Mark Ballinger
From BR Bullpen
Mark Alan Ballinger
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 6", Weight 205 lb.
- School Moorpark College
- High School Thousand Oaks High School
- Debut August 6, 1971
- Final Game September 25, 1971
- Born January 31, 1949 in Glendale, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
On June 6, 1967 the Cleveland Indians drafted Mark Ballinger in the second round of the amateur draft. Mark spent his first year in professional baseball with the Gulf Coast Indians (Rookie League) and the Rock Hill Indians Western Carolina League teams.
Ballinger spent five years in the minors before getting his chance at the 1971 Cleveland Indians Major League squad. He made his debut on August 6 and stayed with the Indians until September 25. His record shows he got into 18 games, pitching 35 innings with a 4.67 ERA, while winning one game and losing two. This was to be his only time in the Major Leagues.
Ballinger played twelve seasons of pro ball from 1967 to 1979. He was out of baseball in 1974.
During his twelve seasons he played with ten teams in nine different leagues. 1976 probably was his best year. Mark spent time with the American Association Omaha Royals and the Southern League Jacksonville Suns. His totals show he had a 12 win 4 loss record in 38 games, pitching 125 innings allowing 90 hits and 45 runs for a 2.31 ERA.
Ballinger's career record showed a 54 win 61 loss total, pitching 1,041 innings in 260 games. He gave up 898 hits, 655 base on balls and 542 runs. He wound up with an even 4.00 ERA.
Mark's last year was with the American Association Omaha Royals 1979 AAA team, where he went 5-9 and decided to call it a career.
[edit] Source
SABR Minor League Data Base
The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baeball, Third Edition
baseball-reference.com
