Steve Trachsel
Encyclopedia
Stephen Christopher Trachsel (born October 31, 1970 in Oxnard, California
), nicknamed "The Human Rain Delay", is a former Major League Baseball
pitcher
. He is known for the long amount of time he takes to deliver the ball to home plate in between pitches. Games in which he pitches are known to be considerably longer than most games, leading to his aforementioned nickname. Though he never officially retired, Trachsel has not played since .
in Fullerton, California
in 1988. He attended Fullerton College
and Long Beach State University. In , he led Long Beach to a spot in the College World Series
. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs
in the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft
and the Class-A Advanced Winston-Salem Spirits. He went a combined 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA
in 14 games, all for starts.
Trachsel was promoted to the Double-A Charlotte Knights
of the Southern League
in . Trachsel went 13-8 with a 3.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 29 games, all for starts.
He began the season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
where he went 13-8 with a 3.95 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 27 games, 26 starts. Trachsel was promoted to the Major Leagues in September and made his debut on September 19 against the Florida Marlins
going seven innings
with five strikeouts while giving up two earned runs and taking the loss.
Trachsel would play most of the season with Chicago, pitching just two games in Iowa going 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA. His Major League stats were much better however as he went 9-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 games, all starts. He also had one complete game
and struck out 108 total over the season.
In Trachsel spent his first full season at the Major League level. He went 7-13 with a 5.15 ERA, 117 strikeouts and two complete games in 30 games, 29 starts.
Trachsel was named to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
and posted a career-best 3.03 ERA in . He also finished the season with a record of 13-9 with two shutouts, three complete games and 132 strikeouts in 32 games, all starts. His first shutout was a one-hit game against the Houston Astros
on May 14 where he surrendered the only hit on a lead-off double
to Brian Hunter
. He also pitched two games with the Double-A Orlando Cubs where he went 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.
In Trachsel started a career-high 34 games with the Cubs, a record he has tied twice. He went 8-12 with a 4.51 ERA and 160 strikeouts. He led the National League
in home runs allowed
and was second in hits allowed
.
He had a record of 15-8 in with a ERA of 4.46, 149 strikeouts and one complete game.
Also in 1998, on September 8 Trachsel allowed Mark McGwire
's record breaking 62nd home run, breaking Roger Maris
' longtime record of 61. McGwire hit the pitch 341 feet over the left field wall, his shortest of the year. McGwire went on to hit 70.
In , his ERA
rose to a career-worst 5.56, his 18 losses were two worse than any pitcher that season and the Cubs let him go.
Spending in the American League
, he posted another 15 losses and his start with the Mets in was so poor (including becoming the only pitcher in Mets history to allow four home run
s in one inning), he was sent to the minor league
s. Upon returning to the Mets, his career was reborn. He finished 2001 well and continued to shine in when he had a 3.37 ERA. His success continued with 16 wins (including his 100th career win) in . However, after starting well in , he suffered a herniated disc in his back, the first major injury of his career, which also cost him much of the . He underwent a discectomy
in March 2005 and returned for the final six starts of the season, posting a league-average 4.14 ERA and going 1-4. Trachsel was also a part of history when Mark McGwire
of the St. Louis Cardinals
hit his 62nd home run of the season on September 8, 1998 - breaking Roger Maris
' record.
In , Trachsel recovered to start 30 games and tied Tom Glavine
for the team lead with 15 wins, despite an earned run average near five. On September 18, 2006, he had one of his best performances of the season as the Mets clinched the National League Eastern Division Championship. He also started the clincher of the NLDS
, but was shaky and removed in the 4th inning. In Game 3 of the NLCS
, he gave up five runs in just one inning before being hit by a hard ground ball. The Mets lost the game 5-0.
