| Tony Saunders | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1974-04-29)April 29, 1974 (age 51) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 5, 1997, for the Florida Marlins | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 26, 1999, for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 13–24 |
| Earned run average | 4.56 |
| Strikeouts | 305 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Anthony Scott Saunders (born April 29, 1974) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher who played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) from 1997 to 1999. He was the first player selected by theTampa Bay Devil Rays in the1997 MLB expansion draft. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 205 pounds (93 kg) during his career, he threw and batted left-handed. His career ended prematurely due to injury, suffering a fractured humerus while throwing a pitch during a game on May 26, 1999, and again while delivering a pitch in a rehab game in 2000.[1]
Saunders initially signed with theFlorida Marlins' minor league system in 1992, a year before their expansion season. He required reconstructive surgery on his elbow in 1994.[2]
Saunders joined the Marlins' opening day roster in 1997, and despite a knee injury which cost him seven weeks in the middle of the season finished with a 4–6 record in 22 starts, with his first three wins coming against theAtlanta Braves.[2] The Marlins earned a wild card berth in the 1997 playoffs, and after being left off the Division Series roster, Saunders was placed on the LCS roster against the Braves. He started Game 3 of the series, whichLiván Hernández won in relief of Saunders.
In theWorld Series, Saunders started Game 4 against theCleveland Indians, but took the loss after giving up six earned runs in two innings pitched; nonetheless, he earned aWorld Series ring as the Marlins defeated Cleveland in seven games.
Saunders was one of many members of that team who left the Marlins following that season, joining the Rays for their inaugural season after being the first pick in the1997 MLB Expansion Draft. Saunders was 9th in the American League in strikeouts, but also 1st in walks, as he struggled to a 6–15 record. Saunders' 1999 season was short-lived as he went 3–3 with a 6.43 ERA.
On May 26, 1999, while pitching against theTexas Rangers, Saunders suffered a significant arm injury while pitching toJuan González.[3] As he delivered a 3–2 pitch to the Rangers slugger, his pitching arm suddenly snapped with enough force that the sound of it could be heard throughout the stadium. Saunders subsequently collapsed on the mound, screaming in pain and smacking his right arm on the ground. Within moments, team trainer Jamie Reed and teammatesJohn Flaherty andKevin Stocker rushed to his side. Saunders had to be carted off the field, as the pain was too much for him to walk. He was diagnosed with ahumerus fracture and torn ligaments in his arm, an injury severe enough to end his season.[4][5]
Saunders attempted to rehab the injury and make a comeback, and was sent on a rehabilitation assignment in August 2000. He successfully pitched in two games for theSingle–ACharleston RiverDogs, then moved to theHigh–ASt. Petersburg Devil Rays.[6] On August 24, during his fifth rehab game, Saunders’s humerus snapped again.[7] With the break occurring in almost the same spot as it had before, Saunders retired immediately afterward, aged 26.[8] Saunders was the 2000 recipient of theTony Conigliaro Award, which honors a major league player who "overcomes an obstacle and adversity".[9]
After baseball, Saunders worked as a stockbroker.[10] In 2005, Saunders announced a comeback, signing a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles, and making theirspring training roster. He pitched one inning against theSt. Louis Cardinals before he was reassigned to the minor leagues. He remained listed on theBowie Baysox roster for the whole 2005 season, but never pitched in a game, although he did appear in nine games for theMesa Miners of theGolden Baseball League.
· Baseball Almanac