Alejandro Pena

From SoSH

Alejandro (Vásquez) Peña (born June 25, 1959 in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic) was a right-handed pitcher who spent 15 years in the major leagues pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1981-1989), New York Mets (1990-1991), Atlanta Braves (1991-1992, 1995), Pittsburgh Pirates (1994), Boston Red Sox (1995), and Florida Marlins (1995, 1996).

Contents 1 Overall Career 2 Pena's Moments in the Sun 3 Trivia 4 Transactions 5 External Links

Overall Career

Signed as an amateur free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1978, Pena won the National League ERA title (2.48) for the Dodgers in 1984, when he went 12-6 with four shutouts. By 1987, after undergoing surgery for a sore shoulder in February 1985, Pena had transitioned to the bullpen and established himself as one of the Dodgers' best relievers.

Highly coveted by the New York Mets, Pena was dealt to New York along with Mike Marshall for Juan Samuel in December 1989. He continued his steady relief work with the Mets until the Atlanta Braves acquired him at the trade deadline for Tony Castillo. Immediately installed as the Braves' closer, he saved 11 games and allowed just three runs in 19.1 innings. In the postseason, Pena saved Games Two and Six for Steve Avery in the 1991 NLCS. He blew a save in Game Three of the World Series against the Minnesota Twins, and surrendered the World Series-winning hit to Gene Larkin in Game Seven.

After struggling in 1992, Pena underwent reconstructive elbow surgery forcing him to miss the entire 1993 season, but came back to close for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1994 with his velocity intact. He signed with the Red Sox in April 1995 but was released in June. After latching on with the Marlins he returned to the Braves at the trade deadline where he would go on to win his second World Series ring.

Pena's Moments in the Sun

• In 1984 Pena led the NL with a 2.48 ERA.
• Also in 1984, Pena led the NL with 4 shutouts.
• September 11, 1991: Peña teams with fellow Braves pitchers Kent Mercker and Mark Wohlers for a combined no-hitter against the San Diego Padres; Peña closes the game by pitching the final inning of the 1-0 victory for a save.

Trivia

• Member of the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988 and the Atlanta Braves in 1995.

Transactions

• September 10, 1978: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent.
• November 4, 1988: Granted Free Agency.
• November 7, 1988: Signed as a Free Agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• December 20, 1989: Traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers with Mike Marshall to the New York Mets for Juan Samuel.
• August 28, 1991: Traded by the New York Mets to the Atlanta Braves for Joe Roa (PTBNL) and Tony Castillo.
• November 1, 1991: Granted Free Agency.
• February 28, 1992: Signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.
• November 3, 1992: Granted Free Agency.
• December 10, 1992: Signed as a Free Agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• June 30, 1994: Released by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• April 23, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
• June 13, 1995: Released by the Boston Red Sox.
• June 27, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Florida Marlins.
• August 31, 1995: Traded by the Florida Marlins to the Atlanta Braves for Chris Seelbach (PTBNL).
• November 3, 1995: Granted Free Agency.
• December 12, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Florida Marlins.
• October 31, 1996: Granted Free Agency.

External Links

• Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis