The world of wacky relief debuts
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Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
As was mentioned on the broadcast last night, Matt Peacock became the first pitcher since Marino Pieretti of the 1945 Washington Senators to get the win and a hit, while making his debut in an extra-inning game. Pieretti was the starter in that contest, and tossed all 12 innings of the 4-3 victory. But I thought it might be interesting to look at how Peacock’s debut stacks up among relief pitchers.
He’s not the only one to get a hit in his first game. That’s actually a bit more common than you might think, Peacock becoming the 193rd such pitcher. Actually, the last such reliever to execute the feat was also a Diamondback. Taylor Clarke did it on April 20 last year against the Cubs, combining with Zack Greinke on a four-hitter, and for his three innings of work (like Peacock), was awarded a save. Though for a reliever to get a hit AND a run in his debut is rarer. There have only been two
Popular Giants catcher Mike Sadek, known as the Sheik, dies at 74
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Philadelphia Phillies Pete Rose, left, is out at the plate trying to score from third on an infield ground ball in third inning of their game with the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Sept. 1, 1980. Catcher Mike Sadek put the tag on the sliding Rose whose expression indicates how hard the dirt is around the plate.Robert H. Houston / APShow MoreShow Less
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Phillies Pete Rose turns as he crosses the plate to watches San Francisco Giants catcher Mike Sadek chase down the ball that went by him in the first inning on Friday, July 7, 1979, game in Philadelphia. Rose scored on a single from second base as the Phillies won, 6-1.Kennedy / APShow MoreShow Less
Popular Giants catcher Mike Sadek, known as the ‘Sheik,’ dies at 74 [San Francisco Chronicle]
Jan. 21 Mike Sadek, a colorful backup catcher for the Giants through much of the 1970s who was well-liked by teammates and fans, died Wednesday in San Andreas (Calaveras County) of heart- and lung-related illnesses. He was 74.
Sadek, who played his entire eight-year career for the Giants, was a master of keeping his teammates and the clubhouse loose. He hit .226 with five homers in his career but was known more for his defense and leadership.
“He was the best catcher I ever threw to,” former Giants pitcher John Montefusco said. “He gave you a good target, way down low, and called a great game. Managers knew we liked throwing to him, and when umpires missed a call, he let them know about it.
Tommy Lasorda, lovable villain in Giants-Dodgers rivalry, dies at 93
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FILE - In this March 10, 2010, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers former manager Tommy Lasorda attends a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Glendale, Ariz. Lasorda, the fiery Hall of Fame manager who guided the Dodgers to two World Series titles and later became an ambassador for the sport he loved during his 71 years with the franchise, has died. He was 93. (Keith Birmingham/The Orange County Register via AP, File)Keith Birmingham / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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Tom Lasorda, right, talks with newsmen on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1976 in Los Angeles after he was named manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, succeeding Walter Alston, left, who announced his retirement on Monday. Lasorda was previously a coach with the Dodgers. (AP Photo/David F Smith)David F Smith / APHS260859Show MoreShow Less
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Over their 138-season history, the Giants have seen scores of talented players become synonymous with the numbers on the backs of their jerseys. Here’s a look at the best Giants player to wear each uniform number:
Oliver batted .298 with a .705 OPS over 91 games with the Giants in 1984 before being dealt to the Phillies in exchange for Kelly Downs and George Riley in a midseason trade.
Known as “HacMan,” Leonard endeared himself to Giants fans by trotting around the bases with his left arm tucked into his body one flap down. His signature moment came in 1987, when he crushed four homers against the Cardinals in the National League Championship Series and took home Series MVP honors despite the Giants losing in seven games.