Here's a name to keep in mind as Phillies pitchers and catchers begin their workouts in Clearwater and Major League Baseball kicks off spring training.
Mike Bolsinger.
Who is Mike Bolsinger.
No, he's not the guy who came up with this wild idea to expand the playoffs.
Mike Bolsinger at one time was a relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Aug. 24, 2017, he entered a game and lasted just one-third of an inning. He lasted just 29 pitches, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks.
Hey, it happens. Some nights you just don't have it.
On this night, Bolsinger just happened to not have it against the Houston Astros.
Yes, the same Astros who are at the epicenter of the sign-stealing controversy that cost their GM and Manager their jobs and several others with ties to those Astros teams to also part ways with their current teams.
It has caused tremors throughout the baseball world. And it's not going away anytime soon.
It did not go away for Mike Bolsinger.
The journeyman pitcher was demoted to the minor leagues after that effort. After spending four-plus seasons bouncing around the minor leagues, he had finally made it to "The Show." But after being send down after that horrid outing vs. the Astros, he has not pitched in the majors again.
This week Bolsinger resurfaced - in a courtroom.
The pitcher has filed suit, claiming the Astros ruined his career. Interestingly enough, the suit details how the Astros would tip batters to pitches by banging on a trash can, and alleged that the most banging occurred on that fateful night vs. Bolsinger and the Blue Jays.
Bolsinger spent the rest of the season in AAA. He was not among the September call-ups. The Astros went on to win the World Series.
Bolsinger eventually wound up pitching in Japan.
He wants the Astros to forfeit the $31 million they garnered from winning the World Series. He says he will give the money to charities in Los Angeles that focus on bettering kids' lives, and also to help retired baseball players who need assistance.
No, the great sign-stealing caper is not going away.
Not by a longshot.
Just ask Mike Bolsinger.
Comments