He was a relief pitcher famously nicknamed “Wild Thing,” a title that stuck throughout his career and made him a memorable figure in baseball history. Back in 1993, he found himself on the losing end of one of the most dramatic moments in World Series history—giving up a championship-winning home run to Joe Carter. That moment, while tough, is just one chapter in a much fuller story. Before fame took hold, he had already shown immense promise as a star pitcher during his high school years in Oregon. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and eventually, the San Diego Padres drafted him, setting the stage for his major league journey. Off the field, he built a life centered around family, sharing it with his wife Irene, with whom he raised five children. Throughout it all, he remained a figure of resilience and dedication, both as an athlete and as a person. He faced the highs and lows of professional sports, but through it all, his legacy extended beyond just that one pitch—it included a lifetime of effort, love, and commitment.
He was often referred to as the “Wild Thing” since he struggled to consistently throw strikes in the early days of his career.