truth will come out. Bonds wouldn't get the record in Philly or against them he passed Babe on May 28th against the Rockies in San Francisco.


Lidle puts down a bunt against the Washington Nationals and ends up safe after an error in the sixth inning at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC on June 10, 2006. The Phillies won 6-2

In a game against his former team the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on June 17th, Lidle was ejected in the 8th inning as he yelled at opponent Julio Lugo from the dugout in the 8th inning. Lidle and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel ran out to argue with umpire Bill Miller. During the exchange Manuel hit Miller with the bill of his cap as he got in his face and he was tossed. Manuel was later suspended and fined. The DRays not only won the game 7-2 but handed the Phils their 6th consecutive loss, it seems frustrations were boiling over. On July 30, 2006 he was traded along with Bobby Abreu to the New York Yankees for C.J. Henry (minors), Jesus Sanchez (minors), Carlos Monasterios and Matt Smith. He had gone 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts and 125.1 IP at the time of the trade. He was to fill the Yankees 5th spot in the starting rotation left by Sidney Ponson who had been sent to the bullpen after Shawn Chacon had been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He was joining an already robust group including Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright. A bit of controversy brewed as Cory staying true to his outspoken way had some parting words that weren't very flattering toward his former team. He didn't always feel the guys behind him were playing every game 100 percent. One ex-teammate lashed back, according to Arthur Rhodes “the only thing Cory Lidle wants to do is fly around in his airplane and gamble." That would turn out to be a very prophetic statement. Rhodes had also brought up the old "scab" label referring to that one inning he pitched during the strike in 1995.

Cory was very excited to be joining the Yankees and once again would be playing with his long time pal Jason Giambi.He was placed at the back end of the rotation, in his first outing on August 3rd he pitched 6 innings allowing just 1 run on 6 hits for an 8-1 win against the Toronto Blue Jays.





The Lidles at Yankee Stadium August 2006.


Lidle walks with pitching coach Ron Guidry from the bullpen before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium , August 3, 2006.


He left the team in on August 17th to attend his grandmother's funeral. As Cory was in the middle of a play-off run he enlisted Kevin to help him get some work in, they dug out some old gloves and a ball from their father's garage and had a no frills bull pen session in the street. It would be the last time the brothers would play catch.
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[Tobywan]

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His first game back on August 21st he put the final nail into an important series against the Red Sox. Due to a double-header there was a five game set in four days. Boston was in second place 1 1/2 games behind, Lidle went six innings giving up three hits but no runs as they went on to sweep.



Lidle helps himself by tagging out David Ortiz of the Red Sox on August 21, 2006 at Fenway.



Lidle shares a laugh with his teammates Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Phillips, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Wil Nieves during a game at Yankee Stadium against the Orioles on September 28th, Yanks lost 7-1.


Cory had been relegated to the bullpen just before the post season. Between both teams, he had a 12-10 regular-season record with a 4.85 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 170.2 innings pitched. The Yankees won their division going 97-65, they would face the Tigers in the ALDS.


Heading into the Game 4 of the ALDS on October 7th, Detroit was leading NY 2-1 in the series, Jaret Wright was the starting pitcher, he gave up 4 runs in 2.2 innings. Lidle finished out the third with no further damage. He lasted just an inning and a third when after a scoreless 4th inning he gave up 3 runs on 4 hits in the 5th and recorded no outs.



Lidle waits with teammates Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano as manager Joe Torre relieves him with pitcher Brian Bruney during Game 4 of the ALDS on October 7, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.


The Yankees lost 8-3 and were eliminated. The following day (Oct. 8th) as players cleaned out their lockers Lidle chatted informally with some reporters. He spoke of his love of flying and was asked if he had any concerns. He motioned toward the locker that has remained a shrine to the late Thurman Munson, stating that he has read the incident reports on his fatal crash and that of John F. Kennedy, Jr., just for his own knowledge. He explained that anything in life is full of risks, but he is never nervous or worried when he is in the air. As he continued with interviews after the loss against the Tigers, Cory's mouth would get him in trouble again when he was quoted as saying he felt they were more ready to play than the Yanks. Many felt it was a slap at manager Joe Torre, local sports TV and radio stations were hammering him. He even called the radio talk show Mike and the Mad Dog on Monday (Oct. 9th) to defend his statements. The exchange got a bit contentious, at one point co-host Chris Russo's implied that Lidle was not entitled to "enjoy a day in New York" and co-host Mike Francesa commented, "I haven't thought much about you at all, to be honest with you." Even with those remarks Lidle offered to get together with them sometime so they could get to know him. Later, that day, he and Tyler Stanger went to play pool at the Amsterdam Billiards Parlor.

Lidle spent Tuesday night in Manhattan with Melanie and Christopher, taking them to see the Broadway musical "Beauty and the Beast" and to dinner in Times Square. The Lidles had made traveling plans for when the post season was over, they would visit the family out in California. Lidle and his instructor/friend Tyler Stanger (age 26) would fly in Cory's Cirrus SR20 making a few stops a long the way. He was to visit his friend, a professional poker player Dave Whitis in Nashville, Tennessee and even had hotel reservations, another stop was planned in Dallas, Texas. Melanie, Christopher and Stanger's pregnant wife, Stephanie with their infant daughter would take a commercial flight ahead of them to LAX. Those plans were quickly put into action with the early exit from the play-offs. On the morning of October 11th, Cory and Tyler bid farewell to their families at Kennedy Airport then headed to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey where his plane was stowed. They planned to fly over of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State building to sight see before heading on to Nashville. They informed the air traffic controllers that they would be using "manual flight controls" and took off at 2:21 pm.

They were flying over the East River just past the Queensboro Bridge toward restricted airspace. Just 12 minutes after take off the plane crashed into the Belaire Condominium Apartment complex at 524 East 72nd Street in Manhattan's Upper East Side. The plane hit between the 32nd and the 33rd floors bursting into flames upon impact with the bulk of the plane crashing to the sidewalk.



One witness claimed he saw one body torn in half while the other was still strapped into a seat. The plane was broken apart, the engine, propeller, the right portion of the engine mount, and the nose landing gear strut was inside one of the apartments. It was later determined that the engine and propellers were still running and that the plane was going approximately 112 miles an hour when it crashed. There was no evidence that the chute mechanism was ever engaged. The official report from the The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of this accident was the pilots’ inadequate planning, judgment, and airmanship in the performance of a 180° maneuver inside of a limited turning space and that wind forced the plane into the building during the U-turn. The NTSB report also stated they found no problem with the aircraft, no evidence of a mechanical failure prior to impact.

Lidle and Stanger were the only fatalities, there were around 20 injured between firefighters, police, residents and pedestrians on the street that were treated at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center. The building was home to a mix of actors, doctors, lawyers and writers others of affluent means, Mystery writer Carol Higgins Clark, daughter of author Mary Higgins Clark was a resident. New York Mets third base coach Manny Acta lived there and had to stay elsewhere for a time.

Initial reports suspected Lidle was one of the casualties when his passport was found on the side walk and when identification of the plane was found to be registered to Lidle's address in Lakeland, Florida. The condition of his body however, required dental records to make a positive ID. While investigators couldn't confirm which of the men was actually flying it is presumed that it was Lidle in control of the aircraft. While the news coverage was unfolding there were worries of possible terrorism, some speculated it might have been suicide. Moments after the crash due to fear of it possibly being another attack, fighter jets were dispatched ed in several cities, including New York, Washington, Detroit, Los Angeles and Seattle according to the Pentagon.

In Glendora, California Cory's father Doug had been playing golf with his supervisor Bob Compton, both men worked as real estate agents at Centruy 21. After their game they went to snack bar and saw the news coverage on the TV, but didn't make a connection. Doug Lidle went home, Compton returned to work to everyone asking him if the plane crash coverage involved Doug's son Cory. He called Doug who still hadn't received any confirmation, by the time Compton arrived at the Lidle home the news was grave, it was indeed Cory. Doug and Cory's mother Rebecca had a very rocky marriage and had been divorced since the twins were 11, Doug had remarried. The Yankees had already notified LAX to have police and a minister standing by along with friends and relatives to greet Mrs. Lidle and Stanger's plane. Melanie's sister was the one that broke the news to her.

In Lakeland, Florida Cory's twin Kevin was working at the Lakeland Baseball Academy where he was the owner and an instructor when he heard the news. He received a frantic call moments earlier from his and Cory's former Little League coach Dave Bletcher screaming at him that the news says that Cory's plane went into a building. He then spent time pacing in front of the building his cell phone in one hand and a bat in the other trying to get confirmation, but admits he was in a state of shock. Just a month earlier Cory had participated in a clinic with Kevin at the academy when the Yanks had played a series against the Devil Rays. Kevin had moved to Lakeland to stay close to his daughter, Annistyn where she and his ex-wife Kathy lived. Cory even bought a home nearby which was used as the address on the plane's registration.

Due to the high profile of the crash, reporters were swamping the family for interviews, Kevin even made an appearance by phone on the "Larry King" show for CNN the evening of the crash. In a strange twist of irony Kevin had once been a teammate of Jeff Anderson when they played in 2000 for the Somerset Patriots in an independent league. Jeff's father Jerry Anderson had survived the plane crash that took the life of Yankee catcher Thurmon Munson on August 2, 1979 in Canton, Ohio.

While Melanie and Christopher had attended the ALDS to support Cory, the rest of the family decided to hold off until the Yankees got further into the play-offs. They were sure the Yanks could easily eliminate the wild card Tigers in the first round, but the Tigers had only missed out on winning the Central Division by one game. Doug regretted that he didn't take Cory up on the invitation to attend.


On the evening of his death the Oakland A's were hosting the Detroit Tigers for Game 2 of the ALCS at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland they held a moment of silence for Cory. On October 12, 2006, before the 2006 NLCS game in New York City between the Mets and the Cardinals, did the same. The game was originally scheduled for the previous evening but was postponed due to rain.

His last MLB game was October 1, 2006 for the New York Yankees, he was 34 years old.

In 9 seasons with seven teams Lidle went 82-72 with a 4.57 ERA, 838 strike outs, 11 complete games, 5 shutouts, 2 saves in 1322.2 IP.
He recorded just one balk and he gave up only 2.42 walks per nine innings during his career.

There ended up being no salary issue after Cory's death as his contract was over by the end of the season and he had already been paid in full. Though Kevin had spent 12 seasons in the minors and never played a game in the majors and the brothers never played for the same organization.

In the days that followed those that knew or played with Lidle were relaying stories to each other and any reporters seeking comments. Long time A's bullpen coach Brad Fischer spoke of an incident on September 8, 2001 when Coach Rick Peterson was the butt of one of Lidle's pranks. The two never seemed to see eye to eye over just about everything when it came to pitching and one day at McAfree Coliseum he was watching a throwing session. He was horrified at how badly Cory was throwing, everything seemed to be off, a few minutes later the real Cory Lidle showed up to inform Peterson he had been watching his twin Kevin. Peterson who was now the Mets pitching coach was too emotional to put his sadness into words. Tiger's pitcher Todd Jones said Lidle taught him to play Texas Hold `Em. Former Marlins pitcher Jim Mecir, who teamed with Lidle in both Oakland and Tampa Bay, never was much for cards but his wife Pamela and Melanie Lidle grew close.

Barry Zito spoke about the "Snacks" nick name because of eating Reeses, Whoppers and ice cream in between innings on his pitching days and also relayed his favorite Lidle memory of the prank on Coach Peterson. Both Mike Francesa and Chris Russo, hosts of the Mike and the Mad Dog New York radio show expressed sympathy but were unapologetic about the comments made to Lidle on air, despite switchboards lighting up at the radio station by fans blasting the duo. The news hit former Phillie teammate Mike Lieberthal particularly hard, Lidle was to attend his wedding in November. Joe Torre noted that he had replayed the last game over in his mind, how he gave Lidle the ball on the mound and took it away not knowing it would be for the last time.

There was confusion in he reports in the days that followed as well, besides the speculation of who was actually flying, whether there was permission for the flight path, if there was or wasn't a mayday call. The FAA released a statement that according to tapes there was no distress call, the plane was also flying too low to appear on radar at the time of impact. At the time the FAA didn't require a flight plan for small planes like Lidle's flying below 1,100 feet along the river or to check in with air traffic control, but two days after the accident they changed their rules.


Among the mourners at the funeral in Lidle’s hometown were HOFer Reggie Jackson, the Yankees captain Derek Jeter, former high school teammate Jason Giambi, Jaret Wright, manager Joe Torre and general manager Brian Cashman. .



Also there were A's pitcher Barry Zito, Philly teammates Pat Burrell, Randy Wolf and Chase Utley and former Yankees pitcher and life long friend Aaron Small. There was fly over by three small planes, at the reception at Faith Community Church in West Covina following the funeral, family and friends lunched on In-N-Out burgers, the popular Southern California fast food that was Lidle's favorite. Melanie tried to bravely address the crowd, thanking everyone that had helped since Cory's death, her sister Brandie Peters, and the Yankees and Major League Baseball, she crumpled and began sobbing uncontrollably and had to be helped to a chair.


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[Tobywan]

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Cory was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Covina Hills, CA.



On January 28, 2007, the family held a charity poker tournament in memoriam for Lidle at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood, California. The event went past it's $50, 000 goal. Giambi, Barry Zito, Mike Lieberthal, and Randy Wolf were among the players as well as Hollywood director John Landis and well known poker pros Freddy Deeb, Annie Duke and Russ Hamilton. Cory himself had reportedly been contemplating scraping the annual event due to the planning becoming so time consuming. In lieu of future tournaments the Cory Lidle Foundation was formed to organised different events to benefit the Make-A-Wish charities.


As major league spring training camps opened for the 2007 season the Lidles continued to morn and heal, Melanie and Christopher had gone through some counseling. It was hard to realize they would not be packing up to head south for spring training.

An invitation was extended to the family for a special memorial for Cory for the Yankees Opening Day on April 2nd, with heavy hearts they accepted. Just before a video memorial played on the giant screen the long time Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard spoke "Now pitching ... for the Yankees ... No. 30 ... Cory ... Lidle" (Sheppard passed in September 2007). With life long friend Jason Giambi at their side both Melanie and son Christopher threw out the ceremonial first pitches to Melky Cabrera and Wil Nieves.



Melanie, Christopher and Jason Giambi


Standing by were Kevin, his father Doug (and his wife Lisa) and Cory's mother Rebecca. The Yanks were playing against a few of Lidle's ex-teammates on the Devil Rays. It wasn't the smoothest game, the Yankees would win 9-5 helped by three RBI from Giambi. The Yankees wore black armbands during the entire season. Cory was inducted into the Binghamton Baseball Shrine (New York) since he had played for the Double-A Binghamton Mets.

Later that year Melanie enrolled Christopher in the West Covina American Little League , the same one where Cory started at the age of 5. She became very familiar with his manager Brandyn Hayward. They found out they had actually attended grade school together. Eventually, the friendship developed into more. Brandyn stood by her during the lawsuits over Cory's death from the owners of the apartment building and tennants. Among those suing the the estates of Lidle and Stanger was Ilana Benhuri who filed papers in August 2007. Benhuri was badly burned and injured in the crash spending a month in the hospital followed by several surgeries and skin grafts. Her husband Parviz was named as a co-plaintiff citing compensation medical expenses for not being able to have sex with his wife while she was recovering.

Melanie and Stanger's widow filed a lawsuit against Cirrus Design Corp., the manufacturer of the plane in early March 2009. Many felt that the money the families was asking was a bit steep, close to $45 M, the bulk to Melanie as her side contended that Lidle could have made that with future signings, post career coaching and pension. Lidle was just short of the 10 year fully vested mark of the league's pension plan.

Just weeks later Melanie comforted Brandyn when his teenage stepson died in a swimming pool accident on March 22, 2009, which just happened to be Cory's birthday. While the baseball world was mourning along with the families, the town of West Covina quickly sprung into action on plans to honor their home town celebrity. They renamed one of the ball fields at Cortez Park Cory Lidle Field. They commissioned a statue and plaques to be displayed at the Big League Dream Park along with naming the main road into the park after Lidle. The city council’s haste was not surprising. West Covina, CA, loves baseball and the city has produced a dozen professional baseball players including both Lidle’s brother and Yankee teammate Jason Giambi. San Antonio, Texas sculptor Don Hunt was chosen to create a statue of Lidle. The result was an 8 ft tall bronze depicting Lidle in a wind up wearing a Yankees uniform. It was finally dedicated a little more than a year later on October 27, 2007.


Don Hunt w/ stature he created of Cory Lidle


On April 10, 2010 Melanie Lidle started a more happy chapter in her life, she wed Little League manager Brandyn Hayward. She had the full blessing of the Lidle family as they had known him for 15 years.Hayward had been active in the local baseball scene and had been Christopher's coach since 2007. Doug Lidle and his wife Lisa attended the ceremony along with Kevin.

In 2008 the West Covina City Council had created a Walk of Fame inside the Big League Dreams Sportsplex to honor local athletes, coaches and sports group volunteers. In 2011 Cory and Kevin Lidle were inducted along with Jeremy Giambi and Shawn Wooten.

In May of 2011 during the trial against Cirrus Design Corp widows of both men testified along with a retired space shuttle astronaut's testimony on behalf of the manufacturing company. The families and their attorney contended that the plane's flight controls jammed, that the plane contained defects that the company knew of but failed to warn its customers about them. The company and attorney argued that the pilots did not leave enough room to make the turn and flew too low, at only half the height of the Empire State Building. He said the men managed to recover from a stall and went around a building and "then right in front of it was the condominiums." They painted Lidle as inexperienced to make such a maneuver, but testimony from an employee at Teterboro Airport stated that Lidle had made that same flight twice at night and twice in the day in just the couple of months leading up to October 11th. However, neither side was happy about what they felt was crucial evidence not being admitted. Cirrus wanted the NTSB report to be revealed to jurors as it depicted "pilot error". The families wanted them to hear about how the company revised its manufacturing process after the crash to prevent the flight controls from getting jammed. The judge also did not allow for testimony from a flight instructor who experience a lockup of flight controls and almost crashed in a similar plane by the same company. On May 24th after three hours of deliberations and nearly a month of testimony the jury cleared Cirrus of responsibility for the deaths of Cory Lidle and Tyler Stanger, the families were devastated.

Later in 2011 the Cory Lidle Baseball league was started as part of the Cory Lidle Foundation.

On August 18, 2012 the Oakland A's held a celebration commemorating that historic 20 game winning streak in 2002, there was a special tribute to Lidle before a game against the Cleveland Indians. Melanie and Christopher were presented with a $10,000 donation on behalf of the A's for his foundation.


Former Oakland's A's manager Art Howe hugs Melanie Lidle.

The widows Melanie Lidle and Stephanie Stanger had appealed the court ruling that the cleared the Cirrus Design Corp. In January 2013 the ruling was upheld. In February they were ordered to pay an $80,000 bill for the company's court costs. Cirrus was contemplating a case to seek reimbursement for legal fees in defending itself against the product-liability claims of the widows. Lidle's lawyer contends he was not allowed by the judge in the case to present evidence that Cirrus recalled all of its SR20’s and changed the manufacturing process after the deadly incident to show that the company was aware there was an issue in the plane's design.

On December 20, 2013 Cory's jersey was retired by South Hills High School. On January 30, 2014 Cory's mother Rebecca Lidle passed away at the age of 59, she never remarried and had been living in Lakeland with Kevin since 2009.

In the early morning hours of February 21, 2014 thieves vandalized Cory's memorial outside of the Big League Dream Park in West Covina. The large statue was toppled and full of drill holes, but was likely too heavy for the thieves to carry away. They did make off with three bronze plaques. It is speculated they were after the bronze and copper that makes up the plaques and statue. Repairs were completed by Roger Green of Exclusive Welding, Mel Green-Structural Engineering , Sandy Decker of Decker Studios and Rosa Lowinger & Associates, they were unable to consult the sculptor Don Hunt as he passed away in 2011. The statue was rededicated on November 15, 2014.



Melanie and Christopher with repaired statue.

At this time there had been no arrests.

The Cory Lidle Foundation host an annual Thanksgiving charity tournament, the 2014 event was held November 28-30th. Proceeds to their events go to division winners and local West Covina youth charities. Registration rules were changed after the charity was stiffed on entry fees from four teams the previous season.

Kevin worked briefly for the Marlins as a scout in the Florida region starting in 2008. He serves on the advisory board of the On Deck Foundation and helps with the running of the Cory Lidle Foundation. He moved is academy to the Covina area to be closer to the rest of the family. Outside of running the foundation and overseeing the charity events in memory of her late husband. Melanie lives a quiet low profile life with her current husband and stays close with the Lidle and Stanger families.

[Tobywan]

Terrell Lowery #50-Outfielder

Quenton Terrell Lowery was born on October 25, 1970 in Oakland, California. He joined older brother Josh, his mother's name is Melinda, but could find no mention of his father. The boys grew up playing sports and were competitive mostly with each other. Terrell attended Oakland Technical High School graduating in 1988 before going on to Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA) on an athletic scholarship. He played both basketball and baseball throughout high school and wanted to play both in college.

Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers were veterans on the basketball team that had just come off consecutive NCAA tournament appearances under Coach Paul Westhead. He made several friends especially Gathers, who took the new point guard Lowery under his wing even keeping him sheltered from the usual hazing and bullying of freshman students. In his first season, Terrell averaged 5.9 points per game. The next season, it was 14.5 points a game and the Marymount Lions were once again headed into the tournament.

His brother Josh attended San Diego State but was suspended after an off campus fight, he transferred to the University of Portland and faced each other on the court in the 1988-1989 season. Josh was suspended again after he was arrested for an assault on a female student, they were arguing and she was hit in the face. Josh was selected twice in drafts by the Cleveland Indians but decided to continue with his education and playing basketball and baseball. He finally signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after he was selected in the 1989 amateur draft. He played just two seasons in the minors.


Terrell Lowery 1990 LMU

Hank and Terrell rarely went anywhere without the other, in the future, the two would be forever linked at Loyola in success and in one moment of tragedy. It was the opening game of the West Coast Conference Tournament on March 4, 1990 against Portland. This would be Lowrey's first trip, Gathers had been there before. Hank's pep talks were simple "Bo (Kimble), bombs away... Jeff (Fryer), bombs away... Terrell (Lowery), bombs away" and so forth. Six minutes into the second half the Lions were on the offense, Lowery threw a half-court alley-oop pass to Gathers who dunked the ball for 2 points. He high fives teammate Bo Kimble and slaps hands with Lowery as he gets into full-court press position, in a few moments he collapsed to the floor. The raucous crowd went silent, Gathers tries to get up but is in visible distress, teammates, trainers, coaches and the team physician gathering around, trying to keep him still.


Hank Gathers is attended to by LMU team physician.

His family in the stands come down to the court his mother, aunt and brother. His mother appears faint, his aunt in anquish drops to her knees screaming, the scene is emotional. Within an hour the news was grim, the vibrant young man was dead. A week later it was a long sorrowful plane ride for Lowery and many of the players who flew to Philadelphia to attend Hank's funeral and serve as pallbearers. Lowery wore a borrowed suit that was too big for him.



LMU basketball team Tom Peabody (11), Jeff Fryer (21), Bo Kimble and Terrell Lowery, celebrate during the closing moments of their 149-115 victory against Michigan during the NCAA West Regional in Long Beach, CA., on March 18, 1990. They set 11 new NCAA tournament records in that game.


Loyola Marymount blasted though the competition making it to the Elite Eight. Everyone was caught up in the story of LMU and their brave front, even their opponent UNLV wore black armbands when the teams met in the tournament in honor of Gathers. The Rebels sympathy only went so far, they ousted the Lions with a 131-101 score and went on to win the national championship.

The heart break was compounded when it was revealed that Gathers had no sign in his system of the prescribed heart medicine Inderal (or propranolol) he should have been taking for his cardiomyopathy. While there was no way to tell when he had last taken the medication it had at least been over eight hours. If he had been taking it as prescribed there should have been evidence of it at the time of his death. Teammates had stated that he didn't like taking it because it made him feel sluggish.

Lowery had a breakout season his third year becoming one of the nation’s leading scorers by averaging 28.5 points per game. Westhead wanted Lowery to concentrate on basketball, but Terrell continued to play baseball outside the college, Gathers had often teased him about it. When Coach Westhead left to join the Denver Nuggets he was replaced by Jay Hillock. The new coach allowed Lowery to also play for the Marymount baseball team. He is listed on a many of the records lists from LMU mostly in the assists categories in basketball.


Lowery goes for a layup during a game at Gersten Pavillion in Los Angeles, California in 1991.

Lowery was selected in the second round (62nd overall) of the June 3, 1991 amateur draft by the Texas Rangers and signed on June 8th to a $200,000 bonus. He was assigned to the Butte Copper Kings of the Rookie class Pioneer League where he struggled at first. The Rangers sent a special instructor to help some of the players and it really help Terrell, he became a league all-star and batted .299 in 54 games. He was voted the second best player in the league. The team went 29-41 finishing 5th.

He didn't play in 1992, as part of his contract with Texas he returned to finish his senior year at Loyola scoring 26 points per game. Along the way he graduated with a degree in communications, though it was a struggle as he was more athletically inclined than academically. He credits tutors like Olivia La Bouff, Jay and Barbara Busse from the schools Learning Resource Center for helping him obtain his degree. He was an Honorable Mention All-American and the first in NCAA history to finish in the top five in both scoring and assist average in the same season. He was a First Team All WCC selection and was named All District 8. While he and Hank are linked by that fateful pass they are also linked in the LMU’s records book. Lowery is second all-time in scoring with 2,201 points just behind Gathers with 2,490 points.

He was briefly considering the possibility of playing both sports professionally. He attended the National Basketball Association's pre-draft camp, some reviews had him possibly going as a second round pick, but everyone passed him by and no NBA offers came his way. He thought perhaps his decision to sign with the Rangers sent a message to the NBA that he was interested in a basketball career. He agreed to play for the Denver Nuggets as a free agent on their summer league team. He played well and was invited to the team’s training camp. He had invites from the the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers as well, but soon the appeal of playing both sports wore off. He gave it a lot of thought and decided he must choose one and baseball won out, especially since he already had a contract.

He moved right along in the Texas minors system, he split 1993 between the High A Port Charlotte Rangers of the FSL and the Double-A Tulsa Drillers in the Texas League.



1993 Bowman #373 Terrell Lowery

He collected 139 hits, 10 triples, and 24 stolen bases (fourth in the Ranger's system) and a .270 BA in 131 games. The Drillers went 66-69 finishing 4th in the East division. He played in the Arizona Fall League for the Tucson Javelinas, they were defeated in the championship by the Tempe Rafters.


He spent the entire 1994 season in Tulsa as their lead off hitter and the starting centerfield. He batted .286/.365/.435 with 34 doubles and 33 stolen bases in 129 games. Tulsa finished 63-73 once again in fourth place.


He was limited to just 21 games in 1995 between the Rookie GCL Rangers and Port Charlotte. He tore his Achilles' tendon during spring training workouts and spent the majority of the year rehabilitating. He got more playing time when he went to the Arizona Fall League playing for the Peoria Javelinas.

Doubts about his future speed and agility led to the Rangers trading him on January 25, 1996 to the New York Mets for Damon Buford. Joe McIlvaine was high on Lowery after seeing him play in the AFL. He would join the team for spring training at their venue in Port St, Lucie, Florida. Terrell would frequently be asked about the loss of his teammate and friend, it was painful, but he knew the irony of of having thrown Gathers the final pass of his life. Interviews would always turn to the subject with every team change or milestone he passed on the ladder of his professional career. He would never speak in length on the subject.

He was first assigned to the Double-A Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League then halfway through the season he was promoted to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides in the IL. He batted .255 in 124 games as the team finished 2nd with a record of 82-59 in the IL West under manager Bobby Valentine. They faced the Columbus Clippers in the first round and were eliminated. Left unprotected by the 40-man roster he was taken in the Rule 5 draft on December 9th by the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs worked out a deal with the Mets and the draft was nullified, Lowery started the 1997 season with the with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs (Des Moines) of the American Association, in 110 games he hit 17 homers and batted .301 ./401/.521. Terrell was the co-MVP of the Iowa Cubs sharing the honor with future DRay Miguel Cairo. The team finished 74-69 in first place in the Western division, they beat the New Orleans Zephyrs in the semi-finals but lost the championship to the Buffalo Bisons. He was called up to make his major league debut with the Cubs on September 13th against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. Heading into the 9th inning, the Cubs were already ahead 4-1 when he came into the pinch hit, facing Jeff Wallace he struck out. He made his first ML start in left field and collected his first hit in a 3-2 win the next night. He led off the 6th inning with a single off Pirate's Steve Cooke. He stole his first base in a 5-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds on September 16th. He played in 9 games before the end of the season. Cubs finished 68-94, 5th in the NL Central.




Terrell signs autographs and warms up before a spring game against the Chicago White Sox at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Arizona on March 2, 1998. The White Sox defeated the Cubs 8-3.



During the last week of the 1998 spring training season his contract was designated for assignment (March 31), he began the season in Triple-A. Iowa was absorbed into the Pacific Coast League with the demise of the American Association. He was recalled on May 29th to take the roster spot left by optioned Justin Speier. He picked up his first RBI in a 12-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on June 18th. Lowery batted just .200 in 24 games he was designated for assignment on July 7th to make room on the roster after the Cubs claimed Glenallen Hill off waivers from Seattle. He spent the rest of the season in Iowa. In Iowa he batted .297/.368/.508 in 65 games. He also posted a 20 games hitting streak. The Iowa Cubs finished in first again but were eliminated in the first round by the Zephyrs who went on to take the championship. He became a free agent on October 15th.

Sometime during this period he married his fiance Denise Nicole (nee Burch), the couple already had a daughter, Trenise.

He signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on November 19th.


Photo Day for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida on February 25, 1999.


Batting against the Cincinnati Reds at the Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 12, 1999. The Devil Rays won 5-2.


He started the 1999 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls of the IL but ended up splitting the season between them and the DRays. He was first called up to the big club on June 5, but was sent back on June 15th. He was brought back to the DRays on July 16th after batting .335 with 92 hits, 20 doubles, 15 homers and 57 RBIs in 71 games with the Bulls. Jose Canseco was to have back surgery and Randy Winn was optioned to Durham. He hit his first home run on July 30th against A's reliever Buddy Groom in the 8th inning. The DRays were behind 4-0 and he scored the only run of the game for Tampa Bay. On August 8th in a 5-3 win against Cleveland he hit three doubles, scored a run and brought in run. Lowery started 22 of 28 games he batted .302 in 121 at-bat from the lead off spot. Despite those numbers his playing time dwindled in September, in 66 games with Tampa Bay he batted .259/.330/.384. The Devil Rays finished 69-93 in 5th place in the AL East. He became a free agent on October 10th. He was granted an invite to spring camp, but once the DRays added outfielders Greg Vaughn, Gerald Williams along with Jose Guillen who had been acquired in July, he knew it would be tough. He was disappointed, he had his most time in the majors with them and it appeared he still wasn't wanted.

He figured he would start fresh and he signed with the San Francisco Giants on January 13, 2000.


Lowery slides into home under the tag from Chicago Cubs catcher, Joe Girardi during the top of the fourth inning at a March 4, 2000 in Mesa, Arizona. Lowery was safe.

He and Denise welcomed their second child daughter Tiana before the team broke camp.

He was assigned to the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies of the PCL before being called up to the Giants on May 14th. On May 21st he had a 5 hit day with three doubles with an RBI and three runs scored against the Brewers in Milwaukee. in a 16-10 win. He batted just .199 in 84 games for the Grizzlies and .441 in 24 games with the Giants. He finished up the season with the big club, they went 97-65 to take the NL West division. Terrell was not added to the post season roster and the Giants lost in the NLDS 3-1 to the NY Mets.


He became a free agent after the season. He signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on January 22, 2001, was assigned to their minor league camp on March 20th. He re-signed with the DRays to a minor league deal. He batted .261 in 71 games for Durham before calling it a career. Durham finished 74-70 in 5th place.

His last ML appearance was with the SF Giants on October 1, 2000, he was 29 years old.

He played parts of four seasons in the majors, he had 70 hits, 20 doubles, 3 homers, 42 runs, 23 RBI, with a .282 batting average in 123 games. He had a career .276 BA in 10 minor league seasons.


Even though he had a relatively short career as a major league player he claims he has never regretted his decision to pursue baseball. He has worked as an agent for Lyon Real Estate while coaching teams and became heavily involved in several youth programs and organizations in their home of Sacramento. Denise studied social work in college, worked in the field in a variety of jobs with several organizations relating to foster care.

In 2002 Terrell and Denise had a son T.J.

In 2003 the couple started a non-profit organization called New Horizons Foster Care and continue to operate the program, they provide counseling, mentoring, and tutoring among other services. They receive funding from local, state, and federal agencies to support their now large network. New Horizons has overseen thousands of foster care cases and placements since its beginning. Terrell continues to work part time in real estate for a small brokerage firm.

He was inducted into LMU’s Hall of Fame in 2005 along with other members of the 1989-90 Men’s Basketball Team. Terrell is listed in just about every statistical category including first in games played (119), first in assists (689), first in steals (231), second in 3-point field goals (261), second in 3-point field goals attempted (669), second in free throws made (494), third in free throws attempted (626), fourth in assists average (5.8 per game), fourth in steals average (1.9 per game), fifth in field goals attempted (1,564), and fifth in field goals (723). Bo Kimble went on to play Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks.


Terrell had a son born in January 1993 before he was married. It is unclear if Terrell knew about the child from the start or at a later time, but at some point he was ordered to pay child support. In April 2005, the child came to live with him, Terrell and the boy's mother agreed there would be no payments. His son molested his two daughters, he was removed and placed in foster care. He pleaded no contest to lewd and lascivious acts upon a minor. The state ordered Lowery to pay support to defer some of the $5,000 a month to house and care for the young male. Lowery went to court to be reimbursed the money. Lowery felt he fell under a statute in the Welfare and Institutions Code section 903 (01) where he is exempt from playing the state because the minor committed a crime against the person liable for support. In July 2008 it was ruled that while the offense occurred in his home, the daughters were the victims not Lowery. Lowery filed multiple appeals at different levels citing that he was also a victim since the crime happened to his daughters in his home That he was already taxed with the emotional and financial liabilities to provide therapy for his daughters it was unfair for him to then have to pay to support the person that caused it. The court was unpersuaded and the original decision was continuously upheld. They finally suggested he go to the legislature to have the statute amended. They did however lower the amount paid due based on his expenditures to doctors for the girls.

Terrell and his wife Denise reside in Sacramento, they have three children, daughters Trenise and Tiana a son T.J.

