Joe Saunders is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on June 16, 1981, in Virginia and attended Virginia Tech University. Saunders was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the first round of the 2002 MLB draft and made his debut in 2005.
Saunders spent his first four seasons with the Angels, where he was a reliable starter and helped the team win the American League West division in 2007. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010 and had a career-best season, winning 12 games and posting a 3.69 ERA. Saunders was also named the MVP of the 2010 National League Championship Series, where he pitched 7.0 scoreless innings in Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After his stint with the Diamondbacks, Saunders played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals. He was known for his durability and consistency as a pitcher, often logging over 200 innings per season and posting a respectable ERA.
Saunders retired from baseball in 2018 after a 13-year career. He finished with a record of 89-86 and a 4.37 ERA. He also pitched in the postseason four times, including two World Series appearances with the Angels in 2008 and the Orioles in 2012.
Off the field, Saunders was known for his charitable work and involvement in the community. He established the Joe Saunders Pitching Academy, which provides training and coaching for young baseball players. He also supported various organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
Overall, Joe Saunders had a successful career as a Major League Baseball pitcher, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. He was a reliable starter who could be counted on to give his team a chance to win every time he took the mound.
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