A.J. Pierzynski
From BR Bullpen
Anthony John Pierzynski
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 220 lb.
- Debut September 9, 1998
- Born December 30, 1976 in Bridgehampton, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Catcher A.J. Pierzynski was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the third round of the 1994 amateur draft. After rising through the Twins system, he made his big league debut in 1998. Over the next two seasons, he had several cups of coffee in the majors before becoming the Twins regular catcher in 2001. The following year, he hit .300 and was named an All-Star. In 2003 his numbers were even better, but with prospect Joe Mauer ready for big league catching duties, the Twins deemed Pierzynski expendable and traded him to the San Francisco Giants. While he performed well on the field for the Giants, off the field he was labelled "arrogant" and a "clubhouse cancer". After the season, San Francisco signed free agent Mike Matheny, sealing Pierzynski's fate with the club. He was released the next day.
Pierzynski signed with the Chicago White Sox in early 2005. He hit a career-best 18 homers with the club and was an integral part of the team's run to the postseason. However, perhaps his most memorable moment came in Game 2 of the ALCS. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, he reached first base on a controversial dropped third strike call which extended the White Sox inning and allowed them to eventually score the game-winning run. In 2006, Pierzynski hit .320 in the season's first half and made the All-Star team for the second time in his career. He ended the season with a .295 average and 16 homers. His numbers dropped slightly in 2007, when he hit .263 with 14 home runs.
Pierzynski was the recipient of a punch to the face delivered by Cubs catcher Michael Barrett following a collision at home during an inter-league matchup.
Away from the diamond, Pierzynski entered the world of professional wrestling, serving as manager for "The Demon" (Sox minor league conditioning coordinator Dale Torborg) in a pay-per-view event in 2005.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time AL All-Star (2002 & 2006)
- Won a World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 2005