[Tobywan]

Jim Morris # 63-LHP

James Samuel Morris, Jr. was born on January 19, 1964 in Brownwood, Texas to James and Olline (nee Ketchum) Morris. A few years later there was a brother Kael. His father was a lifelong Navy man and the family moved very often as the boys were growing up. Jimmy started playing baseball when he was three, his father loved the game as well. Jim Sr. was on the verge of signing a contract with the New York Mets two weeks before spring training. He hurt his shoulder playing football in his front yard bringing his career to a halt before it even began. What could have brought the father and son close ended up being a wedge between them. Sr. was a perfectionist drilling the game into his son, Jr. just wanted to play and often used practice time and games to get away from his father. His mother Ollie's family went back generations in West Texas.

On Ollie's mother side there was a hero who was among the forces of General Sam Houston that captured Santa Anna after the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. On her father's side were outlaws/train robbers named Sam and Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum. Sam died (1899) of gunshot wounds after he was wounded and captured by a posse, Tom was hanged (1901) in New Mexico (then a territory).

When Jimmy was heading into his teens his father became a recruiter and the family was able to settle back into Brownwood. The brothers were able to spend a lot of time with paternal grandparents. Jimmy especially grew very close to his grandfather Elliot who he describes as the complete opposite of his father. The relationship between his parents was often rocky and Jim would stay with the grandparents for long periods through high school. Children often handle a tough upbringing or their parents bad marriage in different ways. It drove Jim to sports, school and his grandfather, it drove Kael to drugs, alcohol and petty crime.

Jim attended Brownwood High School but they didn't have a baseball program as the coach there didn't care for the game and didn't want another big team sport to interfere with his football program. So, Jim played football for the Lions from 1979-1982 as a wing-back, kicker and the back-up quarterback. He helped the team win the state championship under head coach Gordon Wood, but baseball was his passion and he dreamed of becoming a professional player. His baseball playing was limited to a 12 game summer league. Just before his senior year his beloved Elliot was diagnosed with ALS. He watched as this over 6 ft tall 220 lb man went to a shriveled 100 lbs in 18 months. After Elliot's passing Jim was more determined than ever to pursue his dream of being a professional baseball player but also wanted to honor his mentor and get an education.

He was selected 466th overall by the New York Yankees in the January 1982 amateur draft but did not sign. He turned down football scholarships from Penn
State and Notre Dame because he wouldn't be allowed to play baseball. He got into Paris Junior College on a football scholarship but when the head coach found out he wanted to pursue baseball it was yanked. Then Coach Jack Allen from Ranger Junior College provided a way for Morris to get both more experience and exposure. He offered Jimmy a full-ride scholarship and hoped that eventually he'd be looked at by scouts, it didn't take long.

He was selected in the 1st round (4th pick overall) in the secondary January 11, 1983 amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers supplemental draft. With a $35,000 signing bonus, Jimmy thought his dream was finally coming true. He was sent to the rookie class Paintsville Brewers of the Appalachian League, he posted a 5.10 ERA going 3-6 in 13 starts with 67 IP. He spent 1984 with the Single-A Beloit Brewers in the MIDW. He had more control problems going 8-9 with a 5.05 ERA in 24 games and 112.1 innings, though he did pitch one complete game.

He began the 1985 season in Beloit but after just one game was sent to the Single-A Stockton Ports of the California League, he split time between starting and relieving going 5-6 with a 6.04 ERA in 73 IP. The team finished in first place of the Northern division with a 82-63 record. They made it through the first round defeating the Modesto A's, but lost in the finals to the Fresno Giants. He was playing though pain and he ended up needing Tommy John surgery in January 1986. There was a slight complication in Morris' surgery, usually a healthy tendon from an arm will be used to transplant but one from his wrist couldn't be used so surgeons Frank Jobe and Robert Kerlan took one from his ankle.

He was going through a tough time, he was engaged to Lorri Eakin but just a month before the scheduled nuptials his parents split for good. He was also worried about how overboard (in his opinion) Lorri and her mother were going with the cost of the wedding and that his future mother in-law bought a house (a fixer-upper) without consulting him. He had always felt guilt about being the reason his parents "had" to get married, now he was concerned about not having any say in what to be their married life. He expressed his concerns to Lorri, she got angry and accused him of the problem being another woman. She handed him back the ring and told him he needed to be sure.

He wanted to be anywhere but Brownwood. He got the go ahead to attend fall league, but near the end his arm was sore again. He went home, worked, worked out and tried to do the exercises, he also tried to see Lorri, little by little as the months went by they mended their relationship. When he left to join the Brewers for spring camp at their facility in Arizona in 1987 he proposed again at the airport as they were saying their goodbyes.


1987 ProCards #261 Jim Morris

He was assigned to Stockton, but the elbow locked up after just 4 games. He fully admitted he wasn't following instructions, was plowing through trying to hurry his comeback. he needed another surgery on his shoulder. After rehab, he was activated and released on June 15th.

He and Lorri were married, she had graduated from Angelo State University located in the Central West town of San Angelo and was now working in their admissions office. Morris got a job at Howard Payne University assessing prospective players for their new baseball program while he rehabbed. While pitching batting practice he was noticed by former big league player Walt Williams, he got in touch with his old team the Chicago White Sox and they signed Jim on September 25, 1988. He went to their instructional league in Florida he did so well he was told he would be in spring camp with a Triple-A team, he had never gotten past Single-A. He was having soreness again so they placed him with the Sarasota White Sox of the Florida State League to start in 1989.


1989 Star Sarasota White Sox #15

He pitched 2 games going 0-1 with a 10.12 ERA in 2.2 IP, he needed another surgery. It was agreed to just patch him up enough for him to be able to do everyday things and he would quit baseball. The injuries were too much for his body and the sacrifices it takes to make it through the drudgery of the minor leagues was too much for his psyche.

He decided to go back to school attending his wife's alma-mater Angelo State, he got on the football team winning the the NCAA Division II punting championship and became an All-American lettering two seasons. Led the conference one year led the country the next. It appeared he was too old by this time to be looked at seriously by any NFL teams. He got a job working for the Texas Youth Commission, transporting juvenile offenders around the state.

Jim and Lorri originally planned not to have any children but soon had a son Hunter (1990) and a daughter, Jessica (1994) but there were difficulties in the marriage after her birth They briefly separated but reunited just before Jim finally got a permanent position teaching chemistry and physics at Reagan County High School. Hunter was six years old and Jamie was 2. The school was located in Big lake about 70 miles from their home, but it was important and this would be the first time that Jim would earn as much money as his wife. He vowed he would be a different kind of father, allow his kids to have a childhood like he felt he was deprived.

He liked teaching despite the commute, the family grew, another daughter, Jaimee was born (1998). He also had taken on coaching the Reagan Owls baseball team. Because he didn't have a teaching certificate, Morris could no longer teach at Reagan County after 1999.


Jim with his Reagan Owls.

His Owls complained he was throwing too hard, Morris was always spewing to his players about goals and dreams, but they wanted to know why if he could throw as hard as he could why he wasn't playing. They made a challenge, if they won the District Championship that he had to tryout again for a major league team.

The Owls had never won anything, but spurred on by the bet they played hard and won the title. A man of his word, Morris found out that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were holding open tryouts at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. Due to the short notice Lorrie was not able to get off work in the middle of giving entrance exams at Angelo. Jim packed up the kids and much to his surprise his father and step mother said they would come for support and help with the kids. There were at least 70 kids hoisting dufflebags, Morris was pushing a stroller. The scouts didn't seem interested, but Doug Gassaway asked him what he was doing there, Jim explained the situation and agreed to let him try out but he would have to go last. His folks stayed with the kids watching from the stands. It was June 19th a hot day, over 100 degrees. Gassaway was disappointed in the showing until Morris' turn. He was sure his radar gun was broken when it read 94 mph for the first pitch, then 96 then 98. Everyone was stunned including Jim. He was told he "might" get a call, by the time he made it home there were 12 messages. They wanted him back in two days for another throwing session, it was pouring, but they sent someone to the mound with an umbrella and dry balls for Morris. They offered him a contract now the really hard part, trying to convince his wife to support her now 35-year old husband in a second chance to live his major league dream. Somehow he talked her into it and on June 23, 1999 he signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

He was first sent to St Petersburg to work with trainers getting in shape and lose weight, then he was sent to the Class AA Orlando Rays of the SOUL. He made three appearances and was promoted to the Triple-A Durham Bulls in the IL.



He made 18 appearances going 3-1 with a 5.48 ERA in 23 IP to finish out their season as they headed to the post season for the second year in a row. They defeated the Columbus Clippers 3-0 in the semi-finals but lost the Governors’ Cup finals to the Charlotte Knights 3-1. Just hours after the disappointment of losing a championship he got the call that at he was heading to the Devil Rays. The next day he was on a plane with teammate Steve Cox, they were to meet the team on the road in Arlington, Texas. He made his debut the next night on September 18th, the Rangers got off to a quick start 3-0 off starter Bobby Witt in the first inning. The score was 4-0 until catcher John Flaherty hit a lead off home run in the fifth, but Texas score 2 more runs in the 6th. The DRays did have more chances but they were still behind 6-1 in the 8th inning, with 2 outs, they sent Jim Morris to the mound. He struck out Royce Clayton with only four pitches, giving the D-Rays’ pitching staff their ninth strikeout of the night. The game would end with a 6-1 loss. He became the oldest rookie since 36-year-old Minnie Mendoza with Minnesota in 1970 and the oldest rookie pitcher since 41-year-old Diomedes Oliva with Pittsburgh in 1960. Two nights later in Anaheim he came in to relieve in the 8th inning, he faced Jim Edmonds, Mo Vaughn and Tim Salmon and retired them in order. Unfortunately, the DRays were already behind 10-5.
After the game, catcher John Flaherty presented him with the ball he used to strike out Royce Clayton. He celebrated with Lorri and the kids back at the team hotel with pizza and TV.



It didn't matter that he was 35 to his teammates, as a rookie he was put through the same rookie "hazing" that has become a staple during the last few weeks of a season. The Devil Rays picked out a dress and a wig and he went through the airport when the team left LA to NYC and arrived at the Grand Hyatt. They were kind enough to make his skirt long instead of the mini's for the young ones. His wife joined him for the last home stand, but he didn't have a very good game against Toronto when he allowed his first base runner by hitting him and gave up his first home run. He was still thrilled and thankful for the entire experience.

He was sent to the Arizona Fall League playing for the Maryvale Saguaros. He pitched very well, had a zero ERA and his fastball topped out over 100 mph, but ended up leaving early with tendinitis. He did not participate in the championship where they were defeated by the Mesa Solar Sox.

He pitched well in spring 2000 but Manager Larry Rothschild hadn't solidified the bull pen even as the team boarded the plane heading to Minnesota where their season was to begin.


Team Best 2000 Rookies

Morris had been optioned to Durham during the last week of cuts, but Larry was worried about issues with other pitchers so extras were to make the trip. Jim figured he would get sent back to Durham after final cuts a last cut on opening day. Then Larry came up the aisle and said as he passed Jim that he had made the 25. Steve Trachsel was to start the first game on April 3rd. He pitched a very strong 7 innings, giving up 5 hits, no runs and striking out seven when he was relieved by Rick White. The DRays had come on strong racking up a 7-0 lead, White gave up 3 hits, but no runs scored. With 2 outs in the ninth, the DRays sent in Morris to close it out, he got Jacque Jones to go down swinging. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recorded their first opening day win. The move to give the ball to Morris with a decisive lead and just one batter left prompted some in the media to suggest the signing a now 36-year old "Rookie" was nothing more than publicity stunt. Reportedly Morris himself wondered the same thing. While there is no denying the whole deal created a good story, it seems rather cruel to con a guy into leaving his family for the nomad life just to be a publicity pawn. Lefties even wild ones are coveted in baseball, add 95-100 mph fastball and someone will give them a job.


Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitching during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland on April 20, 2000.


The Orioles defeated the Devil Rays 8-4.

He had been holding his own while keeping lefties at just .167, but he was starting to feel pain in his elbow and back. In a game on May 9th in New York it was tied 3-3 heading into the 10th inning, Rick White had loaded the bases, Rothschild put Morris in to face Paul O'Neill, he gave up a walk giving the Yankees the 4-3 win. He later stated in his book that he didn't feel right, he blames the pain and fatigue on new pitching coach Bill Fischer's plan of him throwing batting practice on game days. He was sent to Durham, he pitched just one game and was sent to have an MRI, he needed another surgery on his elbow. As soon as he was activated he was released on November 27th. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 14th.


Photo Day for the Los Angeles Dodgers at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Florida on February 28, 2001.

He was released during spring training 2001, after he received a frantic call from his son, Hunter. He packed up his car, walked into manager Jim Tracey's office, thanked him but said he had to go his kids came first. His book "The Oldest Rookie: Big-League Dreams from a Small-Town Guy" co written with Joel Engel was released in April. In later printings it was changed to "The Rookie: The Incredible True Story of a Man Who Never Gave Up on His Dream" since he was actually not the oldest rookie. Though they were in the process of divorcing he thanked Lorri in the preface of the book. He also thanked Tampa Bay trainer
Ron Porterfield and pitcher Roberto Hernandez. He was invited back to Dodgers camp in 2002, by the end of February he was in pain again with tendinitis and retired.


His last MLB game was May 9, 2000 with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

In his 2 seasons with the Devil Rays he made 21 appearances going 0-0 with a 4.80 ERA and 13 strikeouts.


Catching up with some of the former Reagan Owls, Joaquin Campos, Morris, Joel DeLaGarza, and Joe David Werst.
---------------------------------

[Tobywan]

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Disney bought the rights making a film version of his story starring Dennis Quaid.


Morris with actor Dennis Quaid during filming of "The Rookie"



Morris was a consult on set and for the most part his story was pretty accurate. Quaid worked for months trying to get his mannerisms down. However, due to a lack of cooperation from the Devil Rays organization mainly owner Vince Namoili the scenes actually depicting his time with the the team were filled with inaccuracies. Namoili wouldn't give his permission to use the correct DRays uniform, he wanted the newer uniform used. There were a few minor alterations, Quaid played the role clean shaven while Morris sported a very distinct mustache. The name of the high school was changed to reflect the town not the county. Almost all of the events surrounding his call-up and debut were altered as well as the scenes mixed with game film and recreation being uneven. Due to not allowing the correct Devil Rays uniform, actual game footage couldn't be used, footage from 2001 was inserted making both uniforms factually incorrect.





Morris appeared in the film as an umpire during a scene set with the Orlando Rays.

He had met the team at the hotel, arrived with them at the stadium and there was no huge caravan of friends and family that road tripped to the game together. However, there were a lot of people there that knew Jim from all points of his life that came on their own. He didn't give his game ball to his Dad, he kept it, his father was at the game though. Such is the magic and poetic license of Hollywood.

Morris went to the premiere with Dennis Quaid and though he didn't give much support that didn't stop Vince Naimoli from attending as well.


"The Rookie" New York City Premiere on March 26, 2002 at the Astor Plaza Theatre in New York City.

Despite the feel good family feel of the movie his marriage to Lorri didn't survive, neither has the relationship between him and his father.They rarely see each other or even speak and has missed a lot of his grandchildren growing up. After their divorce he went back to teaching, back to a normal life.


10th Annual ESPY Awards on July 10, 2002, "The Rookie" won Best Sports Movie.

Along with the Espy, Jim took home the 2003 CAMIE award the 2009 Bobby Bragan Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

Morris was set up on a blind date with a single mother and member of the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas. He and Shawna soon married
He had always been a believer keeping a deep respect for faith that he got from his grandparents but after he met Shawna and began attending her church his faith grew. Shawna's daughter Chelsey who Morris legally adopted was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD they sent her to get treatment at the Medina Children’s Home. They even moved to Medina to be closer to the facility and began to worship at the Kerrville Church of Christ which caters to the children at Medina. It took 18 months for Chelsey to be stabilized enough to come home. Seeing first hand the success of the programs Jim became heavily involved with Arms of Hope in 2009 born out of the consolidation of Medina Children’s Home and Boles Children’s Home. The ministry is associated with Churches of Christ that serves at-risk children and single mothers on two Texas campuses.



Jessica, Hunter and Jaimee (front) with their maternal grandmother; Christmas 2009.

In April 2013 Morris was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his doctors believe he went undiagnosed and misdiagnosed for over a decade, that he was probably suffering from early symptoms even before he had his second chance at a baseball career.


Jim and Shawna on April 25, 2013


Jim, Jaimee and Jessica September 2, 2013.


Along with his work with his church, he is an inspirational speaker getting paid for engagements all over the country through his website Jim "The Rookie" Morris and works for BCFS Health & Human Services. He is also the owner and head coach of Camp 63.



Morris was the key note speaker at Mayor Beth Swift’s 35th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on November 21, 2013.



Jim and his wife Shawna now reside in San Antonio, Texas. Jim has three children from his first marriage Hunter, Jessica and Jaimee and he adopted Shawna's daughter Chelsey.

Jim is schedule to appear during the annual Surf’s Up Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina being hosted by The Ripken Experience, he will act as an ambassador and motivational speaker to players, coaches and attendees during opening ceremonies on July 12, 2015.

[Tobywan]

Alan Newman #46-LHP



Alan Spencer Newman was born on October 2, 1969 in La Habra, California to Christopher and Barbara Newman, he has two brothers John and Derek. He had a choice of teams to follow, choosing to be a die-hard LA Dodgers fan. His Dad got him started in Little League and later he played in the American Legion. He attended La Habra High School playing for the Highlanders as an outfielder and he had a little power. By his junior year he was good enough to play in a scout team made up of pro players and high school prospects, he was encouraged to take his talent to the mound. In his senior year he was the team's closer, graduating in 1987.

