Alejandro Peña is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on June 25, 1959, in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic. Peña began his professional baseball career in 1978 when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1981.
Peña was primarily a relief pitcher throughout his career, although he did make some starts early on. He was known for his fastball, which could reach speeds of up to 98 miles per hour, as well as his slider and changeup. Peña was also known for his durability and ability to pitch multiple innings in relief.
Peña spent the majority of his career with the Dodgers, where he played from 1981 to 1989. During his time with the team, he was a key member of the bullpen and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1988. Peña was particularly effective in the postseason, where he had a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings pitched.
After leaving the Dodgers, Peña played for several other teams, including the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. He continued to be a reliable reliever, although he was never quite as dominant as he had been earlier in his career.
Peña retired from baseball in 1996 with a career record of 56-40 and an ERA of 3.46. He had 84 saves and 651 strikeouts in 764 innings pitched. Peña was also a two-time All-Star, earning the honor in 1984 and 1986.
Since retiring from baseball, Peña has remained involved in the sport. He has worked as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Peña has also been involved in youth baseball programs and has worked to promote the sport in his native Dominican Republic.
Overall, Alejandro Peña had a successful career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was a key member of several teams and helped the Dodgers win a World Series championship. Peña's durability and effectiveness in relief made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, and his contributions to the sport have continued long after his playing days were over.
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