Tony Saunders

Anthony Scott "Tony" Saunders (born April 29, 1974 in Baltimore) was a major league pitcher for 3 seasons between 1997 and 1999. He was the first player selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the expansion draft.

Related Topics:
April 29 - 1974 - Baltimore - Tampa Bay Devil Rays

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Saunders initially signed with the Florida Marlins' minor league system in 1992, a year before their expansion season. He was part of the Marlins' opening day roster in 1997 and finished with a 4-6 record in 22 starts. Remarkably, his first three wins were all against the powerhouse Atlanta Braves. The Marlins earned a wild card berth into the playoffs, and after being left of the Division Series roster, Saunders was placed on the LCS roster against the Braves. He started game 3 of the series, which Livan Hernandez won in relief of Saunders.

Related Topics:
Florida Marlins - Atlanta Braves - Livan Hernandez

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In the World Series, Saunders started game 4 against the Cleveland Indians, but took the loss after giving up 6 earned runs in 2 innings pitched. Nonetheless, he earned a ring as the Marlins upset Cleveland.

Related Topics:
World Series - Cleveland Indians

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Saunders was one of many members of that team who left Florida following the season, joining the Devil Rays for their inaugural season. Saunders was 9th in the American League in strikeouts but also 1st in walks as he struggled to a 6-15 record. He started the 1999 season 3-3, but on May 26, while pitching against the Texas Rangers, Saunders' arm broke while throwing a pitch in a frightening incident. He missed the remainder of the season. In 2000, he broke the arm again in a rehab assignment, forcing Saunders to retire at the age of 26.

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In his controversial book, Jose Canseco, a teammate of Saunders in 1999, implied that Saunders' broken arm was a result of him abusing steroids.

Related Topics:
Jose Canseco - Steroid

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In 2005, Saunders announced a comeback when he signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization and was added to their spring training roster. Saunders has since been reassigned to the minor leagues.

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