He was selected in the 26th round of the June 2, 1987 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres. He was committed to Fullerton College, they wanted to track him before signing negotiations. He made second team all-conference as a freshman with the Hornets, but was advised that the Padres signing offer was too low and declined.

He was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2nd round (50th overall) of the June 1, 1988 amateur draft and signed on the 4th. He was still playing with his Legion team and was supposed to pitch the day after the draft. Instead, he had to just watch then his teammates had a celebration for him.

He was assigned to the Rookie class Elizabethton Twins (Tennessee) of the Appalachian League. He got a rude awakening when he started 0-8., while throwing a lot of wild pitches. He lost a month with a pulled rib cage muscle and then six weeks with tendinitis in his pitching arm. He came back, finally getting a win late in the season where he struck out 14 in a seven-inning complete game. He then got his second win and another complete game going 2-8 with a 8.13 ERA in 12 starts and 55.1 IP for the season. The team went 33-37 finishing fourth in the Southern division. He was promoted to the Single A Kenosha Twins in the MIDW for the 1989 season. His promotion was marred by shoulder problems. During one trip to Minneapolis to be seen by the Twins team doctor he was awed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. When he got to the clubhouse the first guy he met was Al Newman, no relation, he was the current second baseman for Minnesota. The pitcher AL Newman went 3-9 with a 2.84 ERA, remarkably better than last season and he pitched one complete game in 18 starts with 88.2 innings. Kenosha went 63-66 for 5th place in the Northern division. He continued rehab during the winter to treat the tendinitis in his shoulder.

He was hoping to go to the next level at Visalia but the two seasons of injuries put him behind a bit he was sent back to start the 1990 season with Kenosha.



1990 Pro Cards

He led the team with a 10-4 record (2nd in league) in 22 starts posting a impressive 1.64 ERA, pitching 5 complete games with 158 strike outs (3rd in league) in 154 IP. The K-Twins went 61-77 in 4th place again.

When their season ended he got his wish being sent to the Advanced A Visalia Oaks of the CALL. He started 5 games posting a 3-1 record, 2.23 ERA in 36.1 IP. Between the two clubs he pitched 190.1 innings, the most in his career. The Oaks went 90-51 for first place in the CALL Southern division, but lost on the semi-finals to the Bakersfield Dodgers who then lost the championship to the Stockton Ports.


1991 California League All-Stars #13

He started the 1991 season with Visalia. he was 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA in 15 starts. He was frustrated and then had to deal with a bad break up with a girlfriend. He welcomed a change fo scenery when he was promoted to the Double-A Orlando SunRays in the Southern League. He was replacing Pat Mahomes who had been promoted to Triple-A. He made his debut with the team on July 6th against the Memphis Chicks, he gave up four runs in the first, though he only allowed one hit he walked seven, the Chicks won 8-5. He got a bit better finishing the season with a 5-4 record, 2.69 ERA, pitched 2 complete games in 11 starts as the SunRays made the play-offs. They finished with a 77-67 record for 2nd in the Eastern division. It was the third consecutive season that the SunRays would make the post season. They defeated the Greenville Braves in the first round who had dominated Orlando during the regular season. They went on to beat the Birmingham Barons, 3-1 to take the SOUL Championship. Newman went 1-1 in the playoffs.

He needed surgery after the season to remove bone chips in his left arm and began the 1992 season still on the DL, he was activated on April 28th and once again assigned to Orlando.


1992 SkyBox Pre-Rookie Orlando SunRays #514


In his first start back at the end of April he didn't last 3 innings. In his second start on May 2nd against the Knoxville Blue Jays, he retired the first 22 batters striking out nine without allowing a walk and was just 5 outs short of a perfect game. The SunRays ended up with a 2 hit 2-0 shut out. The last pitcher to throw a perfect game in the Southern League was Charles Swanson of the Montgomery Rebels (a Detroit Tigers affiliate) in August 1970. He also had a streak of of not allowing an earned run in 33 1/3 innings.

In the wee hours of the morning on May 30th, Newman along with Sun Rays teammates Rick Allen, Ed Gustafson, Jason Klonoski, Mica Lewis, Pat Meares and Ray Ortiz were arrested in Greenville, South Carolina following a barroom fight. Their game against the Greenville Braves was rained out and the teammates went to a nightclub The official charge was lynching which in this case is "an agreement among a group of people to act together as a mob to inflict physical harm." In SC it is a second-degree felony and could draw a 3-20 year sentence in prison. The players were released on their own recognizance after posting a $1,000 bond. The players were not disciplined by the Minnesota Twins organization, preferring to wait and see the outcome of any legal proceeding. A trial date was set for August 14th, though the lawyer representing them was trying to get all charges dropped or at least dropped against all except for Allen and Newman who were being accused as the main instigators. The only player who skated was Pat Meares. The players were all available for the double header planned the day after the incident, Newman in fact pitched the second game.


Newman began to struggle in June, but managed a 2-0 complete game on June 26th that was led off by a ceremonial first pitch from Shaquille O'Neal. The win against the Huntsville Stars snapped a 4 game losing streak for Newman. Things really went bad in July when he made five win-less starts. He missed his first start of August due to soreness in his pitching arm. He had an MRI and went to the disabled list on the 8th with a sprained left bicep. He went 4-8 with a 4.15 ERA in 18 starts and 102 IP. The SunRays finished a disappointing 60-82 for 4th place and were unable to defend their title.


Orlando was sold near the end of the season and the SunRays played their last game at Tinker Field on August 26th. The team would transfer to the Chicago Cubs being their affiliate named the Orlando Cubs until 1997, they became the Devil Rays affiliate in 1999, in 2004 they were relocated to Alabama and are now the Montgomery Biscuits.


1993 Upper Deck Top Prospects

The Twins relocated their Class AA affiliate to Tennessee becoming the Nashville Xpress in the Southern League. Newman started the 1993 season there.
He went 1-6 with a 6.03 ERA, he made 11 starts (14 appearances) with one complete game in 65.2 innings before he was traded along with Tom Houk (minors) to the Cincinnati Reds for Gary Scott on June 30, 1993. The Reds assigned him to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians of the American Association. He pitched in 8 games starting just 3, he posted a 1-3 record, 8.55 ERA in 20 innings. This was the first season that Newman was not used exclusively as a starter. Indianapolis finished 66-77 for fourth place in the AA East.


The trial dates for the club fight kept being postponed, but a civil suit was filed and finally decided on October 22, 1993. At what is described as a trendy nightclub called the Characters Lounge police were called between the early hours of 1:30 and 2 a.m. after a fight broke out. A patron in the bar named Thomas Moshler claimed that Rick Allen made an indecent remark to his fiancé and then Allen and the others (including Newman) attacked him. In the melee Moshler received a cut over his right eye that was swollen shut, swelling on the left side of his face, a bloody lip and a broken nose. There was never any reports of whether any players received injuries, in fact all were able to resume playing activities with no issues. Moshler's friend, Kenneth Bridges also claimed he was attacked when he tried to break up the fight. The players side was Rick Allen had asked a woman to dance, when she declined he said something to her and walked away. Moshler went after Allen and an argument ensued. The jury found the players were not to blame once Moshler testified that he indeed sought out Allen. Moshler wanted damages from the players because they attacked him when he confronted Allen. Though Newman was found to have some fault, they awarded the two men no money. There was still the question of a possible appeal or continuing to pursue the incident as a criminal matter, but it appears the incident was eventually dropped.

On December 13th, Newman was selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Chicago Cubs. He was among the last cuts in spring 1994 and released on April 1st.

He was getting frustrated, seven years and the highest level he achieved was less than a dozen appearances at Triple-A. Should he keep going or just retire, he asked himself. He had been told about independent ball, he called up the Alexandria Aces of the Texas-Louisiana League to speak to manager, Pete Falcone. Without seeing him, no throwing session, Falcone agreed to take him, Alan signed for the 1994 season.



1994 McDag Alexandria Aces Police #6 Carlos Castillo and Alan Newman


He was named to the TLL All-Star team. He went 9-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 20 starts, pitching 6 complete games with 3 shutouts with 128 Ks in 143. IP. He also pitched his second-career 17 strikeout game that season. The Aces went 52-36 winning the Eastern division, but lost the League championship to the Corpus Christi Barracudas.

His contract was purchased by the San Diego Padres on September 27, 1994, but they wanted him to start in Double-A. At the time, the strike was still on, so he declined and was given his release on April 1, 1995. He re-signed with Alexandria and finished the season with a 10-8 record. He pitched 137 innings in 21 starts (23 appearances), 5 complete games, 2 shutouts with a 5.19 ERA. The Aces once again won the Eastern division with a 57-43 record. They lost the championship to the Lubbock Crickets.

He returned to the Pads 1996 spring camp and played in a few spring training games. He got on well with manager Bruce Bochy, but he was released again heading back to the Aces for the season. It was the first season with Alexandria that he was used more as a reliever than starter. He went 6-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 35 appearances (11 starts, 10 games finished) and posted 2 saves in 118 innings. The team finished an abysmal 42-58 for 5th place. He liked the bullpen, he was more comfortable, feeling he could be productive in the role he tried to get back to MLB.

He only got one year in at Fullerton College before he started pro ball, during his seasons in Alexandria he continued his education earning a teaching certificate.

He went to Florida and threw for several teams, on January 14, 1997 his contract was purchased by the Chicago White Sox. He spent the season back in Double-A with the Birmingham Barons (Alabama) in the SOUL and used exclusively as a reliever. He didn't start well but had a long stretch of scoreless innings to bring his high ERA down to 2.49 for the season. On August 9th during a 11-9 loss to the Orlando Rays, Newman threw three wild pitches giving up 3 runs in two innings. He went 7-3 in 44 games, earning 10 saves in 72.1 IP. The Barons finished 76-52 in the West division but didn't make the play-offs finishing 2nd in both halves of the season.


He became a free agent on October 17, 1997 then signed with the San Diego Padres on November 12th.


Photo day for the San Diego Padres at Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria on February 20, 1998.

He was sent to the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars Pacific Coast League for the 1998 season, he made 63 appearances, the most of his career in a single season. He went 3-3 with a 3.30 ERA, finished 23 games with seven saves in 76.1 IP. The team finished 70-72 for third place in the PCL South division. He was granted free agency on October 15, 1998.

In negotiations again with the Pads he was close to resigning a new deal when he heard the new Tampa Bay Devil Rays were really interested in him. They promised him a spot on the 40-man roster and he signed a minor league contract on November 19th.


Photo Day during Spring Training at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida on February 25, 1999.



Pitching for the Devil Rays in a Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 12, 1999.
Tampa Bay defeated the Reds 5-2.

Just as they said he began the 1999 season on the 40-man and was assigned to the Durham Bulls. He was with the Bulls as they arrived at their hotel in Columbus, Ohio for a series against the Clippers when he got a phone call, it was the Devil Rays. He got his stuff together and headed to Florida. He accompanied the team to Anaheim for a 3 game series against the Angels, he made his ML debut the first night, just a dozen miles from where he grew up. In his 12th season of pro ball he was finally in a Major League game.

It was May 14th, Bobby Witt started for the DRays, the game was scoreless until the 6th when a grand slam from Mo Vaughn put the Angels ahead 4-0. When Newman came in to relieve the score was 5-2 and the bases were loaded in the seventh. He was visibly nervous as he faced Mo Vaughn, he started, stopped and started again being cited with a balk allowing a run to score before he even threw his first ML pitch. He let up a single to Vaughn scoring the other two runs. Then got the last two outs to end the inning, with DRays behind 8-2. He also pitched the eighth retiring the side in order, Tampa bay scored one more run, but the final was 8-3 in the Angels favor.


He was taken aback when attendants came to take some of his gear to send to Cooperstown, no pitcher in history had balked before they threw their first pitch. Bobby Witt later told Alan he wished he'd thought of a balk. when he faced Vaughn. Newman's first stay wasn't long as he was optioned back to Durham on May 24th, he was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in two appearances. He was recalled when Mickey Callaway went to the DL with a hamstring injury. He met the team in Minnesota on June 20th, the game was heading into the 10th inning tied at 5-5. He came in with one out, and kept the Twins from scoring. The DRays scored in the 11th and Newman recorded the last three outs preserving the 6-5 score and earning his first ML win against the team who drafted him. Just a few days later (June 23rd) he was optioned back to Durham to make room for the returning Dave Eiland. He did better this go round, 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA. He went 10-0 with a 2.24 ERA in 50 games for the Bulls that season. He got another call up at the end of August when Eiland went back to the DL and got another win. One of his best memories of his time with the DRays was playing catch with Wade Boggs. He spent 18 games with the Tampa Bay going 2-2 with a 6.89 ERA in 15.2 IP.

He was released on December 13, 1999. He considered offers from the NY Yankees and Montreal, but he signed with the Cleveland Indians on January 26, 2000, starting the season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons of the International League.

He started well in April, he posted a 1.69 ERA, but when the Tribe began to suffer injuries including Bartolo Colon, Paul Shuey, Jaret Wright, Charles Nagy and Ricardo Rincon in May, he began to struggle. He had his opportunity to seize the moment and failed, then he suffered a shoulder injury in later in the month.
He pitched in just one game for the Tribe on June 26th, in 1.1 innings he gave up 6 hits, 3 runs including a homer, one walk and striking out none, giving him a 20.25 ERA. With Buffalo he went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 32 games (6 starts). The Bisons finished with a 86-59 record, first place in the North division. They were eliminated from the play-offs in the semi-finals by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.


He became a free agent on October 2, 2000. Though he had a few offers he decided to go play in Japan, it was something different and the money was guaranteed. He spent 2001 and 2002 with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League. One his teammates was furture TB Ray Akinori Iwamura.



He started out well, but got injured and when he returned he was used as a reliever mainly against other American players. He pitched in 17 games with 10 starts finishing with a 4.18 ERA in 2001. The Swallows finished in first with a 76-58 record, went on to win the Japan Series and won the 2001 championship title. He had 42 outings in 2002 with a 3.52 ERA and the team finished 74-62 behind the Yomiuri Giants.


He enjoyed the culture and by the end of his second season had learned enough Japanese to negotiate a new contract with the Hiroshima Carp in the JCL in 2003. He was limited again by an injury making just 14 appearances, the team ended up in 5th place. He had particular success against the Chunichi Dragons which he credits for why he was able to stay there so long.



He returned to the states and in May 2004 signed with the Atlantic City Surf of the independent Atlantic League, he played just 2 games before he went to the Central League to play for the Jackson Senators on May 26th. He played only 9 games until July 11th.



He made 41 appearances in 2005 for the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League, he went 4-5 with a 3.40 ERA in 50.1 IP. They went to the play-offs, but lost to the Chico Outlaws in semi-fnals.

He pitched in just 2 games in 2006 with Long Beach posting a 20.25 ERA and was released on June 14th, then ended his career. While a lot of players like the more laid back atmosphere of the independent leagues the money, accomodations and "ameneties" are more like low minor leagues which isn't much.


His last ML appearance was on June 26, 2000 for the Cleveland Indians at the age of 30.

In 2 big league seasons he had a win/loss record of 2-2 with a 7.94 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 19 games with 17 innings pitched.

After his career he tried his hand as an online retailer, a real estate agent for Century 21 and kept a hand in the game as a pitching instructor. He started his own business as an owner/instructor at Old School Baseball in 2007. He's also been working to try and get back into the majors as a scout.



August 2014

Alan currently resides in Pedley, California, he has a daughter Shiloh from his first marriage.

[Tobywan]

Herbert Perry #35-Infielder

Herbert Edward Perry, Jr. was born on September 15, 1969 in Live Oak, Florida. The oldest son of Edward and JoAnn Perry. Edward owned a small dairy farm that he was able to build into a lucrative family business. Herbert also had a brother Chan and a sister Dana. On a family farm the youngsters are old enough to help when they can hold the clutch down on a tractor, Herb's time came around his eighth birthday.When Herb and Chan weren't doing chores they played sports as Dad was also a Little League and associate high school baseball coach. Herb was a standout in three sports and the student body president at Layfayette High School (Mayo, FL) for the Hornets. He was the star quarterback in football and as a pitcher for the baseball team he threw three no-hitters and a perfect game in his senior year.

He was being heavily recruited by both UF and the Toronto Blue Jays, but college won out. He received an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida in Gainesville. He was a quarterback and the punter for the 1987-88 football teams under Galen Hall, one of his teammates was Emmett Smith. He gave up playing football halfway through his junior year for two reasons. He never thought it was going to turn into a career and his grades were suffering trying to play both sports. He was a member of the Gators baseball team from 1988-1991 under coach Joe Arnold. They were 47-17-1 overall and 21-6 in conference matches, they beat Stetson in the East Regional finals 8-0, heading to the 1988 College World Series. It was their first trip to the CWS, they lost 10-1 to Arizona State in the second round. He was also a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll that year. Perry led the 1989 season with a .370 BA.



Perry punts during a game against Ole Miss at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 9,1989 in Gainesville,Florida. Ole Miss defeated Florida Gators 24-19.


In 1991 the Gators went 49-19 (16-8 in conference), they once again became the East Regional champs, defeating North Carolina State 3-2 in the final. Perry was the MVP of the SEC tournament and named SEC All tournament as the Gators headed back to the CWS. They lost in the semi-finals 19-8 to LSU, who went on to win the 1991 title. He is still among the top 10 or higher in many offensive baseball categories at UF. With his farming experience it is no surprise he graduated with a bachelor's degree in agricultural operations management, though he had always dreamed of going to law school.

