Ray Fontenot
From BR Bullpen
Silton Ray Fontenot
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.
- School McNeese State University
- Debut June 30, 1983
- Final Game October 1, 1986
- Born August 8, 1957 in Lake Charles, LA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Ray Fontenot was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 34th round (815th overall) of the 1979 amateur entry draft. He had great success in the minors, with a minor league ERA of 3.16. He also struck out 377 batters in 399+ innings pitched. He was used mostly as a starter in the minors, although he was used as a reliever in 1983.
He made his Major League debut filling in for the injured Ron Guidry. Even though it seemed as if he had a propensity for getting a lot strikeouts in the minors, he only struck 27 batters in 93+ innings in his rookie season. In fact, throughout the rest of his career, he would never be a real strikeout pitcher, with his career high being seven in a game-which he accomplished twice in his Major League career.
Oft-injured, he gave up 23 home runs in 1985-the 5th most in the league. He through 6 wild pitches that year-or about one every 12 innings.
- Was teammates with Rex Hudler and Brian Dayett for 5 years, longer than any other teammates.
- He wore four numbers in his career-47 and 57 in 1983, 47 in 1984, 31 in 1985 and part of 1986, and 37 in part of 1986.
- He earned $200,000 in 1985 and $240,000 in 1986.
- Would often speak in French with teammate and Louisiana native Ron Guidry.
