Appier Released

I totally missed this story about Kevin Appier being released by the Seattle Mariners. According to this story, he actually asked for his release because he intended to retire. He was 1-2 with a 4.54 ERA in 10 appearances with Tacoma. I was hoping he'd get one more shot at the big leagues after working so hard to come back. But what a career he had.

He was 169-137 in his career with 1,994 strikeouts, a 3.74 ERA, and a 1.29 WHIP. He threw career 12 shutouts. He pitched more than 200 innings in eight different seasons. He finished third in the AL Cy Young Award balloting in 1993, going 18-8 with a 2.56 ERA. And he was an All-Star in 1995. Quite a career—especially considering that he pitched in the 1990s when so many factors (both legal and illegal) reversed the game in favor of the hitters.

Hats off to Apes. RR wishes you well in your future endeavors.