He was selected in the 2nd round of the June 3, 1991 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians and signed on June 7th. He was assigned to the short season A Class Watertown Indians of the NYPL, where he batted .212 with 5 RBIs in 14 games.



1991 Classic Best

The team went 27-50 for fourth place in the East division.

It is unclear when Herb married his wife Sheila (nee Glover), but they had their first son, Ethan in September 1991.

He spent the 1992 season with the Advanced A Kinston Indians of the Carolina League, batting .278 with 125 hits, 16 doubles, 19 homers and 77 RBIs in 121 games. The team finished 65-71, for 4th place in the Southern division. He played with the Double-A Canton-Akron Indians in the Eastern League in 1993, he was batting .269 with 88 hits, 21 doubles, 9 homers and 55 RBIs in 89 games, when he needed season ending shoulder surgery.

He began the 1994 season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights of the IL, he was called up to the Indians on May 3rd. Pitcher Russ Swan was designated to make room for Perry.


1994 Fleer ProCards Triple A All-Stars


The team was in Chicago facing the White Sox at Comiskey Park (II), the Tribe were down 9-1 heading into the bottom of the 8th. Perry made his major league debut when he replaced Jim Thome at third base to start the inning. The White Sox scored three more runs, the Indians had one more inning, facing Roberto Hernandez, Perry walked. The Tribe was unable to score ending the game with a 12-1 loss. He collected his first hit and RBI in a 9-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on May 21st. He had played in just 4 games batting .111 with 3 walks, one run and one RBI before being optioned back to the Knights after the game. He spent the remainder of the strike shortened season in Charlotte, finishing with 123 hits, 67 runs, 20 doubles, 13 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .327/.397/.505 batting line in 102 games. The Knights went 77-65, second place in the West division, they lost in the semi-finals of the post season to the Richmond Braves.

While Herbert was getting his chance in the majors his younger brother Chan was following in his footsteps playing baseball as the University of Florida and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians.


He began the 1995 season back in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons of the American Association he was batting .317 with 27 runs and 17 RBIs in 49 games when he was recalled by the Tribe on June 13th. He took a bench spot after Dave Winfield went down with a strained left shoulder. He hit his first home run against rookie Andy Pettitte in the 4th inning of a 7-4 win over the NY Yankees on June 17th, he hit another one in the 6th for his first multi-homer game. He had a four hit game on June 19th, a 14-5 victory against the Rangers at Arlington and stole his first base in a 4-3 loss to the White Sox on September 20th.

He finished the season with the Indians batting .315 with 23 runs, 3 homers and 23 RBIs in 52 games as the Indians took their division with a 100-44 record, one of the best seasons in franchise history. Herb was added to the postseason roster for the ALDS against the Boston red Sox. He got just one at bat as a pinch hitter in Game 1, the Indians went on to sweep. They faced the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS, he got 8 at bats in 3 games, he struck out three times and got a walk. They moved on taking the series 4-2, heading to their first World Series appearance since 1959.



Joey Cora of the Mariners tags out Herbert Perry on a steal attempt October 13th in the seventh game three of the ALCS game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio.


He got 5 at bats in three games against the Atlanta Braves, striking out twice. The WS was aired on ABC and when announcer Tim McCarver stated that Perry had been a punter at Florida State the ABC phones rang off the hook with former UF students calling to complain. Perry finished the play-off run 0-14, though he did provide a steady glove especially in Game 3.


Perry high fives Jim Thome after their 5-4 defeat of the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 (Oct. 26) of the 1995 World Series.


The Braves became the WS Champions winning 4-2.

When the Indians signed Julio Franco in 1996, Perry was assigned back to Buffalo, he was batting .338 in 40 games when he was recalled on June 7th. He hit just .083 in seven games when he got in injured on June 19th and needed surgery on his left knee performed on June 26th which cost him the rest of the season. He was still having pain and needed another surgery costing him the entire 1997 season. He continued to recover and rehab through the off season.

Despite still rehabbing and not having played in over a year, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 3rd round (34th) of the November 18, 1997 expansion draft. He injured his knee again near the end of spring training, this time the right knee, another surgery.



On April 10th he was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day DL to make room for Jerome Walton on the 40 man roster, the move pushed his possible return to June 1st. That never happened he spent all of the season still rehabilitating, he played only 15 games between the Rookie GCL, Class A St. Pete DRays and Durham. While rehabbing he fractured his left hand. He seriously wondered if he could go on with baseball, he confided his fears to a few of his teammates mainly catcher John Flaherty.

He was still not ready for action when the 1999 spring training got underway. He began the season in Durham, he was batting .311 in 27 games when he was called up on May 6th. Wade Boggs had been placed on the DL with a pulled hamstring, To make room for Perry the DRays placed Rick Gorecki to the 60-day disabled list. When he called his wife she cried, but not for the usual reasons, she was just about due to give birth, if she hadn't by the 14th (an off day for Durham) she was going to be induced now it looked like he might miss it. Their second child, a son named Drew was born on the 19th. In the game Herb singled twice, scored a run and helped the Tampa Bay Devil Rays beat the Kansas City Royals, 5-4 to take a 3 game series. Perry's fourth-inning single was his first major league hit since June 8, 1996 with Cleveland.

In mid June he was limited to the DH role for about a week due to a sore shoulder. Then he was limited by a sore oblique. He was hit by two pitches in a 5-4 win over the Phillies on July 20th. He then went on the DL and was activated on September 1st. On the 4th he had a 4 hit game in an 11-3 win against the Minnesota Twins and a two homer game in a 4-3 loss to the Athletics on September 12th. He batted .254/.331/.397 in 66 games. The Rays finished 69-93, 5th in AL East.



Perry falls to his knees after being hit by a pitch by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kelvim Escobar in the fourth inning on September 29, 1999 Devil Rays lost 6-2.

He had been taken off the 40-man roster when the team acquired Vinny Castilla at the end of 1999, he was now a non-roster invitee to spring camp, he would be competing against several candidates for a couple of reserve infielder spots.

While other players went to Arizona Fall League or Winter Leagues to stay in shape or hone their skills the Perry brothers worked on a dairy farm. They helped run their father's herd while building up their own. Growing up doing chores, the boys had never thought seriously of following their father into the business side, but when Dad started them off with acreage, cows and equipment they could hardly turn down the investment. The family owns thousands of acres around Mayo and all live within a mile of each other.




He tore it up in spring 2000, he batted a a team-high .415 with 8 home runs and 15 RBI, to make a strong case for himself to be the infield back-up.



Running the bases during a spring game on March 4, 2000 against the Atlanta Braves at Florida Power Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Devil Rays defeated the Braves 4-2.


The night before the season was to begin the team had decided to go with infielder Bobby Smith but sometime before the flight out for the opening game they made a last minute change. Perry's contract was purchased from Durham on April 3rd and he was added to the 25-man roster, to make room for him the DRays designated Smith for assignment. Herb got the start at third as the DRays faced the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome on Opening Day due to another late decision of Vinny Castilla being placed on the DL. He went 2-for-4 in the 7-0 win, the first Opening Day victory for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He had finally gotten is chance to maybe stay on as a bench player, but since he was batting just .214 in seven games he was designated to make room for the reactivation of Vinny Castilla on April 11th. He was plucked off waivers by the Chicago White Sox on April 21st for a mere $20,000 and signed a contract for $350,000. Chicago manager Jerry Manuel was planning to use him as a back up for Greg Norton at third, he played so well he began to platoon then got more playing time due to impressing Manuel. He was reunited with Tony Graffanino when the DRays traded him to the Chicago at the end of May.

He went to the 15 day DL on June 8 (retroactive to the 6th) with inflammation in his Achilles Tendon, Joe Crede was called up to replace him. They flip flopped again when Perry was activated on June 22.



Derek Jeter slides safely into third as the ball to Herb Perry is a bit late during a game between the Yankees and White Sox at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois on June 24, 2000. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 12-8
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[Tobywan]

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Perry hits an RBI double scoring Jeff Abbott as he bats against St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Darryl Kile in the fourth inning on July 15, 2000 in Chicago. The White Sox defeated the Cardinals 15-7.

He hit two homers in a 7-5 win over Texas on August 16th. This was the season his nickname became part of nightly broadcasts of the White Sox, with long time broadcaster Hawk Harrelson exclaiming "the Milkman delivers" when Herbert would get a hit or an RBI.

He finished the season with the White Sox batting a respectable .308/.356/.483 with 12 homers, 29 doubles and 61 RBI. The Chisox won the AL Central Division with a 95-67 record. Perry had 4 hits, 2 walks and an RBI in 3 games, but they were swept by the wild card Seattle Mariners.

He had left one of the worst teams in the AL to make it to the post season while the Devil Rays took heat from media and fans about heavy contracts and poor trades, especially when it was revealed that before Perry was placed on waivers he had been pursued by the White Sox via trade offers to the DRays, which they failed to accept.

The Perry's welcomed a daughter, Gabrielle in December.



Photo Day for the White Sox February 2001.

He would make the 2001 25-man roster on the bench.



Perry is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park April 17, 2001 in Detroit, The Tigers defeated the White Sox 7-4.

He played 92 games mostly at third platooning with Jose Valentin, he batted .256/.326/.411. The White Sox did not make it back to the post season. On November 20, he was designated for assignment, on the 27th he was traded to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later. On December 17th the Rangers sent Corey Lee to Chicago to complete the trade. Though he had performed well as a member of the pale hose, the fans liked him and he loved Chicago, Joe Crede was their future third baseman and room had to be made for him.

He played most of the 2002 season at third in fact he played a career high 132 games, tied a career high 124 hits and also reached highs in home runs (22), RBIs (77) and walks (34).



Perry tags out Darin Erstad of the Angels between third base and home plate in the ninth inning on June 27, 2002 at the Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The Angels came from behind to defeat the Rangers 6-3.


He had a two home run game in an 11-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at the Trop on September 7th, he scored 2 runs and brought in five. He finished the seasonw ith a .276 BA.

He began the 2003 season on the disabled list with a left knee bone contusion and inflammation in his right shoulder. He rehabbed with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders in the Texas League where he batted .324 in nine games. He was activated on May 10th played in just 11 games with the Rangers, batting just .167 he was sent to the DL on May 28th.



Perry falls into the visitors' dugout after catching a foul ball by the Orioles' David Segui in the first as Omar Daal and Geronimo Gil watch on May 24, 2003, Baltimore won 10-3.


He had reinjured his shoulder needing to have his rotator cuff repaired, ending his season, since he was already out he also had a debridement done on his knee in August.

He was again limited in 2004 by injury, on May 19 he played his 500th game, it was a 5-3 loss to Kansas City.


Perry slides safely at home after a wild pitch thrown by Andy Pettitte of the Houston Astros in the second inning at Minute Maid Park on July 4, 2004 in Houston, Texas. Rangers won 18-3.



Perry left the July 4th game early and went on the disabled list the next day with a right calf strain he missed three weeks. Then missed a couple more
weeks with left knee soreness in the second half of August. He rehabbed again with the Rough Riders playing eight games.

On September 11, he would lose the rest of the season when his right knee acted up. He played in just 49 big league games batting .224/.307/.366. He was granted free agency on November 1st. He finally decided it was enough and retired.

He made his last MLB appearance September 10, 2004 for the Texas Rangers.

In parts of 9 seasons he batted .272 with 461 hits, 102 doubles, 55 HR, 246 RBIs, 241 runs, 128 walks in 529 games. Chan Perry played briefly in two seasons, 2000 with the Tribe and 2002 with the Kansas City Royals, he was done after playing in the minor league system with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003.

A few months after Herbert retired, the Perry family suffered a blow when Herb's father Edward passed away on December 18, 2004.

In 2007 Perry returned to his alma mater now named Lafayette County High School to coach the Hornets baseball team. He led the Varsity squad to a 10-11 record overall 7-5 in League competition for the 2007-2008 season. They went 13-7 overall and 10-1 in the League to move up to rank 37th in the state in 2008-2009. Shiela started her own business, a storage company.



Herbert lost his paternal grandmother on November 26, 2008. In 2009 Herb and Sheila traveled to the Ukraine and brought home a a daughter, four year-old Olivia, to make the family complete.



Perry went back to high school coaching with the Junior Varisty team, they went 6-6 overall, 3-1 in League for the 2013-14 season. Then finished 15-1-1 overall and 2-0 in League play for 2014-15.


Herb and Sheila January 2014


Herb at his office at Lafayette County High School July 2014.



November 2014

Herbert and Sheila reside in Mayo, Florida, they have four children, Ethan (graduated from the University of Florida in 2014), Drew (now attends Lafayette County High School and plays baseball), Gabrielle and Olivia. Herb his brother Chan, their cousins and uncles still run the family dairy farm.

[Tobywan]

Ryan Rupe #24-RHP



Ryan Kittman Rupe was born on March 31, 1975 in Houston, Texas to Donald Rupe Jr. and his wife Elizabeth (nee Kittman), he has an older brother Michael, unclear if there are any other siblings. He attended Northbrook High School and played for the Raiders. After graduating, he was selected in the 19th round of the June 3, 1993 amateur draft by the New York Mets, but did not sign. He attended Texas A&M, playing five seasons with the Aggies and earned a degree in economics. He was selected in 36th round of the June 4, 1996 amateur draft by the Kansas City Royals and by the Chicago Cubs in the 29th round of the June 1997 MLB Amateur Draft, but did not sign.

In 1997 during his fourth season at A&M, he began to get numb by the third inning of his outings, due to blood clots and he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome just before the last conference series. He had gone 8-2 with a team-low 4.28 ERA before he went to Denver for an operation to have part of a rib removed under is right arm pit to help with the circulation. He was told he probably wouldn't be able to continue pitching, but he came back, added a change up to his pitching repertoire and used it successfully.

To begin the 1998 Aggie season, Rupe pitched five innings of no-hit ball with five Ks against the University of Texas-Pan American Broncos, then relievers Shane King and freshman Chris Scarcella pitched no-hit innings for the first opening game no-hitter in Texas A&M history with a score of 9-0. He was Player of the Week back to back on February 9th and 16th, then again on May 3rd. He was also named Louisville Slugger's National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball in February. He even won a game against Baylor and they won the Big 12 on graduation day when they went 46-20 overall. Two of his Aggie teammates were Jason Tyner and Casey Fossum, He was All-Big 12 First team and was named C.E. "Pat" Olsen Outstanding Pitcher in 1997 and 1998. He finished his last season going 11-4 record and a team-low 2.87 ERA, walked only 23 in 113 innings of work and struck out 125 batters, the best by an Aggie righthander in their history through 1998.




Now he was ready to take offers from the major leagues, he was selected in the 6th round of the June 2, 1998 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and signed on June 7th. His first stop was with the A- Hudson Valley Renegades of the NYPL, he made just three starts before he was sent to the Single A Charleston RiverDogs in the South Atlantic League.




Hudson Valley Renegades Promo 1998

Between the two he went went 7-1 with a 2.07 ERA and struck out 80 batters in just 69.2 innings. The Riverdogs finished in 5th place of the Central division going 64-75.

He was invited to spring training in 1999, actually it was part of his contract that the Devil Rays begrudgingly agreed to that he would go to camp his first year. He impressed from day one though was thought to be a long shot to make the opening day roster being this was his first time out at a major league camp. Rupe was being praised for his no fear attitude, majority and poise. He put up a 1.58 ERA and made it through until the last day of cuts and decided that he needed a bit more time in the minors.



Pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates at the McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Florida. The Devil Rays defeated the Pirates 3-2 on March 21, 1999.



Just 1999 #133

He was assigned to the Orlando Rays, but just a month later he received the call all young athletes dream about, to play on the big league club. He was just about to leave for Tinker Field where the Orlando Rays played their home games when then Devil Rays director of minor league operations Tom Foley called to tell him to pack his bags. Rupe thought, cool, been promoted to Triple-A, but Foley told him to drive to Tropicana Field. They usually get a few days to pack and gets thing in order before they have to report, Rupe needed just 90 minutes. Julio Santana was going to the disabled list, so Rupe made his Major league debut on May 5th, he had pitched in just 18 games in the minors. He was the first player drafted by the Devil Rays to play at the major league level for the team and he was the third player from that 1998 draft after Detroit's Jeff Weaver and St. Louis' J.D. Drew.

He would get the start against the Kansas City Royals in front of the home crowd at Tropicana Field. In the first inning he easily retired the side of Carlos Beltran, Joe Randa and Johnny Damon. In the second he walked two and hit Chad Kreuter but somehow got out without a run. Going into the fourth the DRays had spotted him 4 runs, he finally gave up his first hit to lead off batter Mike Sweeney, a solo home run. chad Krueter got the second hit a 2 run homer. The third and fourth hits were back to back homers by Damon and Sweeney in the fifth, he then issued a walk to Larry Sutton and was relieved by Rick White. Not exactly what was hoped for, but thankfully the DRays also hit four homers and won 10-7, Rupe got a no-decision. He gave up 5 runs on 4 hits/homers, walked four and struck out four in 4.2 IP.

On May 23rd, the DRays hosted the Anaheim Angels, Rupe didn't allow a hit or walk through 6 innings (he hit one batter), Darin Erstad led off the 7th with a single, a balk was called on Ryan and Erstad was given second, but Rupe buckled down and got out of the inning, he allowed no more hits and at the end of nine innings was a 0-0 tie as the Rays couldn't score on Chuck Finley. Though he had only thrown 86 pitches, manager Larry Rothschild decided to pull him having Roberto Hernandez pitch the 10th. He proceeded to give a walk and 3 singles along with an error by Herb Perry and catcher's interference on Mike Defelice the ended up losing 4-0 with Rupe's one hitter obliterated. Rupe never again pitched with that kind of confidence.


