While I would call myself a baseball fan I DID NOT know this story! The author nailed this compelling story with excellent research. I'm also excited to see that he got a reply from Mark Eichhorn himself. Enjoy the video!
Video credit: https://www.youtube.com/ @lookitsbaseball8822
Additional Background:
Mark Eichhorn was a Major League Baseball pitcher known for his unique sidearm delivery and ability to change speeds. Eichhorn played for several teams during his career, including the Toronto Blue Jays, the California Angels, the Atlanta Braves, and the Baltimore Orioles.
Early Life and Career
Eichhorn was born on November 21, 1960, in San Jose, California. He attended Oak Grove High School in San Jose and played baseball for the school's team. Eichhorn was a standout pitcher, and he caught the attention of scouts from the Toronto Blue Jays during his senior year.
The Blue Jays selected Eichhorn in the third round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed with the team later that year. Eichhorn spent several years in the Blue Jays' minor league system, working his way up through the ranks and refining his pitching skills.
Major League Debut and Early Years
Eichhorn made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays on August 27, 1982, against the Texas Rangers. He pitched two innings in relief and allowed two hits and one run. Eichhorn appeared in nine games for the Blue Jays that season, posting a record of 1-1 with an ERA of 4.58.
In 1983, Eichhorn became a regular member of the Blue Jays' bullpen. He appeared in 60 games that season and posted a record of 10-6 with an ERA of 1.72. Eichhorn's performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team, and he finished the season tied for second in the league in wins by a relief pitcher.
Eichhorn continued to pitch well for the Blue Jays in the following seasons, establishing himself as one of the team's most reliable and durable relievers. He appeared in 69 games in 1984, posting a record of 9-4 with an ERA of 2.45. In 1985, Eichhorn appeared in 81 games, which was the most in the American League that season. He finished the year with a record of 14-6 and an ERA of 1.72, both career bests.
Breakout Season in 1986
Eichhorn's breakout season came in 1986, when he posted a record of 14-6 with an ERA of 1.72. He appeared in 69 games for the Blue Jays that season, pitching 157 innings and striking out 166 batters. Eichhorn's performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team, and he finished third in the voting for the league's Cy Young Award.
Eichhorn's success in 1986 was due in part to his unique sidearm delivery, which made him difficult to hit. His delivery was slow for a pitcher, but he was able to change speeds and locate his pitches with great accuracy. Eichhorn's ability to keep batters off balance made him one of the most effective relievers in the league.
Later Years and Retirement
Eichhorn played for the Blue Jays through the 1988 season, appearing in 63 games and posting a record of 5-7 with an ERA of 2.59. He became a free agent after the season and signed with the California Angels.
Eichhorn pitched for the Angels for three seasons, from 1989 to 1991. He was used primarily as a setup man for closer Bryan Harvey, and he was effective in that role. Eichhorn appeared in 192 games for the Angels during his three seasons with the team, posting a record of 18-9 with an ERA of 2.37.
In 1992, Eichhorn signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent one season as a member of the team's bullpen. Eichhorn appeared in 54 games for the Braves in 1992, posting a record of 4-4 with an ERA of 3.34.
Eichhorn's final season in the Major Leagues came in 1996, when he pitched for the Baltimore Orioles. He appeared in 50 games for the Orioles that season, posting a record of 5-5 with an ERA of 4.79.
Over the course of his Major League career, Eichhorn appeared in 563 games, posting a record of 69-63 with an ERA of 3.67. He recorded 28 saves and struck out 902 batters in 1088 innings pitched.
Legacy
Eichhorn's unique sidearm delivery and ability to change speeds made him a popular figure among baseball fans. He was often referred to as "The Terminator" because of his ability to consistently retire batters. Eichhorn's success on the mound was due in large part to his ability to keep batters off balance, and his unorthodox pitching style made him a difficult pitcher to prepare for.
After retiring from baseball, Eichhorn remained involved in the sport. He worked as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
In 2012, Eichhorn was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his contributions to the game during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, and his induction was a testament to his lasting impact on Canadian baseball.
Summary
Mark Eichhorn was a Major League Baseball pitcher known for his unique sidearm delivery and ability to change speeds. He played for several teams during his career, including the Toronto Blue Jays, the California Angels, the Atlanta Braves, and the Baltimore Orioles. Eichhorn's breakout season came in 1986, when he posted a record of 14-6 with an ERA of 1.72, earning him a spot on the American League All-Star team and a third-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting. Eichhorn's unorthodox pitching style made him a popular figure among baseball fans, and his legacy continues to be felt in the sport today.
