Intro

Following a long career in the minor leagues, lefty Tim Fortugno finally made it to the majors at the age of 30 in 1992 with the Angels. In his second big league start, he shut out the Detroit Tigers on three hits while striking out 12. That performance earned him a couple more starts, but he was inconsistent and found himself in the bullpen. After another season in the minors, Fortugno pitched single seasons with the Reds in 1994 and White Sox in 1995, as a situational lefty. He is most remembered as the pitcher who surrendered George Brett's 3,000th career hit.

Factoid 1

After his playing career, Tom Fortugno scouted for the Texas Rangers. He recommended Barry Zito, whom the Rangers drafted, but the team refused to pay his bonus and lost him.

Transition

January 17, 1984: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 1st round (9th pick) of the 1984 amateur draft, but did not sign. June 4, 1984: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 3rd round of the 1984 amateur draft (Secondary Phase), but did not sign. June 6, 1986: Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent. December 9, 1987: Traded by the Seattle Mariners with Phil Bradley to the Philadelphia Phillies for Glenn Wilson, Mike Jackson, and Dave Brundage (minors). March 30, 1989: Released by the Philadelphia Phillies. May 5, 1989: Purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Reno (California). December 9, 1991: Drafted by the California Angels from the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1991 rule V draft. March 16, 1993: Released by the California Angels. March 23, 1993: Signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos. July 19, 1993: Released by the Montreal Expos. December 19, 1993: Signed as a Free Agent with the Seattle Mariners. March 30, 1994: Released by the Seattle Mariners. April 6, 1994: Signed as a Free Agent with the Cincinnati Reds. January 6, 1995: Selected off waivers by the Chicago White Sox from the Cincinnati Reds. July 27, 1995: Traded by the Chicago White Sox with Jim Abbott to the California Angels for McKay Christensen, John Snyder, Andrew Lorraine, and Bill Simas. October 16, 1995: Granted Free Agency.