With John Flaherty standing by, Rupe is not happy with himself when he sees Larry Rothschild coming to take him out on August 9, 1999, the Devil Rays hung on to beat the Baltimore Orioles 10-9 and Rupe got the win.

He made 24 starts going 8-9 with a 4.55 ERA with 97 Ks and 57 walks in 142.1 innings. The team went 69-93, last in the AL East. Rupe was voted team's top 1999 rookie by the Baseball Writers Association of America.


He made the DRays 2000 roster starter, by May 4th he was 0-4 with a 9.68 ERA in six starts he was optioned to Durham and replaced by Cory Lidle. He had allowed 53 base runners and 36 runs in 30.2 innings. He was demoted and replaced with Cory Lidle. Then in his first start in Durham he left the game after two innings, he had tendinitis in his biceps, keeping him out for a month, he returned to action in mid-June and was back with the DRays the first week of July. When he came back he went 5-0 until the end of August.

The DRays were on the road in Cleveland, Rupe made the start on September 6th, he had been cruising unilt the third when he let up a single to Omar Vasquez and then Roberto Alomar homered. He finished the inning, but felt some stiffness as trainer Jamie Reed took a look he noticed some swelling and discoloration in his upper arm. He relayed his concern to Manager Larry Rothschild who asked the Indians team doctor Louis Keppler to have a look. Rupe was lifted and sent to the hospital. They discovered a blockage in his bicep and a blood clot in his upper arm, doctors opened a vein to improve blood flow. The neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome had returned, he was not able to reach his top mid-90's speed ever again. His season was done when he was placed on the 60 day DL, finishing with a 5-6 record, 6.92 ERA in 91 innings, he allowed 19 homers in 18 starts. The DRays finished last going 69-92.



On February 23, 2001 Rupe agreed to terms on a one year deal making $242,500. He worked on developing a different pitching style as he was no longer going to be able to use speed so he had to work on location and finesse. He was now on a regular regimen of blood thinners to avoid anymore issues with clots. He had something to prove, embarrassed by his performance in 2000, he was now healthy and wanted to make a difference. On March 27 he was named to the starting rotation but by May he lost his spot and was moved to relief in favor of Tanyon Sturtze. He pitched two outings in relief, struggled and was optioned on May 10th back to Durham. He made just 2 starts before he was recalled, the DRays optioned Mickey Callaway to make room.


Rupe reacts after giving up a grand slam to Paul O''Neill of the Yankees during their game at Yankee Stadium on August 16, 2001. The Yanks defeated Tampa Bay 12-5.



Pitching during the game against the Boston Red Sox at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Red Sox defeated the Devil Rays 10-3 on October 3, 2001.



He went 5-12, he allowed 30 home runs setting a new club record and 111 runs in 143.1 IP, He posted the AL's second lowest winning percentage at .294 and his 6.59 ERA would have been the worst in the league if he had enough innings pitched to qualify. The team also suffered a 62-100 record, their worst to date
after a shake up early in the season with all the coaching personell changes.

On January 12, 2002, Ryan married his long time fiance Bryn (nee Blalack), she also was an Aggie she was part of the soccer program at A &M. In 1995, before the Big 12 was formed, Blalack earned All-Southwest Conference honors and was named the Southwest Conference Tournament MVP. She was a two time All-American and was selected to the NCAA All Tournament team three consecutive years. She was also a two-time finalist for the Herman Trophy and Missouri Athletic Club Trophy. In 1997 the Aggies went to Big 12 championship, she set many records including most career goals and most career points and graduated in 1998 with a degree in Kinesiology and briefly played pro soccer.



Bryn Blalock Texas A&M Standout in women's soccer.

On January 31, 2002 he agreed to terms on a one year deal, he receives a raise to $575,000 in salary with the DRays retaining rights.


Rupe during spring training workouts February 2002.

It looked as if Rupe might be the odd man out of a starting spot with a few others having decent outings at the end of the previous season like Tanyon Sturtze, Paul Wilson, Joe Kennedy and Nick Bierbrodt. Add the return of Wilson Alvarez as well as Delvin James and Travis Harper waiting in the wings, he really had to work. When Bierbrodt began to struggle during the last couple of weeks of spring, the spot went to Rupe.

He went 3-2 in April, then 2-3 in May. On May 5th the DRays were hosting the Boston Red Sox, there had already bit of a rivalry brewing between the clubs since the DRays expansion, things bolied over and have been simmering since 2000. Though during this match even though there were two hit batters by Rupe after he ahead in counts and Trot Nixon lost the grip on his bat that flew in the direction of Rupe, neither team showed signs of anger or malice. Later when Boston pitcher Frank Castillo hit Randy Winn on the hip, the benches were warned, but there was no more issues and no dust up. However, two days after the game Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline handed down suspensions to Castillo and Nixon along with fines, Rupe was fined but not suspended. Everyone, especially Rupe was perplexed since there had been no ejections, fighting or even raised voices between players or bench during the game. All players denied there was any intent and no players felt there was any from the other side, except for maybe second baseman Brent Abernathy who was the only player that publicly stated he thought Nixon's bat throwing might have been on purpose.


Rupe reacts after beating the Seattle Mariners 5-1 at the Tropicana Field May 28, 2002 in St. Petersburg, FL.


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[Tobywan]

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He lost every game in June then on the 25th headed to the disabled list with tendinitis in his right patellar tendinitis (retroactive to June 20).


Rupe listens to shortstop Felix Escalona during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field on June 2, 2002.


Then he has a chat with catcher Paul Hoover. The Athletics defeated the Devil Rays 4-2.

He was activated and pitched on July 15th, he last just three innings and went back on the DL with the when he aggravated the knee.



Rupe lands hard on his right leg after failing to tag out Oakland's Mark Ellis at home in the third inning as Miguel Tejada and home plate umpire Randy Marsh watch and John Flaherty was out of position. Rupe, making his first start since coming off the disabled list reinjured his knee and left the game. A's went on to win 4-0.

Brandon Backe was called up from Orlando to take his roster spot. He was still suffering from pain in his knee and he finally opted for surgery on August 21st, ending his season. He went 5-15 with a 5.60 ERA, he did pitch 2 complete games.

It really was no surprise with his injuries, inconsistency and up coming arbitration eligibility that he was designated for assignment as Tampa Bay arranged it's 40 man roster to protect other players.


On November 27, 2002 he was selected off waivers by the Boston Red Sox. When Rupe left he was the Devil Rays leader in starts with 83. He signed a minor league deal, he was the first signing after Theo Epstein became general manager. He was sad to leave, he had been in the DRays system for five years, but he also looked forward to a change of scenery.


Red Sox spring training Media Day on February 23, 2003 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.

He was sent to minor league camp on March 22, 2003 he was assigned to Pawtucket (AAA) as a member of their starting rotation. Rupe spent the majority of the season at the AAA level, appearing in just 4 games for the Red Sox after he was called up on June 13th to take the spot of Casey Fossum and made his first start for Boston against the Houston Astros. He went 8 innings yielding three runs (one earned) on eight hits in the 4-3 win. He stayed when Ramiro Mendoza went to the disabled list with tendinitis in his right knee. When Mendoza returned Rupe was sent down to Pawtucket on July 5th after posting a 6.30 ERA in one start and three relief appearances.


Rupe reacts in the dugout after allowing Chicago Whitesox's Joe Crede to hit a three-run home run. The White Sox beat the Red Sox, 4-2 on June 16, 2003.


Rupe walks up the mound after giving up a second home run in the inning as Jimmy Rollins rounds the bases after hitting a two run shot in the seventh. Phillies defeat the Red Sox 5-0 on June 22, 2003.

On July 14th he set a Pawtucket record when he became the first pitcher to strike out 9 batters consecutively in their 31 year history. He became a free agent on October 21 and he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on November 17. In December his contract was sold to the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of the Japan Pacific League but he only made six starts going 1-4 with a 6.67 ERA in 29.1 IP. Things didn't work out well for him in Japan and Bryn didn't care much for it either, he didn't end up playing anywhere else that season. He signed another minor league deal with the Dodgers on November 16, 2004.


Los Angeles Dodgers Photo Day on February 27, 2005 at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach , Florida.

He had some good outings in spring 2005 including four scoreless innings against the Orioles on March 12th, then he struggled at the end. When Eric Gagne went on the DL, it looked like he had a shot to make the roster, but the team decided to go with Steve Schmoll and Rupe was assigned to minor league camp on April 3rd. He was sent to their Triple-A affiliate the Las Vegas 51s of the PCL. He was doing well at first, he posted a 2.53 ERA in 10.2 IP, but sprained his intercostal muscles during a game on April 20th costing him a month of time.


2005 Multi-Ad Las Vegas 51s #18 Ryan Rupe.



On May 29th he pitched a complete game with 11 strike outs, but when the Dodgers lost Odalis Perez to injury and demoted Scott Erickson, h was passed over. He never got a call up, split his time with LV starting and relief duties, going 4-6 in 23 games (11 starts) with a 6.42 ERA in 75.2 innings pitched.

He became a free agent on October 15th and signed a minor league deal with the Florida Marlins.


Florida Marlins Photo Day in Jupiter Florida on February 25, 2006 at Roger Dean Stadium.


He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes in the Pacific Coast League in 2006. He pitched just 3 innings in two games with a 6.00 ERA and a 0-1 record when he was released on April 25th and he decided to retire at age 31.

His last ML appearance was on June 27, 2003 for the Boston Red Sox.

In five seasons he had a 24-38 record with a 5.85 ERA with 355 strikeouts in 89 games with 476.2 IP. He had just one hit in the majors with TB in 2001.

The only hitter Rupe seemed to best was Manny Ramirez, who struck out 11 times in 21 at-bats, though Rupe did serve up Manny's first home run in Red Sox uniform on April 6, 2001.

Mr. and Mrs. Rupe are are both members of the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame.

After baseball he got a position with CIMA Energy as the Manager of Gulf Coast Trading from 2005-2012. He then worked for a year as Director of Commercial Operations for High Point Energy. He is currently Vice President of Commercial Operations for American Midstream Partners.



The Rupe clan.

Ryan and Bryn reside in Bryan, Texas (near the A&M Campus), they have a daughter Reese and son Ty. The children seem to be following in their footsteps as both are enrolled in A&M camps, Reese in soccer and Ty in baseball.

[Tobywan]

Jeff Sparks #62-RHP



James Jeffrey Sparks was born on April 4, 1972 in Houston, Texas to Thomas J. Sparks III and his wife Linda. He attended Waller High School (Waller, Texas) playing for the Bulldogs, he then attended West Texas A & M where he pitched as a member of the Buffaloes. As a junior he met Dr. Mike Marshall. Marshall had a 14 year pitching career in the major leagues and a NL Cy Young recipient. He earned a PH.D. in exercise physiology and helped Sparks transfer to St Mary's University (San Antonio) joining the Rattlers for is senior year. The pitching coach there was once a student of Marshall's. The Rattlers went 46-14 that season and made an appearance in the 1995 NAIA College World Series.


He was selected in the 24th round of the June 1, 1995 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds, he signed on June 4th. He was sent to the Rookie Appalachian League to play for the Princeton Reds, he went 2-0 with a 3.23 ERA in 16 appearances and 39 IP with 49 strikeouts and 2 saves.

After the season he hopped on a bus and headed to Florida, he showed up at his old friend Mike Marshall's front stoop. Mike took him in to his home letting him crash in his humble trailer in Zephyrhills and worked with Jeff through the winter. Mike had started his own business, Dr. Mike Marshall's Pitching Coach Services.

He was assigned to the Single-A Charleston AlleyCats of the SALL in 1996, he made 46 appearances going 2-7 with 96 Ks in 89.1 innings pitched. He was then sent to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League he made 3 appearances at the end of their season as they headed to the play-offs. They were defeated in the championship by the Jacksonville Suns 3-1. He was sent back to Single-A in 1997 to play for the Burlington Bees of the MIDW.



1997 Best Burlington Bees #23



He went 2-5 with a 5.72 ERA in 22 games and 61.1 IP, he struck out 72 before being released on July 25th.

His buddy Marshall encouraged him to give independent ball a try and in mid-August he was playing with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League with just a couple weeks left of their season. He signed with the Colorado Rockies on February 18, 1998 and spent the spring at camp in Tuscon, Arizona, but was released on April 4th.



1998 Winnipeg Goldeyes




He re-signed with the Goldeyes in May spending the rest of the season going 2-1 in 38 games, he made 17 saves with 85 strikeouts and a 3.12 ERA in 49 IP. While for many independent ball especially the outskirts like the Northern League can be the end of the line for players, Jeff was back to having fun and a renewed love for the game. He also found another kind of love when he met his future wife in Winnipeg, a nurse, Allyson Adduno.

He continued to work with Marshall when time permitted and slowly got more control, he even developed a screwball.

On January 6, 1999 his contract was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was assigned to the Triple- A Nashville Sounds of the PCL. He was 5-3 in 34 appearances when on July 23rd he was traded along with Jose Guillen to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Humberto Cota and Joe Oliver. He was sent to the Durham Bulls (AAA) of the IL. Between the two clubs he went 8-3 with a 3.68 ERA in 52 games and 73-1 innings pitched while striking out 100. The Bulls finished with a 83-60 record and headed back to the post season, they swept the Columbus Cippers but lost in the Governors’ Cup finals 3-1 to the Charlotte Knights. He was called up to the Devil Rays on September 12th making his Major League debut in the middle of 4 game series against the Oakland A's. Sparks came in to relieve Dan Wheeler when he started the seventh inning, Tampa Bay was already behind 4-0. He got the first two outs then gave up a walk to Randy Valarde. A wild pitch with Jason Giambi batting sent Valarde to second, but he got out of the inning with a strike out, no hits and no runs. He also pitched the 8th, he struck out the first two batters, then gave up another walk to Ben Grieve, he got Scott Spiezio to strike out to end the inning. The offense tried to come back, scoring a run in the 7th, 8th and 9th, but came up short, 4-3. They went on to get swept in the four game series.


On September 26th in a game against the Yankees in New York (middle game of a three game set) that was started by the late Cory Lidle, Sparks gave up the 100th RBI of Derek Jeter's career in the sixth inning. It scored Chad Curtis to put the Yanks ahead 5-4. The DRays came back to win 6-5, the next night he earned his first career save in a 10-6 win for the sweep at Yankee Stadium. He pitched 10 innings in 8 appearances with one save going 0-0 posting a 5.40 ERA with the Devil Rays to finish the season.

Jeff and Allyson were married in January 2000.



2000 Bowman Chrome




In spring training he was among a round of cuts on March 21st and was assigned to the Bulls he hadn't done very well. He worked with the Bulls pitching coach Joe Coleman on some minor adjustments and he was doing much better. Durham was on a road trip, after a game on April 7th they were heading to their next stop Toledo. They were playing cards on the trip and kept the game going into the wee hours at the hotel. The same night at the Trop, Juan Guzman got injured and was placed on the DL, when Jeff got the call-up he hadn't slept. He got a couple hours of shut eye on the flight and was on the mound at Tropicana Field the evening of the 8th against the Cleveland Indians. Steve Trachsel had started the game for Tampa Bay. The game was close going into the 5th inning, 3-1, but Trachsel gave up three runs on two homers when Sparks came into to relieve. He pitched 2.1 innings, giving up three walks, but no runs and struck out four (including Jim Thome on a devastating screwball) and got out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh by getting David Justice to pop up. Greg Vaughn got the DRays a little closer with a three run homer in the 6th. They failed to score anymore and were defeated 6-4. He had a couple of bad outings and his ERA rose to 4.15, but by the week of May it was down to 1.53.


On May 7th against Boston he gave up a 3 run homer to Carl Everett elevating his ERA to 2.84. His next outing was May 13th, he walked four but struck out three and was removed with two runners and one out. No one scored so his ERA lowered to 2.66. Jeff Sparks wasn't particularly remembered in Tampa Bay for any great pitching performances. This is mainly because often they came in team losses though not by virtue of his pitching. Unfortunately, he is best known for being on the wrong end of a Mike Defelice angry rant during a mid-week series against the Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington. On May 17th the DRays were playing the last of a three game set with the Rangers. They already had lost the first two games where they had fought back from a deficit only to be let down by the bullpen. In another game that was getting away from them in the seventh, manager Larry Rothschild sent in righty Jeff Sparks to stop the bleeding. Sparks had walked seven of twelve batters in his last two appearances. When Sparks walked three straight hitters to load the bases, Defelice marched to the mound, he screamed at Sparks, asking why he was throwing screwballs and curve balls and not fast balls like he was signaling him to throw. Jeff had thrown 14 pitches, just two for strikes. Television cameras didn't cut away as Defelice proceeded to get right into Sparks face, finally Rothschild came out to rescue Sparks sending him to the dugout.



Tampa Bay manager Larry Rothschild comes between catcher Mike Defelice and pitcher Jeff Sparks as Fred McGriff walks away during a meltdown in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers on May 17, 2000.




They lost that game 11-6, a sweep for the Rangers and the DRays fifth consecutive loss. Rothschild had a chance to speak to the pitcher after the game, he, Defelice and Sparks all publicly downplayed the incident. Jeff claimed he didn't think Defelice's diatribe was anything to be concerned about and the fact of the matter was, that he was terrible on the mound that day. Jeff was immediately sent packing to Durham, he clashed with Bull's manager Bill Evers and was sent to St Pete, throughout the rest of the season but only pitched in 25 games through four and a half months while not suffering any injuries. He went 1-7 with bloated 6.66 ERA, he got three saves in 8 games finished in 51.1 innings. On November 27th he was released.

