Pete Harnisch was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on September 23, 1966, in Commack, New York, and attended Fordham University in New York City.
Harnisch began his professional baseball career in 1987 when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 1988 and played for them until 1991. During his time with the Orioles, Harnisch established himself as a reliable starting pitcher, earning a reputation for his strong fastball and slider.
In 1992, Harnisch was traded to the Houston Astros, where he spent the next four seasons. He continued to pitch well for the Astros, earning an All-Star selection in 1991 and finishing in the top ten in Cy Young Award voting in both 1993 and 1994.
After leaving the Astros, Harnisch played for several other teams, including the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, and Houston Astros again. He continued to pitch effectively, but injuries began to take a toll on his career. He retired from baseball in 2001 with a career record of 111-103 and an ERA of 3.89.
Throughout his career, Harnisch was known for his intensity and competitiveness on the mound. He was also known for his work ethic and dedication to his craft, often spending long hours studying opposing hitters and working on his mechanics.
Off the field, Harnisch was involved in several charitable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also served as a mentor to young players, sharing his knowledge and experience with them.
In conclusion, Pete Harnisch was a successful and respected pitcher in Major League Baseball for over a decade. He was known for his strong fastball and slider, as well as his intensity and work ethic. Despite battling injuries later in his career, he remained a competitive and effective pitcher until his retirement in 2001.
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