Originally expected to be the Expos' leadoff hitter entering the 1996 campaign, Tarasco was acquired by the Orioles from the Expos for Sherman Obando during spring training on March 13. The Orioles needed a left-handed-hitting reserve outfielder at the time.[5] He was involved in a controversial play in the 1996 American League Championship Series while playing right field for the Baltimore Orioles. While fielding a fly ball hit by New York Yankees shortstopDerek Jeter, 12-year-old fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the fence and tried to catch the ball but instead deflected it into the stands. The umpires called a home run, although the correct call would have been fan interference. The play was the turning point in the series, which the Yankees won. Tarasco was claimed off waivers by the Reds from the Orioles on March 24, 1998. He had requested not to be demoted to the Rochester Red Wings.[6]
Tarasco spent the remainder of his career as a part time player, often shuttling between the major and minor leagues. Tarasco and Jeter were teammates for a short time during the 1999 season.[7]
Tarasco began working for the Washington Nationals in 2006.[1][10] For a time, Tarasco was the minor league coordinator for the Nationals.[11] On November 14, 2012, the Nationals announced that Tarasco would join their coaching staff in the 2013 season to coach first base and outfield. Tarasco served as first base coach for the Nationals through the 2015 season. On October 5, 2015, the entire Nationals coaching staff, including Tarasco, were fired after a disappointing 2015 season.[12]