It was joked about that he was pretty much drummed out of the game due to that blow up in Texas, but mostly Sparks was forgotten about, just another flash in the pan that couldn't hack it in the majors. However, it truly wouldn't be the first time that one bad outing or even one bad play defined a career and erased even a long career of success. All anyone would have to do is ask former major leaguer Bill Buckner about how one mistake can change your professional identity. Sparks himself never made excuses, but he did have one outspoken voice on his side. A St Pete Times reporter Bruce Lowitt did a piece published on April 25, 2000 about Sparks journey and in it manager Larry Rothschild highly praised Jeff including mentioning how he had improved and that it was most likely due to his extra work with Mike Marshall.After Jeff's time was done with the DRays, Marshall countered with a piece of his own. A breakdown of what really happened before and after that game in Texas.

According to Marshall, in the 1997 off season as he was trying to get his pitching instruction program/business started he wanted to give a demonstration to Tampa Bay's GM Chuck LaMar as the new team would be on the field for the first time in a few months. He had some techniques that all but eliminated constant injuries to pitchers. Much to Mike's surprise and delight Chuck agreed and showed up in Zephyrhills with the Devil Rays financial manager. The pitcher LaMar watched that day was Sparks as he showed him some exercises and pitching throws with no pain or stress to his arm or wrist. Mike would recall that LaMar said nary a word as he climbed back into the car and left, seemingly unimpressed. Marshall says he doesn't believe that LaMar knew when he traded for Sparks in 1999 that he was the young pitcher he saw 2 years prior. Then the article about Jeff and Rothschild's praise of the work he had been doing with Marshall appeared in the Times in April 2000 and the blow up between Sparks and Defelice. While he admits Sparks wasn't sharp in the game he puts the most blame squarely on Defelice after all he wasn't a consistent starting catcher for a reason. He kept asking Sparks for fastballs but batters were squaring to bunt and from Marshall's perspective Defelice wouldn't let him change to his sinker because his lack of catching skills can't handle different pitches. Defelice got angry when Sparks shook him off after two batters walked, then after another walk and when Defelice came at Sparks again Rothschild stepped in to defuse the situation. The DRays demoted him to work on his control, but Marshall points out some interesting details and looking at the course of events he has a decent theory. That game was less than a month after the Times piece. When he was sent to the Bulls the pitching coaches wanted to retrain him to do the "traditional" pitching motions. In 9 appearances his ERA ballooned to 14.21, he actually started one game. He would sit in the pen for days without any warm up, he was there six weeks then sent to the Single-A St Petersburg Devil Rays. Again they would use him sparingly for a few weeks then sent him to Orlando Double-A for the last few weeks where he made three starts during that last 2 months. Marshall believed and accused the club specifically LaMar for wanting to break Sparks down and that it stemmed from that article. It would not be the first time that the organization was accused of "ruining" a player specifically pitchers in those early years. Jim Morris complained about Bill Fischer that same season, it was the same season that Ryan Rupe spent the bulk of it on the disabled list blaming coaches that wanted him to completely change his mechanics. It would appear that Marshall makes a good case on behalf of Sparks. He definitely was never the same pitcher. Another item in that article were statements by Sparks about the "politics" of affiliated minor league teams compared to independent ones. In the minors there are players that teams have made a lot of investment so it isn't always about who is actually playing or pitching better but who cost the most. In independent everyone is equal there are no "investments". This proclamation probably didn't sit well with LaMar either so not only was Sparks abandoned by the DRays, he didn't get much of a look from the majors.


2001 Ultra #244 Jeff Sparks and Travis Harper
(He was already off the team when this card came out)




He signed a minor league deal with the Yankees on January 25th and invited to their 2001 camp in Tampa, so was Marshall, he had once pitched under Joe Torre when he was with the Mets.


Sparks pitches for the Yankees in spring camp 2001 with Joe Torre nearby.





When Jeff got cut, he went back to independent ball, he signed with the Albany Alligators of the All-American Association in 2001. He went 8-2 with a 2.00 ERA in 13 starts and 1 relief appearance. They finished in second place going 41-3, they defeated the Tyler Roughnecks in the semi-finals 2-1 to move on to the final against the Baton Rouge Blue Marlins. The All-American Association lasted just the one season, poor attendance was the reason cited for it's quick demise, Baton Rouge went on to win the league's only championship series when they beat the Alligators 3-2. The six teams in the league were split off into other leagues.



He had Tommy John surgery and didn't pitch in 2002. He signed with the Bangor Lumberjacks in April 2003 and in less than a year he was pitching for them in the Northeast League, he went 4-1 with a 1.23 ERA in 17 games (3 starts) with five saves in 36.2 IP.


He spent two weeks with the Pensacola Pelicans in the Central League in May 2004, he went 0-0 in three starts his ERA ballooned to 6.55 in 11 innings. At the end of the month he signed with the Nashua Pride and finished the season with them. He was used strictly in relief, made 45 appearances going 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA in 53.1 IP with 10 saves. The Pride went 65-61 and lost in the semi-finals.

In 2005 he spent a week in the Mexican League with the Leones de Yucatan, he pitched in just 3 games with a 6.75 ERA. He signed again with Nashua on August 29th he went 1-2 in 13 appearances (one start), he pitched 14 innings finishing with an 8.36 ERA. Then he called it quits.


He made his last MLB appearance for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, he was 28 years old. In parts of two seasons he went 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in 23 appearances. He earned one save and 41 Ks in 30.1 IP.

It seemed as if he were purposely shut out from the majors, he showed up at the Detroit Tigers open tryouts in six straight seasons and got six "don't call us we'll call you". He even asked what they didn't like, what could he do different, no one would give him an answer. He got paranoid and began to wonder if they allowed him to throw just so they could say no.

As of May 2007, Sparks was selling home-and-garden products at Lowe's and attending firefighter school while training with former major league pitcher Mike Marshall. Through the years there have been debates about Marshall's techniques, though many appear to be seeping into the game little by little. Currently, Tyler Matzek of the Colorado Rockies was taught the Mike Marshall mechanics by his private pitching coach Lon Fullmer and openly praises the program.

Jeff currently resides in Houston it is unclear if he and Allyson are still together or if they ever had children, he keeps a very low profile doing occasional appearances around the Houston area.

[Tobywan]

Dan Wheeler #35- RHP


Daniel Michael Wheeler was born on December 10, 1977 in Providence, Rhode Island, but grew up in Warwick as a Boston Red Sox fan. The family occasionally went to Fenway and Dan would cheer on his favorite players like Wade Boggs and Mike Greenwell. His father, Norman was a truck driver and Mom, Maureen worked as a secretary at a local hospital, he has a younger sister, Kerri. He played Little League and American Legion ball then attended Pilgrim High School pitching for the Patriots. Though he wasn't exactly a stand out, he did make All-State before graduating in 1995. He attended Central Arizona College (Coolidge, AZ). In his first season he went 10-3, with a 1.62 ERA in 91 IP. He was selected in the 34th round (1024th overall) in the June 5, 1996 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He pitched another season for the Vaqueros going 8-3 posting a 1.26 ERA (6th lowest in Central Arizona history) in 94.1 IP. He decided to sign with the DRays on May 7, 1997 for $125,000. He was assigned to the Short Season-A Hudson Valley Renegades of the NYPL, he stayed in the converted garage of his host parents in Wappinger Falls. He got chummy with teammate Matt White, they even went to a game at Yankee Stadium, Dan had always dreamed of pitching at Yankee Stadium preferably as a Red Sox.



1997 Best Hudson Valley Renegades #19

He started 15 games going 6-7 with a 3.00 ERA in 84 IP and had 81 strike outs with just 17 walks. The Renegades went 35-40 finishing in third place. He played the 1998 season with the Single-A class Charleston RiverDogs in the SALL. He pitched 181 innings (2nd in league) in 29 starts going 12-14 posting a 4.43 ERA, he struck out 136 and pitched 3 complete games, with one a shut out. Charleston went 67-74 for last place in the Central division.



Rookie card

He began the 1999 season with the Double-A Orlando Rays in the SOUL going 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA and a 3.56 FIP in 9 starts before he was sent to Triple-A. He struggled with the Durham Bulls (International League) going 7-5 with a 4.92 ERA, but he was splitting time between the minors and playing for Team USA. Between July 25 -August 2 he participated in the Pan Am Games held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It would be the first time that teams were allowed to use pro players. In the quarterfinals, Wheeler calmed things down during a game against Cuba after starter Brad Penny let a lead get away from him helping the US stay in the game long enough to come back and win. In the semi-finals against Mexico, Wheeler relieved Mark Mulder and pitched four hit-less scoreless innings for a 2-1 win as they rallied in the 10th inning. In the Gold Medal game it would be Cuba over the US with Brad Penny taking the loss, but good enough for a silver medal and to qualify for the 2000 Olympics. Dan ended up going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 11 Ks in 10 innings for Team USA in three games.

He finished the season between both minor league clubs going 10-5 with an 4.23 ERA, pitched 2 complete games one a shut out in 23 starts and 140.1 IP. As the Bulls were heading into the post season he headed to Baltimore to meet the Devil Rays making his MLB debut on September 1st. With the call up he became the first draftee of the Devil Rays to play for their Major League club.

The Orioles were sending Doug Johns to the hill against Wheeler, the first batter he faced was Brady Anderson who walked. He then got Mike Bordick, B.J. Surhoff and Albert Belle to ground out without any damage. The first batter to hit off him was Jeff Conine in the second. He also gave up the 351st home run of Albert Belle's career in the fourth. He ended up allowing two runs and three hits over five innings. The score was 2-1 in the O's favor when Esteban Yan started the sixth. The DRays never came back and Wheeler took a 3-1 loss.

On September 12th he went six innings allowing four runs on five hits (two homers) but struck out what would be his career high 12 batters in a 4-3 loss to the Oakland A's. The 12 Ks were a franchise record until Scott Kazmir passed him with 13 on August 25, 2007, also against Oakland. He made six starts for Tampa Bay going 0-4 with a 5.87 ERA in 30.2 IP. He posted a 32-13 strikeout to walk ratio in 30.2 IP but a 2.1 HR/9.


In February 2000, Dan headed to his first Major League camp with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida. Once again the DRays had quite a few veterans trying to make the club through minor league contracts and non-roster invites. Once John Burkett and Chad Ogea were cut with just days remaining in camp, it cleared the way for adding some of the youngsters including Wheeler to the ML pitching staff, he was very excited. Unfortunately, he didn't pitch like he had in spring. He made just two starts getting hammered in both outings, he was 0-1 with a whopping 9.31 ERA and sent back to Durham on April 13th. The DRays brought up Cory Lidle to take his spot. He took it well, he would still be playing just not at the big level. He lost his first game back with Durham as well, throwing six innings giving up 6 hits, 5 walks and 3 earned runs. He was still struggling in July, he was now 4-7 with Durham with a 5.07 ERA. He ended up spending most of the season with the Bulls, he went 5-11 with a 5.63 ERA in 26 starts and 5.97 FIP in 150.1 IP, allowing 35 home runs, a 2.1 HR/9 which led the International League. He led the Bulls with 91 strike outs.

He was recalled by TB on September 4th, he finished the season being used as a reliever and earned his first ML win on October 1st at Tropicana Field against the Boston Red Sox. Albie Lopez was the starter and long gone before Wheeler entered in the middle of the 10th taking over for Doug Creek with a 2-2 tie. He struck out Lou Merloni, then intentionally walked Morgan Burkhart, he got Donnie Sadler to ground out to end the inning. The DRays scored in the bottom of the inning for the 3-2 victory. It was the last game of the season and they won the final series. He made just two starts (11 appearances) for the DRays going 1-1 with a 5.82 ERA. The club went 69-92 for last place in the AL East.

He played in the Arizona Fall League with the Mesa Solar Sox, he went 1-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 14 games with 10 Ks and one save in 18 innings pitched.


On February 23, 2001 he agreed to terms on a one year deal with the Devil Rays. He was among the last of the cuts on March 31st and was assigned to Triple-A Durham, with the Devil Rays deciding to go with Travis Harper. He was recalled on April 18th when Harper was demoted, these were minor moves as the big shake up was on the main club when Larry Rothschild was fired, causing a ripple effect through the coaching staff. His stay was brief as he was sent back down on April 23rd. then back up on May 10th. He made 13 appearances all in relief going 1-0 with an 8.66 ERA in 17.2 innings. He was once again optioned on June 14th to the Bulls when the DRays to make room on the roster when they activated SS Felix Martinez from the 15-day DL. He finished the season in the minors, pitching in 21 games going 3-7 with a 4.76 ERA in 81.1 IP. Durham went 74-70 finishing in 2nd place.

Wheeler was released along with Bryan Rekar on December 13th. Another instance of roster dumping by the DRays to make room for acquisitions. They had selected RHP Kevin McGlinchy from the Atlanta Braves and LHP David Hawk from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the in the Rule 5 draft. McGlinchy didn't even stay long enough to be sent to the DRays minor leagues and never made it back to the majors. Hawk, spent one season with the Charleston Riverdogs and he was done.

On January 20, 2002 he signed with the Atlanta Braves. Wheeler spent the entire season at the Triple-A Richmond Braves of the IL, posting a 4.65 ERA and a 4.68 FIP in 25 starts and 2 relief appearances. Richmond went 75-67 for second place in the South division. He was released on October 15th.

He might not have been up with the DRays much during those three seasons but he was around long enough to strike up a romance with the daughter of Tampa Bay's distinguished TV announcer Dewayne Staats. He and Stephanie met at a team caravan event hosted by Dewayne in January 2000. They were married in November 2002, at the time she was a teacher.



Wheeler signed with the New York Mets on February 6, 2003. He was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides of the International League, he pitched mostly in relief making just 5 starts in 22 appearances, he made four saves going 4-2 with a 3.94 ERA in 45.2 IP. He was called up to make his Mets debut on June 18th getting into an away game against the Florida Marlins, he pitched three scoreless innings for his first ML career save in a 10-5 win. While with the DRays he never got to pitch when the DRays visited New York. Finally on June 22nd, and he pitched one inning at Yankee Stadium during a Subway Series, however, it was a loss. Wheeler spent the rest of the year with the team, earning another save on July 22nd against the Philadelphia Phillies. He got his first win with the Mets on September 1st against the Atlanta Braves, he finished the season with 35 appearances going 1-3 with a 3.71 ERA. The Mets finished 66-95, 5th in NL East.
Stadium, one half of the dream was complete.



Pitching against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium on September 1, 2003 in Queens, New York. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-2.

He pitched well enough during the spring of 2004 to make the opening day roster.



Braves' Marcus Giles is safe at first to load the bases as NY Mets' pitcher Dan Wheeler boots the ball in the ninth at Shea Stadium on April 12, 2004. The Mets went on to win their home opener, 10-6.

He got one start in April, he allowed three runs in four innings receiving a no decision against the Milwaukee Brewers. The only hit of his career came on May 10th in Arizona Bank One Ballpark off Diamondback pitcher Casey Daigle, a single in the fourth inning. He scored later on a single off Mike Piazza in a 12-8 loss. He won two games in May, he was 3-1 with three holds and an ERA of 4.80 and a 4.58 FIP in 50.2 IP before he was demoted to Norfolk. Wheeler was briefly recalled on August 12th but sent back a few days later. He made 5 appearances for the Tides posting a 2.45 ERA before he was placed on waivers, claimed by and traded on August 27th to the Houston Astros for Adam Seuss (minors). According to Jay Horwitz, the Mets’ vice president for media relations it wasn't so much that they wanted Seuss, good thing because he got caught using steroids and never made it out of Class-A ball. They needed a roster spot on the 40-man for Alay Soler.


He pitched in five Subway Series games in his short time in New York, getting beat up in every outing, allowing six runs in seven innings. He might not have had the performance of his dreams, but he got to pitch at Yankee Stadium.

He made his first appearance for the Astros two days later after the trade. He joined a staff featuring Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Roy Oswalt as well as other former DRays Dan Miceli, Chad Qualls and Brandon Backe and such names as Brad Ausmus, Carlos Beltran, Lance Berkman and of course Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. The Astros were trying to turn their season around,, with a 44-44 record, manager Jimy Williams was fired on July 14th one day after the All-Star game and Phil Garner took over. Things started turning around, the deal was much better for Wheeler and the Astros than for the Mets. He pitched well in 14 games posting a a 2.51 ERA and 3.69 FIP in 14.1 innings.

The Astros finished with a 92-70 taking the NL wild card spot. They faced the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, Wheeler pitched just one inning in Game 5 (game was started by Roy Oswalt), but it was perfect. The Astros won that game 12-3 and advanced taking the series 3-2.




Dan Wheeler of the Houston Astros celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Braves 12-3 to win game 5 of the NLDS on October 11, 2004 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia.


The NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals went a full seven games, but they were eliminated 4-3, but not due to anything Wheeler did or didn't do. Dan made 4 appearances pitching 7 innings, he gave up no walks, no runs and struck out 9. The Cards were swept in the World Series by the Boston Red Sox literally by virtue of Curt Schilling's blood. Wheeler finished the postseason with a perfect 0.00 ERA.

From September 2004 to January 2005 the Astros experienced a bit a baby boom with six new daddies, the Wheeler's birth was in the middle. Daniel and Stephanie welcomed their first child, son Gabriel Michael was born on November 19th. Dan re-signed a contract for $365,000 with performance bonuses.

