This is a cache dedicated to my man Jesus. Jesus Sanchez, a
thoroughly unremarkable pitcher who played for 7 years in the Major
Leagues, and one particular year for my beloved Chicago Cubs.
First some basics:
Jesus Sanchez was born on Friday, October 11, 1974, in Nizao,
Peravia, Dominican Republic. Sanchez was 23 years old when he broke
into the big leagues on March 31, 1998, with the Florida Marlins.
He flirted for a while between being a starter and reliever. In
2001, Jesus became a full time reliever, due mostly to the fact
that he had trouble getting outs.
Here's some stats:
Funny thing is that, despite only pitching 8.1 innings and
posting a less-than-stellar ERA of 12.96, Jesus had a brush with
greatness and a brush with not-too-shabbiness during his brief stay
with the Cubs.
Jesus broke camp with the Cubs after Spring Training of '02
making 5 appearances in April before being sent to the minors. When
September rosters expanded, he was called back up and pitched in 3
more games before the season ended and he was given his
unconditional release. So what was so great?
When sent to the minors in April, he was exchanged for another
lefty - Ron Mahay, a solid lefty reliever who, after he left the
Cubs, went on to several solid seasons as a left-handed reliever
and continues to play in the majors today. Not too shabby.
Jesus was also called up in September of '02 with another little
known Triple-A pitcher at the time. Unlike Jesus though, Carlos
Zambrano went on to a little bit more success.
So here's to you Jesus. Your time with us was short and
forgettable, but you managed to contribute to the careers of two
other very good pitchers in your pursuit of mediocrity.
Photos courtesy of:
Ballen Photos and
Baseball Almanac
