Garrett Stephenson

Garrett Stephenson
Pitcher
Born: (1972-01-02) January 2, 1972 (age 52)
Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 25, 1996, for the Baltimore Orioles
Last MLB appearance
September 17, 2003, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record39–39
Earned run average4.55
Strikeouts408
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Garrett Charles Stephenson (born January 2, 1972), is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played eight seasons in the majors, from 1996–2003.

Stephenson's father, Rich, pitched briefly in the Pittsburgh Pirates system and the family were observant Mormons.[1] Stephenson played baseball at Linganore High School[2] and later Boonsboro High School in Boonsboro, Maryland and also averaged 24 points per game as a basketball player. His only college scholarship offers for baseball were a half-scholarship offer from BYU and a full ride from Ricks College. He accepted the latter and, after two years at Ricks, he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft.[1]

Stephenson made his Major League debut with the Orioles on July 25, 1996. He was sent from the Orioles to the Phillies six weeks later on September 4 in a transaction that began when Todd Zeile and Pete Incaviglia were acquired by Baltimore on August 29 and included Calvin Maduro also going to Philadelphia on September 3.[3][4][5] In May 2000, Stephenson was named National League Pitcher of the Month[6] after winning 5 games and posting a 1.42 earned run average.[7]

Stephenson suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in Game 3 of the 2000 National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. The injury led to him having Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2001 season.[8]

Although he did not pitch in the series, Stephenson was sued for allegedly punching a San Francisco Giants fan following a game in the 2002 National League Championship Series. Stephenson and teammates conceded that he confronted and shoved the fan but argued that he threw no punches.[9]

After retirement

Stephenson is now retired to Boise, Idaho, where he coaches a baseball team, and co-founded GSG Sports Academy and the Idaho Raptors club baseball program. He and his wife Stephanie have three sons, Riley, Teagan, and Britten. Riley played baseball at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b Eisenbath, Mike (June 11, 2000). "Father's Confidence Helps Stephenson Make Majors". St. Louis Dispatch. www.mormonstoday.com. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  2. ^ Baker, Kent (June 7, 1995). "Stephenson downshifts for climb". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  3. ^ Maske, Mark. "Johnson to Use Fifth Starter," The Washington Post, Thursday, September 5, 1996. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  4. ^ Maske, Mark. "O's Trade for Zeile, Incaviglia," The Washington Post, Friday, August 30, 1996. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  5. ^ Maske, Mark. "Mussina Hedges on the Rotation," The Washington Post, Wednesday, September 4, 1996. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  6. ^ "Griffey homer gets Reds started to victory". ESPN.com. ESPN. June 26, 2000. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  7. ^ "Garrett Stephenson 2000 Pitching Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  8. ^ Southeast Missourian. February 26, 2003.
  9. ^ Egelko, Bob (December 24, 2003). "Giants' fan sues pitcher / Punch alleged after playoff loss". SFGate. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  10. ^ "Riley Stephenson". UMBC. Retrieved June 26, 2020.[permanent dead link‍]