Josh Towers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Josh Towers |
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Towers with the Blue Jays in 2007
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: February 26, 1977 Port Hueneme, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 2, 2001, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 12, 2009, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 45–55 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.95 | ||
| Strikeouts | 389 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Joshua Eric Towers (born February 26, 1977) is a former American professional baseball pitcher. He threw the ball with his right hand. Josh is about 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighed around 188 pounds during his playing days.
Contents
Josh Towers' Baseball Journey
Playing for the Baltimore Orioles
Josh Towers was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles in the 15th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. He made his first big league appearance on May 2, 2001. At first, he pitched from the bullpen, which is where relief pitchers wait.
Later, he joined the starting rotation, meaning he began games. On June 8, he pitched a "complete game shutout." This means he pitched the entire game and didn't let the other team score any runs. For the 2001 season, he had 8 wins and 10 losses. His ERA was 4.49 over 140.1 innings.
The 2002 season was tough for Josh. He struggled early on and was moved back to the bullpen. When a player struggles, they might be "optioned to the minors." This means they go to a lower league, like Triple-A, to improve their skills. Josh spent the rest of 2002 in Triple-A Rochester.
Time with the Toronto Blue Jays
After leaving the Orioles, Towers signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2003 season. He joined the team partway through the year and did very well. He finished with 8 wins and only 1 loss, with a 4.48 ERA.
Interestingly, while with the Blue Jays, Josh wore uniform number 7. This was unusual because pitchers usually wear higher numbers. He was the only pitcher in Major League Baseball at that time with a single-digit number!
In 2004, Josh became the Blue Jays' fifth starting pitcher. He had 9 wins and 9 losses. He missed some time in September because of a sore shoulder.
The 2005 season was one of Josh's best. After the team's top pitcher, Roy Halladay, got injured, Josh became one of Toronto's most reliable pitchers. He led the team with 13 wins and set personal bests for ERA (3.71), games started (33), and innings pitched (208.2). Because of his good performance, he signed a new contract with the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays hoped to do well in 2006, but the team struggled. Josh also had a difficult year. He was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse to "clear his head," as his manager said. He only pitched in a few more big league games that season. He finished 2006 with 2 wins and 10 losses.
After his tough 2006 season, Josh trained hard with a teammate. He also started a new workout plan. In spring training for the 2007 season, Josh pitched very well. He earned a spot in the Blue Jays' starting rotation. However, the team's General Manager said Josh would be "on a short leash," meaning he had to perform well.
Josh struggled again early in 2007 and was moved to the bullpen. But he returned to the starting rotation in June. On July 8, he pitched eight shutout innings, almost pitching a perfect game.
During a game against the New York Yankees on August 7, Josh intentionally hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. This caused both teams' benches to clear. After the game, Josh spoke about the incident. He was later moved back to the bullpen for the rest of the season. The Blue Jays did not offer him a new contract, making him a free agent.
Short Stops with Other Teams
Colorado Rockies
On January 4, 2008, Josh signed a contract with the Colorado Rockies. He spent four months playing for their Triple-A team, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. He was released by the Rockies later that year.
Washington Nationals
In January 2009, Josh signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He only pitched in one game for their Triple-A team before being released due to an injury.
New York Yankees
On May 10, 2009, Josh signed another minor league contract, this time with the New York Yankees. He played for their Triple-A team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. He was called up to the Yankees' main roster in August but was soon sent back to the minors.
He was called up again on September 5. He played in two games for the Yankees that season. Because the Yankees won the World Series in 2009, Josh earned a World Series ring!
Los Angeles Dodgers
On December 11, 2009, Josh signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He tried to earn a spot in their starting rotation during spring training. He was assigned to their Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes. He made eight starts for them before leaving the team in May.
Playing in Mexico
In 2011, Josh signed with Guerreros de Oaxaca in the Mexican Baseball League. He pitched in four games there.
Camden Riversharks
After playing in Mexico, Josh signed with the Independent Camden Riversharks. He played 11 games for them. On August 7, 2011, Josh Towers announced that he was retiring from baseball.
Since retiring, Josh has worked as a baseball commentator for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels baseball team. He also works as a baseball analyst for a sports information network.
Images for kids
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Towers with the Blue Jays in 2007
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Towers as a non-roster invitee of the Washington Nationals in 2009 spring training
