Jesse Orosco: The Renaissance Reliever

Our "Tough Outs" series continues

Given our connection to the Africa Baseball Project (ABP), we at ClassicBaseballWorld.com (our new URL, by the way!) are reminded that when kids in different parts of the world first start to play baseball, they don’t all show up to the field the first day with a glove. Because they can’t afford one. That’s just one aspect of why ABP exists: to supply equipment, as well as training and support to established, emerging baseball programs we are connected with in more than a dozen African countries.

To fans of the New York Mets, Jesse Orosco’s top career highlight is him on the field without a glove…because he famously tossed it into the air after throwing the final pitch of the Mets unlikely comeback win in the 1986 World Series.

In our latest Tough Outs profile of a former MLB player who took the tough road to endure and create baseball history, staff writer Julien Price covers the on-field and off-field story of Jesse Orosco. Enjoy this! - RI

Jesse Orosco was born on April 21, 1957, in Santa Barbara, California, to hardworking parents of Mexican descent. His father, Raymond, had previously aspired to play professional baseball but had to forego that dream in order to support his family. Jesse, the sixth of seven children, inherited his father's enthusiasm for the sport.

Orosco demonstrated exceptional pitching aptitude at a young age. He was already playing on a team at the age of six, despite being underage. Though his mother first tried to force him to throw right-handed, his left-handed inclination prevailed. An early indication of the pitcher he would become.

After succeeding at Santa Barbara High School, Orosco continued playing at Santa Barbara City College, where he drew the attention of major league scouts. The Minnesota Twins drafted him in the second round in 1978, but he was transferred to the New York Mets before ever throwing a pitch in their system. That trade would alter the trajectory of his career.

Finding his role

Orosco got started with the Mets in 1979, but his early years were difficult. He struggled to maintain consistency while playing both starter and relief positions at first. Everything changed in 1982, when manager George Bamberger and pitching coach Bill Monbouquette helped him perfect his devastating slider and make the full switch to the bullpen.

By 1983, Orosco had established himself as a top reliever, with a 1.47 ERA, 13 wins, and 17 saves, earning his first All-Star selection. The following year, he posted 31 saves and earned another All-Star berth, cementing his status as one of baseball's best late-inning arms.

Orosco's defining moments came during the 1986 postseason. In the National League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, he became the first reliever to win three games in a row, demonstrating his resilience and ability to deal with pressure.

Then came the World Series, which featured the Boston Red Sox. In Game Seven, Orosco took the mound and recorded the final out. With two strikes against Marty Barrett, he threw his famous slider. Barrett swung but missed. The Mets had won the championship, and Orosco, overcome with delight. threw his glove into the air, a picture that will live in baseball history.

While most relievers burn out quickly, Orosco discovered strategies to extend his career. As his fastball's velocity dropped, he relied more on deception, control, and his characteristic slider. This versatility enabled him to throw for nine different teams, including the Dodgers, Orioles, and Cardinals, for a total of 24 seasons.

He retired in 2003 after setting the big league record for most games pitched with 1,252 appearances. His durability and adaptability made him a rare breed in baseball.

Frozen Ropes and spreading hope

After retiring, Orosco stayed active in baseball, training young pitchers and emphasizing the mental aspect of the game. He worked for Frozen Ropes baseball and softball training centers in San Diego, where his daughter Natalie also became a teacher.

Off the field, Orosco was well-known for his charity work. He routinely purchased tickets for less fortunate youngsters to attend games, allowing them to witness the beauty of baseball firsthand.

His narrative is about tenacity, intelligence, and adaptation. He wasn't the hardest thrower or the most dominant reliever of his day, but few understood pitching and the significance of adjusting like Orosco.

His journey from a small boy in Santa Barbara to a record-breaking reliever exemplifies the power of resilience.