Juan Eichelberger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juan Eichelberger |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: October 21, 1953 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: September 7, 1978, for the San Diego Padres | |||
| NPB: April 9, 1989, for the Yakult Swallows | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: June 20, 1988, for the Atlanta Braves | |||
| NPB: May 9, 1989, for the Yakult Swallows | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 26–36 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.10 | ||
| Strikeouts | 281 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 0–3 | ||
| Earned run average | 7.04 | ||
| Strikeouts | 6 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Juan Tyrone Eichelberger (born October 21, 1953) is a former American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. He grew up in San Francisco, California, and went to Balboa High School. Juan also played baseball in college at the University of California, Berkeley. He pitched for several MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves. He also played one season in Japan for the Yakult Swallows.
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Almost a No-Hitter
One of Juan Eichelberger's most memorable games happened on June 2, 1982. He was pitching for the San Diego Padres against the Chicago Cubs. Juan nearly threw a "no-hitter," which means not allowing the other team to get any hits.
The Play
In the second inning, a ground ball was hit by Scot Thompson. The Padres' player, Tim Flannery, didn't field the ball cleanly. The umpire decided it was a hit, even though it was a tough play.
Game Outcome
After that play, Juan didn't allow any more hits for the rest of the game. He pitched a complete game, meaning he pitched the entire game by himself. The Padres won the game 3–1, and Juan ended up with a "one-hitter." This means he only allowed one hit in the whole game.
Baseball Career Highlights
Juan Eichelberger played in Major League Baseball for seven seasons. He was known for his unique pitching style.
Pitching Style
Most pitchers stand with their feet together before throwing. They bring their glove and ball up to their chest. Juan, however, had a different "set position." He would keep his feet apart and his knees bent in a crouch. He would also hold the ball and glove down at his belt.
Career Statistics
During his MLB career, Juan Eichelberger played in 125 games. He started 79 of those games. He had a record of 26 wins and 36 losses. His ERA was 4.10, which measures how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per game. He also recorded 281 Strikeouts.
Team Trades
In 1982, the San Diego Padres traded Juan Eichelberger. He was traded along with another player, Broderick Perkins, to the Cleveland Indians. In return, the Padres received pitcher Ed Whitson.
Life After Playing Baseball
After his playing career, Juan Eichelberger stayed involved in baseball.
Family Connection
Juan's son, Jared Eichelberger, also became a professional baseball player. Jared was a right-handed pitcher, just like his father. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2001.
Baseball Science
Today, Juan Eichelberger is the founder of a program called Baseball Science. He is also the head instructor for this baseball training program. It helps young players in San Diego, California, learn more about the game.
