Arthur Rhodes is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on October 24, 1969, in Waco, Texas, and attended La Vega High School. Rhodes was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the 1988 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 1991.
Rhodes spent the first nine years of his career with the Orioles, primarily as a relief pitcher. He was known for his left-handed fastball and his ability to strike out batters. In 1996, he had a breakout season, posting a 2.65 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched. He was named to the American League All-Star team that year and finished fifth in the Cy Young Award voting.
After leaving the Orioles in 2000, Rhodes played for several teams over the next decade, including the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cincinnati Reds. He continued to be a reliable relief pitcher, often serving as a setup man or left-handed specialist. In 2001, he helped the Mariners win a record-tying 116 games and reach the American League Championship Series.
Rhodes had some injury issues later in his career, but he continued to pitch until 2011. He finished his career with a 4.08 ERA, 33 saves, and 915 strikeouts in 1,017 innings pitched. He also appeared in 92 postseason games, including three World Series.
Rhodes was known for his longevity and consistency as a pitcher. He was one of the few players to have played in the major leagues in four different decades, and he was still pitching at age 42 when he retired. He was also respected by his teammates and opponents for his work ethic and professionalism.
After retiring from baseball, Rhodes returned to his hometown of Waco, Texas, where he has been involved in coaching youth baseball. He has also been active in charitable work, including supporting the fight against breast cancer.
In summary, Arthur Rhodes was a left-handed relief pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was known for his fastball and his ability to strike out batters. He played in the major leagues for over 20 years and was respected for his longevity and consistency. After retiring from baseball, he has been involved in coaching and charitable work.
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