Jim Acker was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for several teams during his career. He was born on September 24, 1958, in Freer, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Austin. Acker was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1980 Major League Baseball draft.
Acker made his Major League debut with the Braves in 1983 and played for them until 1985. He then played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1986 to 1990, the Atlanta Braves again in 1991, and the Seattle Mariners in 1992. During his career, Acker was primarily used as a relief pitcher, although he did start some games.
Acker's best season was in 1986 when he had a 10-2 record with a 3.23 ERA and 10 saves for the Blue Jays. He was a key member of the Blue Jays bullpen during their run to the American League Championship Series in 1989. Acker also had a strong season in 1991 with the Braves, posting a 2.95 ERA in 54 games.
Overall, Acker had a solid career as a relief pitcher, finishing with a 66-49 record, a 3.97 ERA, and 38 saves in 467 games. He was known for his durability and consistency, pitching in at least 50 games in six different seasons.
After retiring from baseball, Acker worked as a pitching coach for several minor league teams. He also coached at the high school level and was involved in youth baseball programs. Acker passed away on April 1, 2017, at the age of 58 due to complications from cancer.
In conclusion, Jim Acker was a reliable relief pitcher who had a successful career in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams during his career and was known for his durability and consistency. Acker's best season was in 1986 when he had a 10-2 record with a 3.23 ERA and 10 saves for the Blue Jays. After retiring from baseball, Acker worked as a pitching coach and was involved in youth baseball programs. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 58.
⚾