Eric Gunderson was a left-handed pitcher who played professional baseball for several teams during his career. He was born on September 27, 1966, in Portland, Oregon, and attended Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon. Gunderson was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round of the 1987 Major League Baseball draft.
Gunderson made his Major League debut on April 9, 1990, with the Giants. He played for the Giants until 1994, when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Gunderson played for the Reds until 1996, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. He played for the Padres until 1998, when he was traded to the Texas Rangers. Gunderson played for the Rangers until 1999, when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. He played for the Blue Jays until 2000, when he was released.
During his career, Gunderson had a record of 25 wins and 22 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.21. He pitched in 365 games, starting 10 of them, and had 10 saves. Gunderson's best season was in 1993, when he had a record of 7 wins and 2 losses, with an ERA of 2.38.
Gunderson was known for his curveball, which he threw with a unique grip that he learned from his father. He also had a good fastball and a changeup. Gunderson was a reliable relief pitcher who could pitch in a variety of situations. He was often used as a left-handed specialist, coming in to face left-handed batters in key situations.
After his playing career ended, Gunderson became a coach. He worked as a pitching coach for several minor league teams, including the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, the San Jose Giants, and the Augusta GreenJackets. Gunderson also worked as a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, Eric Gunderson had a solid career as a left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams during his career and was known for his curveball and his ability to pitch in a variety of situations. After his playing career ended, Gunderson became a coach and scout, helping to develop the next generation of baseball players.
⚾