Jeff Mutis

Jeff Mutis (born December 20, 1966) is an American former professional baseball pitcher.

While pitching at Allentown Central Catholic High School, Mutis was recruited heavily by Seton Hall University, Clemson University, and Rollins College while having a personal preference for Duke University but chose Lafayette College for its academic reputation. Despite telling the New York Yankees in the 15th round that his commitment to Lafayette College Mutis was strong, Mutis was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 34th round of the 1985 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign.[1]

He was subsequently drafted by the Indians in the 1st round (27th pick) of the 1988 Major League Baseball draft. In 1993, he was selected off waivers by the Florida Marlins, and he played his final major league game with them on July 31, 1994.

Mutis was released by the Marlins organization on July 15, 1995 following a move from a starting pitcher to closer. Mutis had recorded two saves in 27 games with a 3.72 with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights but had been pitching through back pain. [2] Mutis would sign with the St. Louis Cardinals organization for the 1996 season, pitching with the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds. It was his last season in affiliated baseball.

In 1997, Mutis would sign with the independent Allentown Ambassadors of the Northeast League as the team's first former Major Leaguer, returning to play professionally for his home town's first professional team since 1962. Mutis joined the team as a part-time player following turning down invitations to pitch in Mexico so that he could raise his family.[3] Mutis started two games for the Ambassadors before retiring. That same year, Mutis completed his Economics & Business degree at Lafayette, making the Dean's List in his final semester. [4]