It seemed that Wheeler finally found his way as a reliever, he would make the Astros 25-man roster for the 2005 season and worked his way to a consistent set up role. He went 2-3 in 2005 for the Astros with a 2.21 ERA, an 8.5 K/9, a 2.3 BB/9, a 0.9 HR/9, 17 holds, and 3 saves in 71 appearances and 73.1 IP. As a team they didn't start well, they were 15-30 at one point, but finished strong with a 89-73 record the Astros were in the post season again with the wild card. Again they were matched against the Braves in the Division Series which they won 3-1, Wheeler made 3 appearances including the 18 inning marathon in Game 4 to advance, giving up one run, 3 walks, 4 hits and struck out 5 in 4.1 innings.


Dan with Stephanie, and Gabriel after the Astros 18-inning victory over the Braves in the 2005 NLDS




Another rematch with the Cardinals in the National League Championship Series, he pitched 2.2 innings in 3 games, giving up 2 hits and striking out 2 as they took the series 4-2 for the NL Pennant. On October 19, 2005 during the NLCS he recorded the last out at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri getting Yadier Molina to fly out to Jason Lane in right. They were heading to the World Series for the first time in franchise history and they would face the Chicago White Sox.

They lost the first game, Wheeler came into relief in Game 2, Houston was up 4-2, but in the seventh he loaded the bases, double to Juan Uribe, a walk to Tadahito Iguchi and a questionable HBP of Jermaine Dye. Replays showed the ball actually hit the bat. Wheeler was removed and Chad Qualls stepped in to face Paul Konerko who hit the first pitch into the stands, the 18 grand slam in World Series history. The Astros had a chance tying it up in the ninth, but Brad Lidge gave up a walk off homer to Scott Posednick. Now they were down 2-0 in the series. Game 3 was played in Houston and was another extra inning game played, 14, in which 17 pitchers were used including Wheeler.



Brad Ausmus stands by as Manager Phil Garner takes the ball from Wheeler during Game 3 of the World Series against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 25, 2005 in Houston, Texas.


The Sox score two runs late to win 7-5., they also won Game 4 to sweep the Astros. Wheeler ended up with 13.50 ERA.

Before spring training he came to terms on a deal to avoid arbitration with a $930,000 salary. He would miss some of camp to play on Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.



Wheeler #39 of Team USA pitches against Team Korea during the Round 2 Pool 2 Game of the World Baseball Classic.



Wheeler and catcher Jason Varitek of Team USA confer on the mound during WBC against Korea at Angel Stadium on March 13, 2006 in Anaheim, California.

Team USA was eliminated in the second round after losing to both South Korea and Mexico. Dan pitched in two games giving up three runs on 2 hits (one a homer),one walk and struck out five in 3 innings and a 9.00 ERA.

On May 16th, he played his 200th game against the SF Giants, unfortunately it was as part of a 14-3 loss. He was solid again posting a 2.52 ERA going 3-5 with 24 holds, and 9 saves in 75 appearances spanning 71.1 IP. He got the nine saves when he filled in for the injured Brad Lidge. Houston would not make it back to the play-offs, going just 82-80 finishing 2nd in the NL Central.


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[Tobywan]

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In January 2007 he signed another one-year deal for $2.1M.



Bob's Steak & Chop House owner Ed Toles (center) with Astros Trevor Miller and Wheeler at the Astros Wives Black Ties & Baseball Caps underwriter party on June 3, 2007.



Chad Qualls, Wheeler and Brad Lidge pass the time eating in the bull pen, July 2007.


He would be used as the closer for 2007 as Brad Lidge was injured again with knee problems and an oblique strain, Dan was placed back in the set up role when Lidge returned. He went 1-4 with 5.07 ERA in 45 appearances, he had 11 saves in 15 chances when he was traded on July 28th returning to the TB Devil Rays for Ty Wiggington. He was thrilled to be back, a second chance with the team that drafted him. He was no longer the youngster with a lack of confidence on a patched up team wallowing in bad decisions and losing, he was a seasoned vet and the team was about make history. He was also thrilled to be home, his wife and two children made their off season residence in St. Petersburg.



Pitching against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angels Stadium on September 19, 2007 in Anaheim, California.


It didn't start out like it was going to be a rematch in heaven, he struggled through the rest of the season going 0-5 with a 5.76 ERA in 25 appearances. The Devil Rays finishing 66-96 once again 5th in AL East. Houston didn't do much better after he left, they finished fourth going 73-89.

The Wheelers welcomed a second son, Zachary during the off season.


He signed a one year deal on January 15, 2008 for $2.875M, but on April 1st signed an extension replacing that contract with a 3 year/$10.5M deal plus an option for 2011, with a buyout clause and bonus incentives.

The tide turned for the lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays from the beginning of 2008, there was swag where it seems they had no right yet to swag. They had new uniforms, dropped the Devil and were finally free from the last financial hold of past players. They fought their way through on the field and with their fists starting in spring training. The hope and tenacity seemed to sweep over the entire team, a good majority of players would go above and beyond, Wheeler got back on track as well. Slowly, he became a leadership presence in the bull pen.




Dan and Stephanie pose during the June 2008 Rays on the Runway charity event.


He went 5-6 on the year with a 3.12 ERA, 26 holds, and 13 saves in 70 relief appearances and 66.1 IP. He also stepped up when the Rays lost closer Troy Percival down the stretch as part of a closer by committee type situation. The improbable happened, last place in 2007 they surged through the entire season going 97-65 to win the AL Eastern Division heading to their first post season appearance. He was the only playing member of the original Devil Rays organization to be a part of the rise in their success as the Tampa Bay Rays and participate in the post season. He was also only one of two (along with Mike Defelice) to suit up for Tampa Bay in all three of the franchise's uniforms.


Dan had been here before, it started out a little shakey, facing the Chicago White Sox in the American League Division Series during Game 1 at Tropicana Field. He came in to close the ninth relieving J.P. Howell, Rays were ahead 6-3. It got worrisome when he gave up a lead off home run to Paul Konerko. He quickly settled retiring Griffey, Alexei Ramírez and AJ Pierzynski to preserve a 6-4 win, the first post season win in franchise history. The Rays defeated Chicago 3-1 to advance.

In the Conference Series they would face the Boston Red Sox, Wheeler entered Game 2 in the 8th,the Rays were ahead 8-7. Chad Bradford started the inning giving up a single to Dustin Pedroia, Trevor Miller then issued a walk to David Ortiz, Wheeler took the mound and got Kevin Youkilis to ground into a double play, but Pedroia went to third, then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. He had blown the save, but got out of the inning without more damage. He pitched until giving way in the the middle of the 11th to David Price, giving up no more runs. The Rays scored in the 11th with a walk off and the win. The series then headed to Boston, Wheeler already excited about the postseason and playing against his childhood team would now be pitching at Fenway trying to bet them to go to the World Series. The Rays had a big lead before the Sox batted in the 7th, Grant Balfour let up four runs including a 3 run homer off David Ortiz. Wheeler came in to end the inning, then was back for the 8th, he allowed three runs including a 2 run homer to J.D. Drew, blowing the save, leaving with a 7-7 tie. Boston scored in the ninth to win 8-7 making the series 3-2 in the Rays favor.

The Red Sox tied the series with a Game 6 win, so it came down to the last game, only one would move on to the World Series. Game 7 was started by Matt Garza, he was lifted after facing one batter in the 8th he gave way to Wheeler with a 3-1 lead, Dan faced just two batters giving up a single. A total of five pitchers were used that inning relinquishing no runs, Price once again closed the game this time for the save as the Rays won the AL Pennant and were headed to the World Series taking on the Philadelphia Phillies.




Celebrating with Gabriel after defeating the Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS on October 19, 2008 at Tropicana Field The Rays defeated Boston 3-1.



He spent a few seasons swapping roles with former Houston teammate Brad Lidge, the two grew close and the friendship endured despite Lidge losing his role at times to Wheeler, some of which was blamed on the qucik trigger finger of then Houston manager Phil Garner. Now they would be World Series opponents as Lidge was now closing games for the Phils.

Wheeler was superstitious, he would wear the same cap all season, this year the only change he allowed was the addition of a World Series logo, which was applied to the left side of the faded sweaty hat before Game 1. Being superstitious also led to him participating in the new fad of the season, which he initially resisted as long as he could, the "fauxhawk", it had swept over Tampa Bay, fans, players and other Rays personnel were donning the haircuts. Wheeler finally gave in for the play-offs.

The first game began at Tropicana Field, started by Scott Kazmir for Tampa Bay and Cole Hamels for the Phillies. The game was 3-2 with the Phils leading in the 9th, he was able to keep it there, but Rays couldn't score. In Game 2, Wheeler relieved James Shields in the sixth with a 4-0 lead. He pitched a scoreless inning before Price took over to finish the game. The Phils scored two runs, but not enough, the Rays tied the series, 1-1 and the series moved to Philadelphia. The Phils won Game 3, Game 4 was started by Andy Sonnanstine, he was relieved in the fifth, Wheeler entered in the seventh, but they were already down 6-2. The two runs coming off homers by Carl Crawford and Eric Hinske. Wheeler gave up no runs, but his replacement Trevor Miller gave up two run homers to both Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard to give the Phillies a 10-2 victory and a 3-1 lead in the series.



Wheeler heads to the dugout after pitching a scoreless inning in Game 4 of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 26, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa

Dan didn't pitch in Game 5, the Phillies scored first, but were able to tie the game 2-2 as rain began pouting heavily in the sixth. The game was suspended before the Phillies half of the inning. Due to more bad weather they didn't resume until Wednesday, picking up with the second half of the sixth. The Phillies took the lead,then Rocco Baldelli hit a solo homer to tie. Phillies took the lead again in the seventh. The Rays had a chance to come back in the ninth, but with one on Eric Hinske struck out at the hands of Brad Lidge, the Philadelphia Phillies were the 2008 World Series Champions after 3 1/2 exciting innings.

It had been up and down post season for Wheeler, in seven appearances he earned one save and blew two, posting a 6.23 ERA giving up 6 runs on nine hits (three homers) and four walks.


He had another productive season in 2009, April 14th he pitched in his 400th career game a 7-2 loss to the NY Yankees.




Dan Wheeler goes through his unusual pitching routine while on the mound against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 29, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Rays defeated the Tigers 3-1.

He was used in middle relief, as J.P. Howell did most of the closing after Troy Percival and Jason Isringhausen were limited by injuries. He made 69 appearances, going 4-5 with a 3.28 ERA, 16 holds and 2 saves in 57.2 IP. The Rays didn't make it back to the play-offs finishing in third place with a 84-78 record.

During the off season Dan and Stephanie welcomed a daughter, Evie.

In 2010, he went 2-4 with a 3.35 ERA, 9 holds, and 3 saves in 64 relief appearances spanning 48.1 IP. He was reunited with his Houston teammate Chad Qualls when the Rays acquired him in trade on July 31st.



Manager Joe Maddon hands the ball over to Wheeler as Kelly Shoppach, Evan Longoria Ben Zobrist and Sean Rodriguez stand by in the 5th inning of a game against the Angels of Anaheim at Tropicana Field on September 19, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Angels defeated the Rays 6-3.



The Rays bounced back into the post season eking out the New York Yankees to win the division 96-66.




The Wheelers with Dewayne Staats and his wife Carla at Tropicana Field on October, 2010.




They would face the Texas Rangers in the ALDS, at Tropicana Field, the Rangers won the first game. In Game 2, starter James Shields had given up 2 runs and with two on, gave way to Chad Qualls. Facing Michael Young he let up a three run home run to put the Rangers up 5-0. On the pitch before Young made a check swing ruled on by first base umpire Jerry Meals, after the home run, Rays manager Joe Maddon exploded and was ejected. Another run scored that inning made it 6-0. Wheeler pitched a perfect 6th inning, no more runs were scored, though there were chances for the Rays. It was his only appearance, the Rays tied the series taking two games in Arlington, but were eliminated 4-2. The Rangers went on to take the Al Pennant from the Yankees but were defeated in the WS by the San Francisco Giants. That appearance would be his last in a TB uniform. He became a free agent on November 3rd. He and the Rays did have negotiations on possibly staying but he got a better offer.




He spent two stints with Tampa Bay, his father in-law Dewayne Staats has been the Rays TV announcer since their first broadcast. Usually very talkative, whenever Dan was in a game he did his best to remain stoic, letting his partner do most of the talking. He neither wanted to praise or criticize his son in-law, though he would give him rides to and from the airport.


On December 18th he signed with the Boston Red Sox to a one-year, $3 million contract with a club option for 2012 based on incentives. Dan grew up a Red sox fan being they played just a hop, skip and a jump from where he grew up so he was thrilled to be able to don the uniform. He would also be reunited with TB teammate Carl Crawford who had just signed with the Red Sox as a free agent. He joined a staff that included Bobby Jenks, Jonathan Papelbon, Matt Albers and Tim Wakefield.


In February 2011 Wheeler was inducted into the Rhode Island American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. He was not able to attend the banquet, his father Norman accepted the award on his behalf.

He had a rough start, his ERA was 11.32 in 10.1 innings until he was placed for the first time in his career on the disabled list on May 5th with a strained calf. Bobby Jenks was also sent to the DL, their roster spots were filled by Scott Atchison and Rich Hill from Pawtucket. Wheeler had a brief rehab stint in Pawtucket and was back on May 20th.



Posing for a portrait during the May 28, 2011 MLBPA - The Players Choice Photo Shoot in Detroit, Michigan.



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[Tobywan]

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On June 9, 2011 in a Red Sox uniform he stood on the mound at Yankee Stadium, he didn't record the win but he closed a game to help the team preserve a win 8-3, his humble childhood dream complete. He earned the Amica Pitcher of the Week Honors on July 9th.



Wheeler of the Boston Red Sox celebrates the 12-5 win over the Kansas City Royals with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on July 27, 2011.




Celebrating another win over the Royals with catcher Jason Varitek. The Red Sox won 6-1 on August 21, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in KC, Missouri.




Pitching against the the Texas Rangers game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on August 25, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. Red Sox defeated the Rangers 6-0.


He came back strong allowing just five runs in 30 IP from the beginning of June to the end of August, but lost the last three weeks of the season with tightness in his fore arm between Sept. 8-29. He ended up going 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA and a 3.78 FIP in 47 appearances with 49.1 IP. Due to his injuries the vesting option based on 65 appearances was void and the Red Sox declined his option and he was granted free agency on October 31st. Boston did offer him arbitration, but he ended up signing a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians on January 26, 2012 for $900,000.


Photo day for the Cleveland Indians on February 28, 2012 in Goodyear, Arizona.


He went to the Indians 2012 spring camp as a non-roster invitee, his contract was purchased from the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the IL and he was added to the opening day roster on April 4th.



Pitching against the Kansas City Royals on April 15, 2012 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Cleveland Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals 13-7.

He began the season in the pen for the Tribe, but his ERA blew up to 8.76 in 12 appearances allowing 17 hits, 7 walks, 12 runs while striking out just two in 12.1 IP. He was designated for assignment right after a game on May 13th where he gave up six earned runs in just one inning of work. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Clippers in mid-June, he finished the season 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 36 appearances with 5 saves in 42.2 IP for Columbus.



Pitching for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the International League in July 2011.


He became a free agent on October 4th and signed with the Kansas City Royals on December 11th to a minor league deal and an invite to spring training.


Photo Day on February 21, 2013 at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.


Despite giving up just one run on 13 hits with one walk in 11 innings posting a 0.82 ERA and 1.27 WHIP an 14 Ks during he was assigned to minor league camp on March 28th. He was sent to their Triple-A affiliate the Omaha Storm Chasers of the Pacific Coast League to begin the 2013 season, he pitched in just 11 games with a 9.00 ERA and was released on May 11th.


The Wheeler clan, including Dan's parents and his sister's family in October 2013.



He didn't sign on with any other team that season and on February 7, 2014 he announced his retirement. His final MLB game was on May 13, 2012 with the Cleveland Indians, he was 34. He spent 13 seasons in the majors finishing with a 25–43 record, 3.98 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 194 walks, 555 strikeouts and 43 saves in 589 games (9 starts) with 640.2 IP. He pitched in three post seasons,going 1-0 with a 3.51 ERA in 25 innings of work. He never reached the ultimate dream of World Series Champion, but he came close.

He was the team's career leader with 250 relief appearances, until Joel Peralta eclipsed it in 2014.

Dan represented the Rays in 2014 MLB draft and is a regular contributor to Strikeouts for Troops program. Stephanie owns and runs her own boutique named the Haute Spot in Belleair Bluffs, FL.




Dan at the 2014 MLB draft.


On the weekend of the 2015 Hall Of Classic (May 22-24), Dan, his father Norman and his sons joined many former major league players in Cooperstown. Son, Gabe shagged balls for the pregame homer run derby.Dan donning a TB Rays uniform joined the likes of Rollie Fingers, Tom Glavine, Phil Niekro, Tony Perez, Ozzie Smith and Robin Yount in manager and coaching roles as well as Bobby Abreu, Vinny Castilla. Ivan Rodriguez and Roy Oswalt. Wheeler threw three scoreless innings as his "Team Knucksie" defeated "Team Wizard" (headed by Ozzie Smith) 7-5.



Phil Niekro shakes hands with Alan Trammel and Dan Wheeler as Ivan Rodriguez looks on during the line-ups for the 2015 Hall Of Classic on May 23, 2015 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY.



Dan and Stephanie currently reside in Belleair, Florida, they have three children, sons, Gabriel and Zachary and daughter Evie.


On October 28, 2015 he will be inducted into the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Hall of Fame.