| Rich Loiselle | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1972-01-12)January 12, 1972 (age 53) Neenah, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 7, 1996, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 6, 2001, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 9–18 |
| Earned run average | 4.38 |
| Strikeouts | 178 |
| Saves | 49 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Richard Frank Loiselle (born January 12, 1972) is an American former professional baseballrelief pitcher inMajor League Baseball (MLB) who played for thePittsburgh Pirates over parts of six seasons spanning 1996–2001. Listed at 6' 5", 225 lb., Loiselle batted and threw right handed. He was born inNeenah, Wisconsin.[1]
TheSan Diego Padres selected Loiselle in the 38th round of the1991 MLB Draft. He then spent five seasons in the Padres Minor League system.
In 1994, MLB cancelled the postseason due to a strike by theMajor League Baseball Players Association. As a result,spring training for the 1995 season began with replacement players in camp, but management and players eventually resolved the dispute before regular season games were played. Nevertheless, Loiselle, along with dozens of players who agreed to serve as replacement players, were subsequentlyblacklisted by the MLBPA.[2]
During the 1996 midseason, Loiselle was traded by San Diego along withJeff Tabaka to theHouston Astros forPhil Plantier. A few days later, he was sent to the Pirates in exchange forDanny Darwin.[1] Although Loiselle made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh in that season, he was one of dozens of players that never were allowed membership into the MLBPA for crossing thepicket line.[2]
His most productive season came in 1997, when he posted career numbers with a 3.10ERA, 29saves and 72⅔innings pitched.[1]
During a game against theMilwaukee Brewers May 26, 1998, Loiselle was pitching in the bottom of the ninth when he hitMike Matheny in the face with a pitch. Matheny proceeded to spit blood as he walked off the field.
In between, Loiselle pitched winter ball with theNavegantes del Magallanes club of theVenezuelan League in the 1995–96 season.[3]
