Garrett Stephenson

Garrett Charles Stephenson (born January 2, 1972), is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played eight seasons in the majors, from 1996–2003.

Garrett Stephenson
Pitcher
Born: (1972-01-02) January 2, 1972
Takoma Park, Maryland
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 25, 1996, for the Baltimore Orioles
Last MLB appearance
September 17, 2003, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record39–39
Earned run average4.55
Strikeouts408
Teams

Stephenson's father, Rich, pitched briefly in the Pittsburgh Pirates system and the family were observant Mormons.[1] Stephenson played baseball at Linganore High School[2] and later Boonsboro High School in Boonsboro, Maryland and also averaged 24 points per game as a basketball player. His only college scholarship offers for baseball were a half-scholarship offer from BYU and a full ride from Ricks College. He accepted the latter and, after two years at Ricks, he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft.[1]

Stephenson made his Major League debut with the Orioles on July 25, 1996 and was traded later that season along with Calvin Maduro to the Philadelphia Phillies for Todd Zeile and Pete Incaviglia.[3] In May 2000, Stephenson was named National League Pitcher of the Month[4] after winning 5 games and posting a 1.42 earned run average.[5]

Stephenson suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in Game 3 of the 2000 National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. The injury led to him having Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2001 season.[6]

Although he did not pitch in the series, Stephenson was sued for allegedly punching a San Francisco Giants fan following a game in the 2002 National League Championship Series. Stephenson and teammates conceded that he confronted and shoved the fan but argued that he threw no punches.[7]

After retirement

Garrett Stephenson is now retired to Boise, Idaho, where he coaches a baseball team. He and his wife Stephanie have three sons, Riley, Teagan, and Britten. Riley Stephenson played baseball at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.[8]

References
  1. Eisenbath, Mike (June 11, 2000). "Father's Confidence Helps Stephenson Make Majors". St. Louis Dispatch. www.mormonstoday.com. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  2. Baker, Kent (June 7, 1995). "Stephenson downshifts for climb". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  3. "Garrett Stephenson Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  4. "Griffey homer gets Reds started to victory". ESPN.com. ESPN. June 26, 2000. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  5. "Garrett Stephenson 2000 Pitching Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  6. Southeast Missourian. February 26, 2003.
  7. Egelko, Bob (24 December 2003). "Giants' fan sues pitcher / Punch alleged after playoff loss". SFGate. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  8. "Riley Stephenson". UMBC. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
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