Trachsel was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent on February 12, 2007,http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070212&content_id=1800260&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb after Orioles starter, and fellow former Mets right-hander, Kris Benson
was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff
that kept him sidelined for the 2007 season. On August 31, 2007, Trachsel rejoined the Chicago Cubs by being traded for minor league players Rocky Cherry
and Scott Moore. On February 11, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training
with the Baltimore Orioles. On March 27, he was added to the 40-man roster. He was designated for assignment on June 10, 2008. He was released on June 13, 2008.
Oxnard, California
Oxnard is the 113th largest city in the United States, 19th largest city in California and largest city in Ventura County, California, by way of population. It is located at the western edge of the fertile Oxnard Plain, and is an important agricultural center, with its distinction as the...
), nicknamed "The Human Rain Delay", is a former Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. He is known for the long amount of time he takes to deliver the ball to home plate in between pitches. Games in which he pitches are known to be considerably longer than most games, leading to his aforementioned nickname. Though he never officially retired, Trachsel has not played since .
Amateur career
Trachsel graduated from Troy High SchoolTroy High School
Troy High School may refer to:*East Troy High School in East Troy, Wisconsin*Troy Area High School in Troy, Pennsylvania*Troy Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri*Troy Christian High School in Troy, Ohio*Troy Junior-Senior High School in Troy, Idaho...
in Fullerton, California
Fullerton, California
Fullerton is a city located in northern Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 135,161.It was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and named for George H. Fullerton, who secured the land on behalf of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway...
in 1988. He attended Fullerton College
Fullerton College
Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California, having been established in 1913. Current enrollment is 22,014.- History 1913 to 1972 :...
and Long Beach State University. In , he led Long Beach to a spot in the College World Series
College World Series
The College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft
1991 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.-Supplemental First Round Selections:-Other notable players:...
Professional career
In Trachsel began his professional career with the Short-Season Geneva CubsGeneva Cubs
*Location: Geneva, New York*League: New York-Penn League 1977-1993*Affiliate: Chicago Cubs 1977-1993*Ballpark: McDonough Park...
and the Class-A Advanced Winston-Salem Spirits. He went a combined 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 14 games, all for starts.
Trachsel was promoted to the Double-A Charlotte Knights
Charlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team representing Charlotte, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox of the American League...
of the Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
in . Trachsel went 13-8 with a 3.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 29 games, all for starts.
He began the season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, that plays in the Pacific Coast League. Their home games are played in Des Moines, Iowa, at Principal Park.-Franchise history:...
where he went 13-8 with a 3.95 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 27 games, 26 starts. Trachsel was promoted to the Major Leagues in September and made his debut on September 19 against the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
going seven innings
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
with five strikeouts while giving up two earned runs and taking the loss.
Trachsel would play most of the season with Chicago, pitching just two games in Iowa going 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA. His Major League stats were much better however as he went 9-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 games, all starts. He also had one complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
and struck out 108 total over the season.
In Trachsel spent his first full season at the Major League level. He went 7-13 with a 5.15 ERA, 117 strikeouts and two complete games in 30 games, 29 starts.
Trachsel was named to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 67th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 9, 1996 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the...
and posted a career-best 3.03 ERA in . He also finished the season with a record of 13-9 with two shutouts, three complete games and 132 strikeouts in 32 games, all starts. His first shutout was a one-hit game against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
on May 14 where he surrendered the only hit on a lead-off double
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
to Brian Hunter
Brian Hunter (outfielder)
Brian Lee Hunter is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. At 6'3" and around 180 lbs, he was known for stealing over 70 bases in 1997.-Minor league career:Hunter was born on March 5, 1971 in Portland, Oregon...
. He also pitched two games with the Double-A Orlando Cubs where he went 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.
In Trachsel started a career-high 34 games with the Cubs, a record he has tied twice. He went 8-12 with a 4.51 ERA and 160 strikeouts. He led the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in home runs allowed
Home runs allowed
In baseball statistics, home runs allowed signifies the total number of home runs a pitcher allowed.The record for the most home runs allowed by any pitcher belongs to Jamie Moyer , the oldest active pitcher in the major leagues...
and was second in hits allowed
Hits allowed
In Baseball statistics, hits allowed signifies the total number of hits a pitcher allowed....
