John Bale (baseball)

John Robert Bale (born May 22, 1974) is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. Bale and his wife, Genevieve, reside in Niceville, Florida, with their daughters, Madison and Olivia, and their son, Zachary. Genevieve's brother is NHL player Vincent LeCavalier.[1]

John Bale
Bale with the Kansas City Royals in 2009
Pitcher
Born: (1974-05-22) May 22, 1974
Cheverly, Maryland, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Professional debut
MLB: September 30, 1999, for the Toronto Blue Jays
NPB: 2004, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Last appearance
MLB: October 2, 2009, for the Kansas City Royals
NPB: September 18, 2010, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp
MLB statistics
Win–loss record3–7
Earned run average4.66
Strikeouts148
NPB statistics
Win–loss record14–16
Earned run average4.09
Strikeouts312
Teams

Bale, a graduate of Crestview High School, Crestview, Florida, was an All-State selection in baseball his senior season after going 11–2 with a 0.38 ERA. He is an alumnus of The University of Southern Mississippi, where he went 9–8 with a 4.01 ERA his junior year. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 12th round of the 1994 MLB Draft, but did not sign.

Career

Toronto Blue Jays

After being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 5th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft, Bale made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays on September 30, 1999.

Baltimore Orioles

On December 11, 2000, Bale was traded from the Blue Jays to the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Jayson Werth.

In 2001, his only season with the Orioles, he had a 1–0 record and a 3.04 earned run average (ERA) in fourteen relief appearances. He was dealt to the New York Mets for Gary Matthews, Jr. on April 3, 2002.[2] He never appeared in a game for the Mets.

Cincinnati Reds

On May 8, 2003, Bale signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, with whom he appeared in 10 games.

Hiroshima Toyo Carp

From 2004 to 2006, Bale pitched for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan's Central League.

Kansas City Royals

On December 8, 2006, it was announced Bale would return to Major League Baseball, after signing a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Bale appeared in 26 games for Kansas City in 2007, all in relief. He had a 1–1 record with a 4.05 earned run average, surrendering 45 hits in 40 innings. He began the 2008 season in the Royals' starting rotation after a strong spring training. "Bale earned it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said to the Kansas City Star on March 25. "Johnny has been outstanding all through spring training. He's been hit in spots but, pretty much, from day one he's commanded three pitches."[3] In one of the more bizarre instances in recent Royals history, Bale, who was already on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury, broke his left (pitching) hand in May 2010 when he punched a hotel door in what Bale called "a moment of frustration."

Bale recorded his first career save on June 24, 2010, pitching a perfect 11th inning against the Houston Astros.

Bale was released by the Royals on December 10, 2009. On September 14, 2012, he will be inducted into the Crestview High School sports hall of fame.

Second stint with the Carp

On February 19, 2010, Bale signed a contract with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan's Central League.

Detroit Tigers

On December 3, 2010, Bale signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.

References
  1. The Official Site of The Kansas City Royals: News: Royals look to continue winning ways
  2. ""Orioles acquire Gary Matthews Jr.," Baltimore Orioles press release, Wednesday, April 3, 2002". Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  3. Kansas City Star, March 25, 2008.
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