Freisleben was first drafted by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round of the 1971 amateur draft. He made his major league debut on May 2, 1974, with the Padres. His rookie season was impressive, as he posted a 3.30 earned run average (ERA) over 28 games, 26 of which he started. He also pitched five complete games and two shutouts, finishing the season with an 8-13 win-loss record.
In 1975, Freisleben had his most active season, starting 34 games and pitching over 200 innings. He recorded a career-high 9 complete games and 3 shutouts, finishing the season with a 5-13 win-loss record and a 4.17 ERA. His performance earned him a spot in the Padres' starting rotation for the next two seasons.
Freisleben's career took a downturn in 1976 when he posted a 5.61 ERA and a 4-12 win-loss record. Despite this, he managed to pitch two more shutouts. The following year, his performance improved slightly, but he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in the middle of the 1978 season.
Freisleben's time with the Indians was short-lived. He only played 11 games for the team, posting a 6.75 ERA and a 1-4 win-loss record. In 1979, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he ended his major league career. He played his final game on September 12, 1979.
Throughout his career, Freisleben was known for his durability and his ability to pitch deep into games. He started 106 games in his career, completing 23 of them and pitching 4 shutouts. He finished his career with a 34-60 win-loss record, a 4.30 ERA, and 396 strikeouts over 784.2 innings pitched.
Despite his less than stellar win-loss record, Freisleben had several notable moments in his career. Perhaps the most memorable was on July 9, 1974, when he pitched a 13-inning complete game against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing only 8 hits and 1 run. This performance is still considered one of the longest complete games in Padres history.
After his MLB career, Freisleben continued to play in the minor leagues until 1982. He retired from professional baseball at the age of 30. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Freisleben left a lasting impression on the sport and is remembered for his tenacity and endurance on the mound.
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Jul 2, 1978Jul 2, 1978
For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in...
Cleveland Indians vs Toronto Blue Jays - Radio Broadcast / For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in their gameplay, facing difficulties both offensively and defensively. In August, their weaknesses became more apparent, as they struggled to secure crucial victories and make significant progress in the standings. While they had some individual standout performances from players like Andre Thornton, their collective efforts fell short, preventing them from making a strong push for the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays had a more promising season in 1978. In August, they displayed flashes of potential, with players like Dave Stieb showcasing their talent and contributing to the team's success. Their pitching staff performed admirably, holding opponents in check and providing a solid foundation for the team's victories. Although the Blue Jays were not yet a playoff contender, their progress and growing competitive spirit were evident throughout August.