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| Butch Metzger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1952-05-23)May 23, 1952 (age 72) Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 8, 1974, for the San Francisco Giants | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| June 28, 1978, for the New York Mets | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 18–9 |
| Earned run average | 3.74 |
| Strikeouts | 175 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Clarence Edward Metzger (born May 23, 1952) is an American professionalbaseballscout and formerpitcher who played five seasons inMajor League Baseball (MLB). Initially drafted by theSan Francisco Giants, he played two-and-a-half seasons with theSan Diego Padres. Metzger was named the National League (NL)Rookie of the Year in1976, his first full year in the major leagues.
After playing high school baseball atJohn F. Kennedy High School inSacramento, California, Metzger was drafted in the 2nd round of the1970 amateur draft by theSan Francisco Giants.
Metzger made hismajor league debut on September 8, 1974 with theGiants. He played limitedly, pitching 12.7innings and posting a 3.55ERA.
He was dealt along withTito Fuentes from the Giants to thePadres forDerrel Thomas at theWinter Meetings on December 6, 1974.[1] Metzger pitched limitedly again, having control issues (he had walked 16 men in his 17.3 innings of career pitching).
In1976, Metzger was able to successfully control his pitches, and had a great year for a rookie. He posted a 2.92 ERA, along with an 11-4 record, 89strikeouts, 52walks and 16saves in 123.3 innings of work. He was co-votedNational League Rookie of the Year for1976 withPat Zachry.
With a 0–0 record, a 5.87 ERA and having given up 27 hits in22+2⁄3 innings in 17 appearances to start the1977 season,[2] Metzger was traded from thePadres to theCardinals forJohn D'Acquisto andPat Scanlon on May 17, 1977.[3] Metzger posted better numbers with the Cardinals, collecting 7 saves while posting a 3.11ERA and a record of 4wins and 2 losses.
However, Metzger was placed on waivers by the Cardinals and picked up by theNew York Mets on April 5, 1978. Metzger had a disappointing season, giving concern to the Mets about his control issues. His contract was subsequently purchased by thePhiladelphia Phillies on July 4, 1978 and he was sent back to the minors. Metzger never made it back to the major league level and was released by the Phillies on March 19, 1979.
He works today as a scout.
In his five seasons of baseball, Metzger had an 18-9 record with a 3.74 ERA and 23 saves. He pitched 293.1 innings, gave up 289hits, walked 140, and struck out 175.