The path of a relief pitcher is one of the most volatile in all of professional sports.
Todd Williams’ career perfectly illustrates the tumultuous nature of that bullpen life. If his name rings a bell, it’s probably because he was on the unfortunate side of a moment that s become part of baseball lore. While pitching for the Orioles against the Marlins on June 22, 2006, Williams tried to issue an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera but tossed a pitch too close to the plate. The budding superstar ripped an RBI single into the outfield.
But that’s not the start or the end of Williams’ story in baseball. The right-hander enjoyed an 18-year career with 16 Minor League seasons and retired with 223 saves, a modern Minor League record. A four-time Rolaids Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year recipient, he accomplished much more in his career than he s typically recognized for.