Armando Benitez is a former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on November 3, 1972, in the Dominican Republic and began his professional career in 1990 when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent.
Benitez made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 1994 and quickly established himself as a dominant relief pitcher. He had a powerful fastball that regularly reached the upper 90s and a devastating slider that left batters swinging and missing. He was also known for his fiery personality and occasional on-field altercations with opposing players.
After spending several seasons with the Orioles, Benitez was traded to the New York Mets in 1999. He continued to excel as a closer for the Mets, earning two All-Star selections and leading the National League in saves in 2001. However, he also became known for his tendency to give up home runs in crucial situations, which earned him the nickname "Armando Blowout" among some fans and media.
Benitez was traded to the New York Yankees in 2003 but struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his brief stint with the team. He was then traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2004 but was released after just a few months due to poor performance.
Benitez bounced around several more teams over the next few years, including the San Francisco Giants, Florida Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays. He continued to have some success as a relief pitcher but also struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He retired from professional baseball in 2008 with a career record of 29-34, 289 saves, and a 3.13 ERA.
Despite his impressive statistics, Benitez's career was often overshadowed by his occasional meltdowns on the mound and his reputation as a volatile personality. He was involved in several high-profile incidents, including a brawl with the New York Yankees in 1998 and a beanball incident with Tino Martinez in 2003.
Overall, Armando Benitez was a talented relief pitcher who had a successful career in Major League Baseball. While he may be remembered for his occasional struggles and on-field altercations, he also had many memorable moments and was a key player for several teams throughout his career.
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