.
He had a record of 15-8 in with a ERA of 4.46, 149 strikeouts and one complete game.
Also in 1998, on September 8 Trachsel allowed Mark McGwire
Mark McGwire
Mark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
's record breaking 62nd home run, breaking Roger Maris
Roger Maris
Roger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
' longtime record of 61. McGwire hit the pitch 341 feet over the left field wall, his shortest of the year. McGwire went on to hit 70.
In , his ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
rose to a career-worst 5.56, his 18 losses were two worse than any pitcher that season and the Cubs let him go.
Spending in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
, he posted another 15 losses and his start with the Mets in was so poor (including becoming the only pitcher in Mets history to allow four home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s in one inning), he was sent to the minor league
Minor league
Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities. This term is used in North America with regard to several organizations competing in...
s. Upon returning to the Mets, his career was reborn. He finished 2001 well and continued to shine in when he had a 3.37 ERA. His success continued with 16 wins (including his 100th career win) in . However, after starting well in , he suffered a herniated disc in his back, the first major injury of his career, which also cost him much of the . He underwent a discectomy
Discectomy
A Discectomy is the surgical removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The procedure involves removing the central portion of an intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, which causes pain by stressing the spinal cord or radiating nerves...
in March 2005 and returned for the final six starts of the season, posting a league-average 4.14 ERA and going 1-4. Trachsel was also a part of history when Mark McGwire
Mark McGwire
Mark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
hit his 62nd home run of the season on September 8, 1998 - breaking Roger Maris
Roger Maris
Roger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
' record.
In , Trachsel recovered to start 30 games and tied Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine
Thomas Michael Glavine is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher.With 164 victories during the 1990s, Glavine was the second winningest pitcher in the National League, second only to teammate Greg Maddux's 176...
for the team lead with 15 wins, despite an earned run average near five. On September 18, 2006, he had one of his best performances of the season as the Mets clinched the National League Eastern Division Championship. He also started the clincher of the NLDS
2006 National League Division Series
-San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals:-New York vs. Los Angeles:The series seemed over for the Mets before it even started, first by losing ace Pedro Martínez for the postseason and then losing probable Game 1 starter Orlando Hernández. Despite having a potent offense, many people didn't seem...
, but was shaky and removed in the 4th inning. In Game 3 of the NLCS
2006 National League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series , the second round of the 2006 National League playoffs, began on October 12 and ended on October 19; it was scheduled to begin on October 11, but was postponed a day because of inclement weather. The St...
, he gave up five runs in just one inning before being hit by a hard ground ball. The Mets lost the game 5-0.
Trachsel was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent on February 12, 2007,http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070212&content_id=1800260&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb after Orioles starter, and fellow former Mets right-hander, Kris Benson
Kris Benson
Kristin James Benson is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Benson pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates from to , New York Mets from to , Baltimore Orioles in to , Texas Rangers in , and Arizona Diamondbacks in ....
was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff
Rotator cuff
In anatomy, the rotator cuff is the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. The four muscles of the rotator cuff, along with the teres major muscle, the coracobrachialis muscle and the deltoid, make up the seven scapulohumeral muscles of the human body.-Function:The...
that kept him sidelined for the 2007 season. On August 31, 2007, Trachsel rejoined the Chicago Cubs by being traded for minor league players Rocky Cherry
Rocky Cherry
Rocky Ty Cherry is a pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent.-Biography:Cherry pitched for the University of Oklahoma from 2000–2002. He was used mostly in relief his first season, but was a full-time starter by the time he finished at school...
and Scott Moore. On February 11, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Baltimore Orioles. On March 27, he was added to the 40-man roster. He was designated for assignment on June 10, 2008. He was released on June 13, 2008.