Joe Magrane was a left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for nine seasons. He was born on July 2, 1964, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Tampa, Florida. Magrane attended Jesuit High School in Tampa, where he played baseball and basketball. He was a standout pitcher in high school and was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1985 MLB draft.
Magrane made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1987 and quickly established himself as one of the top young pitchers in the league. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting that season, posting a 9-7 record with a 3.59 ERA in 27 starts. Magrane was known for his pinpoint control and his ability to induce ground balls, which made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals' pitching staff.
Magrane continued to pitch well for the Cardinals over the next few seasons, but injuries began to take a toll on his career. He missed most of the 1990 season with a shoulder injury and struggled to regain his form in the years that followed. Magrane was traded to the California Angels in 1993 and spent two seasons with the team before being released in 1995.
Magrane signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1996 but was released after just one start. He retired from baseball later that year at the age of 32.
Despite his relatively short career, Magrane made a lasting impact on the game of baseball. He was a two-time Gold Glove winner and was known for his excellent fielding and athleticism on the mound. Magrane was also a popular broadcaster after his playing career ended, working for ESPN and the MLB Network.
Overall, Joe Magrane was a talented pitcher who had a successful career in Major League Baseball. While injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential, he was still able to make a significant impact on the game and remains a respected figure in the baseball community.
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