Casey Janssen is a former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for almost a decade. He was born on September 17, 1981, in Orange, California, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college baseball for the Bruins.
Janssen was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB draft and made his debut for the team in 2006. He spent most of his career with the Blue Jays, playing for them from 2006 to 2014. He then played for the Washington Nationals in 2015 before retiring from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Janssen was known for his consistency and reliability as a relief pitcher. He had a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.52 and recorded 90 saves. He was particularly effective in 2011 and 2012, when he recorded 22 and 22 saves, respectively, and had an ERA of 2.26 and 2.54.
Janssen was also known for his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. He was often called upon to close out games or pitch in the late innings when the game was on the line. He was successful in these situations, recording a save percentage of 85.7% throughout his career.
In addition to his on-field success, Janssen was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a respected member of the Blue Jays' clubhouse and was often called upon to mentor younger players. He was also known for his dedication to his craft, often arriving early to games and staying late to work on his pitching.
Despite his success, Janssen's career was not without its challenges. He suffered a shoulder injury in 2013 that forced him to miss the first month of the season. He also struggled with his performance in 2014, recording a career-high ERA of 3.94.
Despite these challenges, Janssen remained a valuable member of the Blue Jays' bullpen throughout his career. He was a fan favorite in Toronto and was known for his professionalism and dedication to the game. After retiring from professional baseball, Janssen remained involved in the sport, serving as a coach and mentor to young players.
Overall, Casey Janssen had a successful career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his consistency, reliability, and ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. He was also respected for his leadership and work ethic, making him a valuable member of any team he played for.
⚾