Al Leiter
Lefty Al Leiter overcame several injuries early in his career and became a successful pitcher in his 30s, helping three different teams to the World Series. In 1997, Marlins manager Jim Leyland gave him the ball for Game Seven of the World Series, and Leiter responded with six innings of two-run ball. Florida later won the game in extra innings. Using a good fastball and a devastating sinker/slider combination, Leiter won 10 or more games for ten straight seasons, from 1995-2004. In 2000, he delivered two solid starts for the Mets in the World Series against his former team, the yankees, but failed to get a victory. He pitched for the United States in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in spring training in 2006, and retired.
Played For
New York Yankees (1987-1989)
Toronto Blue Jays (1989-1995)
Florida Marlins (1996-1997)
New York Mets (1998-2004)
Florida Marlins (2005)
New York Yankees (2005)
Best Season: 1998
Leiter posted a glittering 2.47 ERA (third in the NL), struck out 174 batters, and won a career-high 17 games for the Mets.
Where He Played
Starting pitcher (382), relief pitcher (37).
Born
Alois Terry Leiter was born on October 23, 1965, in Toms River, NJ.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: TOR
Major League Debut
September 15, 1987 ... Leiter started against the Brewers in Yankee Stadium, pitching six innings. He allowed four hits and an earned run, struck out eight, and walked four. Leiter earned the victory, as Dave Righetti saved the 4-3 win.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1987
B.J. Surhoff
Edgar Martinez
Ellis Burks
Matt Williams
Ken Caminiti
Tom Glavine
Jose Mesa
Lance Johnson
Ron Gant
No-Hitter
5/11/1996: For LA (N) vs. COL (N), 11-0 at LA. 9 innings pitched.
Post-Season Appearances
1993 American League Championship Series
1993 World Series
1997 National League Championship Series
1997 World Series
1997 National League Divisional Series
1999 National League Divisional Series
1999 National League Championship Series
2000 National League Divisional Series
2000 National League Championship Series
2000 World Series
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Early in his career, Leiter suffered from blisters on his pitching hand. In 1989, after being dealt to Toronto, the left-hander had arthroscopic surgery. He pitched in less than 20 innings for the Blue Jays from 1989-1992, due to the surgery, a pinched nerve in his elbow, tendinitis, and another arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. Finally, in 1993, he was healthy, and served as a fifth starter and spot starter for Cito Gaston. He won nine games and pitched in five games in the post-season as the Blue Jays won their second straight World Championship. Leiter was relatively healthy for the next decade.
Transactions
June 4, 1984: Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1984 amateur draft.
April 30, 1989: Traded by the New York Yankees to the Toronto Blue Jays for Jesse Barfield.
November 6, 1995: Granted Free Agency.
December 14, 1995: Signed as a Free Agent with the Florida Marlins.
February 6, 1998: Traded by the Florida Marlins with Ralph Milliard to the New York Mets for A.J. Burnett, Jesus Sanchez, and Robert Stratton (minors).
November 11, 2004: Granted Free Agency.
December 8, 2004: Signed as a Free Agent with the Florida Marlins.
All-Star Selections
1996 NL
2000 NL
Replaced
Toronto teammate Dave Stewart, who was injured late in the 1993 season.
Replaced By
Leiter was still a good pitcher in 2004, but struggled with the Marlins in 2005, and was replaced by rookie left-hander Jason Vargas.
Best Strength as a Player
His sinking fastball
Largest Weakness as a Player
Controlling the running game. Leiter had a bad move and a slow delivery.
Learn More about Al Leiter
Search Amazon.com for Books about Al Leiter ⇒
Search for Al Leiter at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
